Foods That Are Not Banned In The US But Should Be
Go into your kitchen, and take a look at various items you may have such as:
Store bought baked goods
Gatorade
Skittles
Soda
Ice cream
Chips
Now, did you know that these common food products contain one or more food additives that might actually be causing you and your family harm? Some are banned in hundreds of countries, and the United States still allows the food industry to feed them to us.
Synthetic food dyes (Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Green 3, Blue 1, and Blue 2)
Red 40 is found in over 36,000 food products such as cereals, jelly, sauces, ice cream, soda, candy
Used as synthetic dye
Linked to behavioral changes, allergic reactions, DNA damage, inflammation, increase risk for tumors, and cancer
California banned Red 3 in 2022
Titanium Dioxide
Found in about 13,000 food products such as in some kid’s meals, soups, cheeses, cookies
Used as food coloring for visual appeal
Linked to digestive issues, possibility of genotoxicity (damage to genetic information in our cell’s), which in turn, causes cancer
Potassium Bromate
Found in over 130 foods
Oxidizing agent in baked goods
Skin and eye irritation, respiratory issues when inhaled, nervous system issues, kidney damage, probable carcinogen
Olestra
Found in snacks such as Lay’s and Pringles, popcorn, and baked goods
Fat substitute used in “low fat” or “low calorie” products
Decreases the body’s ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins
Causes gastrointestinal issues
Propylparaben
Found in tortillas, baked goods, candies, snacks such as Easter Peeps
Also found in hundreds of skin care products
California, the first state to ban Propylparaben in foods and drinks, has banned the use in 2023 but won’t take into effect until 2027
Endocrine disruption and possible reproductive issues
These food additives are banned in other countries, but not in the US. So what can you do to reduce your risk? Remember these food additives and always read the labels before you buy them!
References:
Goldstein, Z. (2024, June 14). Titanium dioxide: Which foods contain this harmful additive?. Center for Science in the Public Interest. https://www.cspinet.org/cspi-news/titanium-dioxide-which-foods-contain-harmful-additive
Medintz, S., & Krajeski, J. (2024, June 12). 5 dangerous ingredients that are in our food but shouldn’t be. Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/health/food-additives/dangerous-ingredients-that-are-in-our-food-but-shouldnt-be-a4054710317/
Meyers, I. (2022, May 4). This cancer-causing chemical may be lurking in your bread. Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2022/05/cancer-causing-chemical-may-be-lurking-your-bread
Monahan, K. (2021, July 8). 7 USA food additives that are banned in other countries. Assuaged. https://www.assuaged.com/news/7-usa-food-additives-that-are-banned-in-other-countries
Olestra (Olean). Center for Science in the Public Interest. (2024, July 28). https://www.cspinet.org/article/olestra-olean
