5 Toxic Food Additives The FDA Allows
Although banned in other countries, these chemicals are widely used and consumed in America.
1. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Why it’s used — Acting as an emulsifier, it prevents flavor separation in sports drinks and sodas such as Mountain Dew, Powerade, Fanta and some pre-mixed cocktails.
Why it’s harmful — BVO causes harm to the nervous system by competing with iodine for receptor cites in the body, becoming an endocrine disruptor. This results in memory loss, acne, accumulation of fatty tissue in the body, fatigue, reproductive issues and an increased risk of cancer. BVO is banned in over 100 countries, but still widely used across America.
Alternative — Look for all natural sodas or sodas with the safer alternate ingredient, sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB).
https://healthresearchfunding.org/brominated-vegetable-oil-side-effects/
2. Potassium Bromate / Bromate
Why it’s used — Acting as an oxidizer, it makes bread rise higher quicker and optimizes it’s handling properties by enhancing elasticity. In other words, it makes the job of baking bread easier by shortening the amount of time and workload needed.
Why it’s harmful — It is classified as a 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, meaning it causes an increased risk of cancer from sufficient experimental studies.
Alternative — Look for organic breads and products with alternate ingredients ascorbic acid or vitamin C.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK402079/
3. Sodium Nitrate / Nitrite
Why it’s used — To preserve meats and enhance their flavor and color, including all “cured” or “smoked” deli meat, salami, bacon, sausage, beef jerky and hot dogs.
Why it’s harmful — Studies from the National Cancer Institute found that drinking half the legal limit of nitrate increases the risk of colon, kidney, bladder and ovarian cancers. It also increases the risk of birth defects for pregnant mothers.
Alternative — Look for “uncured” and “all natural” products. Some Oscar Meyer and Good & Gather deli meats are safe alternatives.
https://www.circleofblue.org/2018/world/more-evidence-of-nitrate-cancer-risk-in-drinking-water/
4. Propyl Paraben
Why it’s used — To prevent the growth of microorganisms in food spoilage and food-borne illnesses. It is also used to preserve pastries, corn tortillas and preserved snacks including Weight Watcher’s desserts, Cafe Valley muffins and several more. A full list of food items containing this toxin can be found here: https://www.ewg.org/research/propyl-paraben
Why it’s harmful — As a known endocrine disruptor, this chemical significantly decreases sperm viability and has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer when mothers are exposed to small amounts during pregnancy.
Alternative — Look for organic snacks and products with alternative ingredients: Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate and Benzoic Acid.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12419695/
5. Artifical Food Dyes (Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, 6, Blue 1, 2, Green 3)
Why it’s used — As synthetic colorants, they are solely used for looks. It’s widely used in chips, soda, candy, cereal and other random food items in America. Examples: Doritos, Dole Mixed Fruit, Fruit Loops, Children’s Motrin and sooo many more.
Why it’s harmful — It is directly linked to hyperactivity and long-term neurological effects for children, resulting in behavioral disorders such as ADHD, OCD, Autism, learning disorders, anxiety and so many more. Research from UNC Asheville found an average of 43% of kids’ diets contains artificial dyes. Finland, Norway, Austria, France and the U.K. have completely banned this additive.
The FDA has not reevaluated this substance for decades and allows too high of a legal limit. I strongly believe the FDA’s lack of food dye regulation is, in part, a cause for the rising diagnoses of behavioral disorders in children.
Alternative — Look for naturally colored products or products with the green and white USDA certified organic label.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and educate yourself on America’s broken food system. The more people aware of this additive epidemic, the faster change will happen. If you are interested in learning more about outdated FDA regulations, stay tuned for future articles.