Food Additives

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2008-07-14T23:35:00.000-07:00

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Help Get MSG Banned!

2008-05-23T22:08:00.000-07:00

John Erb, author of The Slow Poisoning of America has petitioned the FDA to get MSG banned. That petition is now open for public comment at

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=FDA-2007-P-0178

You can read John's petition at the above link. All his points are supported by research studies. I've posted my comments as well.

MSG is a neurotoxin. It causes obesity, diabetes, excites nerve cells to death and more. It's in almost all processed food, even organic. It's in virtually all fast food. Even if you don't eat fast food, you probably know and care about a lot of people who do.

If you buy anything in a package - box, bottle, jar or can - you're probably eating MSG without even knowing it, if you don't know all the names it hides under.

The state of health in this country is abysmal. Removing this one toxic ingredient from our food supply would be one giant step in the direction of improving the health of the people in this country.

Please share any comment you have with the FDA, and if you could, pass this on to your network, the more comments we have the better!

Thanks for helping make our food supply safer.

Study Links Food Additives to Hyperactivity

2007-09-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

A study published in The Lancet Medical Journal, September 6, 2007, has shown a link between food additives and hyperactivity in children.

Although the connection between additives and hyperactivity has long been suspected by those in the alternative health arena, it has long been rejected by mainstream medicine because there was no scientific study to back it up.

The study was done on two groups of children, 3-year olds and 8- and 9-year olds. They were given drinks with various commonly used food colors and sodium benzoate. The control group received drinks with no additives.

The study took place over six weeks. The children receiving the drinks with the additives showed "significantly more hyperactive behavior" and "had shorter attention spans."

As a result of the study, the British Government has advised parents of hyperactive children that cutting out certain additives may benefit their children.

The study reported that sodium benzoate, the only preservative used in the study, "has been linked to cell damage in a previous study and to an increased risk for cancer."

Sodium benzoate is not itself a carcinogen. When sodium benzoate and vitamin C are in the same product, it has been shown previously that benzene may form. Benzene is a known human carcinogen.

Sodium benzoate and artificial colors are not only in fruit drinks frequently given to children and sodas, but they are also often in nutritional beverages promoted as healthy and a source of vitamins and minerals.

If you're giving fruit drinks to your kids, are they getting a little cancer-causing benzene in every sip? If you're taking liquid nutritional supplements are you possibly getting a little cancer-causing benzene in your daily dose?

Go check all of the beverages and liquid nutritional formulas in your home and office and see how many of them contain vitamin C and sodium benzoate. If they do they may contain benzene and you may be drinking a beverage that possibly contains a cancer-causing ingredient.

Healthy beverages for you and your kids include:

good quality water
1 part fruit juice with 2-5 parts water (more water is better)
herbal tea
sparkling water, if you have to have that fizz; add a little fruit juice if you want some flavor

The healthiest nutritional supplements are those which are customized to your specific needs.

Find out more about the safety of food additives.

2007 Edition FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide to What's Safe & What's Not

2007-08-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

The best-selling, pocket-sized, food additives dictionary, FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide to What's Safe & What's Not, has just been released in it's updated, expanded and revised 2007 edition. Be among the first to benefit from all the new information added to this edition.

There have been over 200 new ingredients added, including biotech and nanotech ingredients. There is new information on genetically engineered food, irradiated food and cancer ratings by the International Agency for Research on Cancer for cancer-causing ingredients.

Get your copy now!

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #60

2007-06-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

S       Ergocalciferol - vitamin D2; see nutrient additives.
* S A       Erythorbic acid – 7, 16; may be corn based.
C       Erythritol – 26, 32, 44, 46, 49, 50, 51; better tolerated than other sugar alcohols; see sugar alcohols.
X A       Erythrosine - may cause overactive thyroid, sensitivity to light; see coal tar dyes.
C       Ester gum - 19, 27, 45; inadequate data on safety available.

Note: The codes *, S, C, A and X are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #59

2007-05-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C A    EDTA - 7, 44; may cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal upset, liver and kidney damage, mineral imbalances; may cause errors in results of medical lab tests; not adequately tested.

C    Enzyme of aspergillus oryzae - 31; may be carcinogenic.

* C    Enzyme-modified fats - 27; may contain free glutamates; see MSG.

C    Epsom salts - see magnesium sulfate.

X    Equal - 11; see aspartame.

Note: The codes *, C, A and X are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #58

2007-05-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C    Disodium pyrophosphate - see disodium phosphate.

S    Disodium riboflavin phosphate - vitamin B2; see nutrient additives.

C    Dough conditioners - reduce mineral availability.

C    DSS - see dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate.

C A    Durkex oil - 24, 29; refined, bleached, deodorized, partially hydrogenated oil. See hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Note: The codes *, S, C and A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #57

2007-05-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C     Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) - 19, 46; laxative effect; may cause gastrointestinal irritation, birth defects; not adequately tested.

C    Diphenyl - may cause nausea, vomiting, eye, nose irritation.

* C    Dipotassium phosphate - 14, 44; may reduce mineral absorption; may cause kidney damage.

C A    Disodium guanylate - 26; can aggravate gout; may be soy or yeast based; used in products containing MSG; not adequately tested.

C A    Disodium inosinate - 26; can aggravate gout; may be soy or yeast based; used in products containing MSG; not thoroughly tested.

Note: The codes *, C and A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #56

2007-02-21T10:58:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C A    Diglycerides - see mono- & diglycerides.

* S    Dilauryl thiodipropionate – 7; antioxidant.

* S    Dill - 27; can cause sensitivity to light.

C    Dill oil - 27; potentially toxic in large amounts; use cautiously if epileptic.

S    Dillseed - 27.

C    Dimethylpolysiloxane - 5; possibility of asbestos contamination; may cause kidney problems.

Note: The codes *, C, A and S are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #55

2007-02-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C A    Diacylglycerol – see mono- & diglycerides.

* C    Dibasic ammonium phosphate - see ammonium, phosphates.

* C    Dibasic calcium phosphate - see calcium phosphate.

* C    Dibasic potassium phosphate - see potassium phosphate.

* C    Dicalcium phosphate - see calcium phosphate.

X    Dichlorvos – pesticide used on produce, flea collars, food packaging; possible carcinogen, teratogen.

Note: The codes *, C, A and X are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #54

2007-02-05T15:51:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

S    Devan Sweet - 49; see rice syrup powder.

C    Dextrans - may be carcinogenic.

* C A    Dextrin - 17, 51; may be from wheat or corn.

* C A    Dextrose - 49; see corn syrup.

* C    Diacetyl - 9; not adequately tested.

* C A    Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- & diglycerides - 19; see mono- & diglycerides.

Note: The codes *, S, C and A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #53

2007-02-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* S    D-Pantothenyl alcohol - see nutrient additives.

S    Date sugar - 49; 1 Tbsp. contains equivalent of 3 grams of sugars; all sweeteners best avoided.

* C A    Datem – see diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- & diglycerides.

S    7-Dehydrocholesterol - vitamin D3; see nutrient additives.

* C    Decanal – 9; moderately toxic if swallowed; eye and skin irritant.

Note: The codes *, S, C and A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #52

2007-01-31T11:54:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C1    Cream of tartar - 1, 4, 33; caution if kidney or heart problems.

C    Croscarmellose sodium – see sodium carboxymethylcellulose.

C    Crospovidone – ingredient found in drugs and nutritional supplements; low toxicity; not considered a health hazard by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee for Food Additives; safety testing data not available.

* C1A    Cuprous iodide - 17, 18; caution if thyroid problems.

S    Cyanocobalamin - vitamin B12; see nutrient additives.

X    Cyclamates - 11; banned; no longer believed to be carcinogenic, but increases the effect of other carcinogens; manufacturers petitioning FDA to rescind ban.

Note: The codes *, S, C, C1, X and A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #51

2007-01-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C    Copper sulfate - most highly irritating copper salt; see copper salts.

* S A    Corn gluten - 42, 50.

C    Corn protein – see free glutamates.

* C    Corn silk - 27; not adequately tested.

* C A    Corn starch - 51; may cause hay fever, eye, nose irritation.

* C A    Corn sugar - see corn syrup.

* C A    Corn syrup – 49, 51; associated with blood sugar problems, depression, fatigue, B-vitamin deficiency, hyperactivity, tooth decay, periodontal disease, indigestion.

Note: The codes *, S, C, A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #50

2007-01-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C    Copper carbonate - see copper salts.

C    Copper chloride - see copper salts.

* C    Copper gluconate - see copper salts.

C    Copper hydroxide - see copper salts.

C    Copper orthophosphate - see copper salts.

C    Copper oxide - see copper salts.

C    Copper pyrophosphate - see copper salts.

C    Copper salts - see nutrient additives; skin and
mucous membrane irritants; can cause vomiting.

Note: The codes *, C are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #49

2007-01-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

X A    Coal tar dyes - 10; may cause hay fever, skin rashes, nausea, itching, gastrointestinal distress, high blood pressure; see artificial color....

o C A    Cochineal - 38; see carmine.

* C    Cocoa - contains caffeine-like chemical; Dutch process cocoa processed with alkali; see caffeine.

* S    Coconut oil – helps the body metabolize fatty acids; substitute for butter; use for frying and baking; use only non-hydrogenated.

C    Coffee – possible carcinogen.

* C    Confectioner's glaze - 30; no studies evaluating safety in food use.

Note: The codes *, o, S, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #48

2007-01-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C A    Cloves - 9; see cassia oil.

C    Clove bud oil - 27; has caused gastrointestinal irritation in lab animals.

C    Clove leaf oil - 27; see clove bud oil.

C    Clove stem oil - 27; see clove bud oil.

* C    Clover - may cause sensitivity to light.

* C    CMC - see carboxymethylcellulose.

Note: The codes *, C, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

New "Anti-Freeze" Food Additive

2006-12-29T15:29:00.000-08:00

If you buy Breyer's or Good Humor ice cream, be on the lookout for a new "anti-freeze" ingredient. It's "ice structuring protein" (ISP) and it's genetically engineered (GE) fish protein.

This new frankenfood ingredient has NOT even been tested for safety. The safety info submitted to the FDA was based upon a different sub-class of GE fish protein.

As is the case with all GE ingredients, you can't tell from the name of the ingredient that it's GE, and you can't tell from the information on the label.

Read the whole story.

Learn more about food additives.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #47

2006-12-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C A    Cinnamon - see cinnamaldehyde.

* C A    Cinnamon bark extract - may cause skin rashes.

* C A    Cinnamon bark oil - may cause skin rashes.

* C    Citral - 9; interferes with wound healing.

* S A    Citric acid - 1, 7, 27, 44; may erode tooth enamel; may be corn based; may contain free glutamates.

X A    Citrus Red No. 2 - see FD&C Citrus Red No. 2.

Note: The codes *, S, C, X, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #46

2006-12-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* S    Choline chloride - a vitamin; see nutrient additives.

* C    Chondrus extract - 46; see carrageenan.

C A    Cinnamal - see cinnamaldehyde.

* C A    Cinnamaldehyde - 9; may cause gastrointestinal irritation; irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

* C A    Cinnamic aldehyde - 9; see cinnamaldehyde.

Note: The codes *, S, C, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #45

2006-12-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

S    Cellulose - plant fiber

* C A    Cellulose gum - see carboxymethylcellulose.

C    Chlorine dioxide - 13, 34; suspected carcinogen.

S    Cholecalciferol - vitamin D3; see nutrient additives.

* S    Choline bitartrate - a vitamin; see nutrient additives.

Note: The codes *, S, C, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #44

2006-12-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C A    Cassia oil - 9; can cause upper respiratory irritation.

C A    Castor oil - 9; large amounts may cause pelvic congestion and induce abortion.

C    Cayenne pepper - see capsicum.

X    Cedar - 27; see camphor oil.

C    Cedar leaf oil - may cause reproductive failure, sensitivity to light.

X    Cedar wood oil - 27; see camphor oil.

Note: The codes *, C, A, X, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #43

2006-12-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C    Carvacrol - 9; essential oil; oregano oil; antimicrobial; therapeutic in very small amounts; large amounts are corrosive and harmful if swallowed or inhaled and destructive of skin and mucous membranes; can cause circulatory/respiratory depression, heart failure; do not use if pregnant or nursing.

* C    Carvol - 9, 47; see d-carvone.

* C    d-carvone - 9; may be toxic in large amounts.

* C    l-carvone - 9; see d-carvone.

* C A    Casein - 36, 50, 51; harmful to anyone with milk allergies; may contain traces of LAL, a chemical of questionable safety.

C A    Caseinates - cause kidney damage in rats.

Note: The codes *, C, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #42

2006-11-29T15:29:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

o C A Carmine - 38; may cause hives, life-threatening allergic reactions; not adequately tested.

* C Carnauba wax - 29; not adequately tested.

* C A Carob bean gum - 18, 51; not adequately tested.

* S Carotene - 38; see beta carotene.

C Carrageenan - 19, 46, 51; undegraded carrageenan has not caused cancer in test animals; degraded carrageenan has caused cancer in rats; inadequate information to determine carcinogenicity in humans; product labels do not distinguish between degraded and undegraded carrageenan; possible carcinogen; may contain free glutamates; should not be given to infants; see MSG; on FDA list for further study.

Note: The codes *, o, S, C, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #41

2006-11-27T15:51:00.000-08:00

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C    Capsicum - may cause gastrointestinal upset.

* C    Caramel - 27, 38; may be processed with caustic chemicals, sulfites or ammonia; on FDA list to be tested for teratogenic, mutagenic and reproductive effects; suspected carcinogen; may cause inflammation of the tongue, scalp lesions, dandruff, hair loss.

* C    Caramel color – see caramel.

C    Caramel color III – processed with ammonia; causes reduced white blood count in lab animals and decreased immune functon.

C A    Carbohydrate gum – resins derived from the bark of plants; see acacia gum, guar gum, gum ghatti, gum karaya, gum tragacanth.

* S    Carbon dioxide - 41.

* C A    Carboxymethylcellulose - 4, 17, 19, 32, 46, 50, 51; causes cancer in animals; mild irritant to eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

Note: The codes *, S, C, A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...