These harmful additives can be found in many products in most supermarket aisles across U.S. See which are these additives and where are they found so you can avoid buying and consuming them.
1. Artificial Food Dye
It improves the appearance of food but inhibits the development of nerve cells.
Found in: lots of products like cheese, cake mixes, candy, sports drinks, and macaroni & cheese.
Why are artificial dyes dangerous? They are made from chemicals derived from petroleum – also used in the production of diesel fuel, gasoline, tar, and asphalt. Artificial dyes have been associated with nerve-cell deterioration, brain cancer, and hyperactivity.
Banned in: the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, France, and Austria.
2. Olestra (or Olean)
Reduces calorie counts but leads to anal leakage and vitamin depletion.
Found in: French fries, corn chips, and fat-free potato chips.
Why is Olestra dangerous? Olestra is created as a substitute for cooking oil but it prevents your body absorb vitamins. It can also cause leaky bowels and cramps.
Banned in: Canada and the U.K.
3. Brominated Vegetable Oil
Ensures food dye remains in liquids but can cause major organ damage and birth defects.
Found in: citrus-flavored sodas and sports drinks.
Why is BVO dangerous? The chemical bromine is used as a flame retardant, which means it reduces flammability to prevent the spread of fire. Brominated vegetable oil is associated with birth defects, major organ system damage, hearing loss, schizophrenia, and problems with growth.
Banned in: In more than a hundred countries.
4. Potassium Bromate (or bromated flour)
Used as a flour improver, but bad for the nervous system and kidneys.
Found in: rolls, wraps, bread crumbs, flatbread, bagel chips.
Why is Potassium Bromate dangerous? It’s produced from bromine, the same harmful chemical used for the production of BVO. It is used to reduce costs by reducing the baking time, but the problem is it’s associated with cancer, kidney damage, and nervous system damage.
Banned in: China, Canada, and Europe.
5. Azodicarbonamide
Besides its bleaching properties used for plastic and flour, it also induces asthma.
Found in: frozen dinners, bread, packaged baked goods, and boxed pasta mixes.
Why is Azodicarbonamide dangerous? This chemical is used for bleaching foamed plastic (sneakers soles, and yoga mats), and flour. However, it was also found that it can cause asthma.
Banned in: the U.K., most European countries, and Australia.
6. BHA & BHT
These waxy preservatives are associated with tumors and cancer.
Found in: nut mixes, cereal, gum, meat, butter, dehydrated potatoes.
Why are BHA & BHT dangerous? They prevent food from becoming rancid, but rat studies have proven they cause cancer.
Banned in: many European countries, Japan, and the U.K.
7. Synthetic Growth Hormones rBST and rBGH
Proven to be dangerous to cows, but also found to increase the risk of tumors in people.
Found in: Dairy products, and milk.
Why are rBST and rBGH dangerous? They can cause weakened muscle growth, infertility, and many types of cancer in both, humans and cows.
Banned in: EU, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Canada.
8. Arsenic
If you ingest enough arsenic, it can slowly kill you.
Found in: poultry
Why is Arsenic dangerous? This poison is used in chicken feed to improve the appearance of meat, making it look fresher and pinker.
Banned in: EU.
If you know any other harmful additives that you try to avoid, feel free to share in the comments below.
Via Food Matters