Food additives are used to increase shelf life, prevent spoiling and improve color, texture or taste. Research has indicated many additives are harmful and may cause cancer or damage to organs and tissues, but most research is done with animals, and critics say more research is needed to determine the long-term effects on the human body. Some additives that are banned in other countries because of harmful effects are still used in the food supply of the United States. Additives are commonly found in processed foods, premixed or packaged foods, frozen meats and other foods products. Reading the ingredients list on the food packages will help you stay away from these harmful additives.
BHA and BHT
Butylated hydroxyanisole and butlylated hyrdroxytoluene are chemical antioxidants that prevent foods from spoiling, in particular fats and oils. Pork products, potato chips, chewing gum, vegetable oils, cake mixes and different cereals may contain BHA and BHT. These additives are also present in embalming fluid and jet fuel. The Center for Science of Public Interest recommends caution when consuming foods that contain BHT and avoiding foods containing BHA. BHA is thought to be carcinogenic to humans after multiple animal studies show malignancies. Research has shown that BHT is stored in human fat cells and has increased cancer in animals. More research is needed to determine if these additives can be linked to cancer with long term use.
Sodium Nitrates
Sodium nitrates are used to preserve processed, smoked and cured meats, like hot dogs, ham, bacon, bologna, smoked fish and corned beef. This additive is responsible for the pink color of these foods. Sodium nitrates are broken down into nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. Ascorbic acid or vitamin C stops the process of forming nitrosamines, so manufacturers are adding ascorbic acid to foods when nitrates are used. If you choose to eat a food that contains sodium nitrate, read the ingredients list to make sure it also contains ascorbic acid to reduced the amount of nitrosamines produced in your body. It is recommended that pregnant women should avoid this additive.
Caramel Coloring
Caramel coloring is commonly found in breads, colas, candy and frozen pizzas. Caramel coloring is different then actual caramel you associate with candy bars or sundaes. It contains two chemicals -- 2-methylimidazole and 4 methylimidazole -- that are thought to be carcinogenic. Studies have shown caramel coloring caused lung, liver and thyroid cancer in mice and rats. The state of California has proposed that a warning notice be required on food and non-food products, says the Center for Science of Public Interest.This additive is being petitioned with the FDA to be taken off the market.
Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is an additive used in carbonated drinks and certain fruit juices to prevent microbial growth. The problem with this additive is when it is used with ascorbic acid or vitamin C, the two together creates a small amount of benzene, which causes leukemia and other cancers, according to the Center of Science for Public Interest. The FDA has urged companies not to use this additive, but some companies still use sodium benzoate.
Dyes and Coloring Additives
Dyes and coloring additives are added to foods to make the food product look more appetizing, but many of these additives are being researched and are showing harmful effects in animals, which often is also harmful to humans. Red 3 can be found in chewing gum, fruit roll-ups, and cake icing, and has been linked to thyroid tumors in rats. Orange B is approved by the FDA only for sausage casing and is harmful to the liver and bile ducts when consumed in high amounts says the Center for Science of Public Interest. Yellow 5 can cause hypersensitivity in adults and hyperactivity in children. Yellow 6 causes adrenal and kidney cancer in animals, but the FDA has ruled it to be safe for human consumption.
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