Top Food Additives to Avoid

Additive

Use

Facts you should know
Other Resources

Allura

Red AC/ FD&C Red No.2

Food coloring in snacks, sauces, preserves, soups, wine, cider, etc.

Avoid if you suffer from asthma, rhinitis (including hayfever), or urticaria (hives).
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Aluminum Levening agent found in Baking powder, some pancake/waffle mixes and frozen products, and ready-to-eat pancakes. Also found in some brands of wasabi powder. Although research remains inconclusive, some studies show a connection between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. opposingdigits.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38
businessweek.com/1996/19/b3474101.htm

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16019791

Amaranth

Food coloring in wine, spirits, fish roe.

Amaranth is banned in the U.S. Avoid it if you suffer from asthma, rhinitis, urticaria or other allergies.

Check the wikipedia link to the right to see the difference between the additive and the grain.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranth

Aspartame

Sweetener in snacks, sweets, alcohol, desserts, ~diet" foods

May affect people with PKU (phenylketonuria). Recent reports show possibility of headaches, blindness, and seizures with long-term high doses of aspartame. Aspartame is metabolized into methyl alcohol and formaldehyde.
Sweet Misery -video download
sweet misery movie.htm

theecologist.org/archive_detail.asp?content_id=458

Azorubine carmoisine, Food Red 3, Azorubin S, Brillantcarmoisin O, Acid Red 14, or C.I. 14720 A synthetic red azo dye. Found in blancmange, marzipan, Swiss roll, jams and preserves, sweets, brown sauce, flavored yogurts, packet soups, jellies, breadcrumbs and cheesecake mixes. It appears to cause allergic and/or intolerance reactions, particularly amongst those with an aspirin intolerance. Reactions can include a rash similar to nettle rash and water retention.

The Hyperactive Childrens Support Group believe that a link exists between this additive and hyperactive behavioral disorders in children. ukfoodguide.net/e122

Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate

Preservative in many foods, including drinks, low sugar products, cereals, meat products.

Can temporarily inhibit the function of digestive enzymes. May deplete glycine levels. Avoid if you suffer from asthma, rhinitis, urticaria or other allergies.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Brilliant

Black BN

In drinks, sauces, snacks, wines, cheese, etc.

Avoid if you suffer from asthma, rhinitis, urticaria, or other allergies.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Butylated Hydroxy-Anisole

Preservative, particularly in fat-containing foods, confectionery, meats.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer says BHA is possibly carcinogenic to humans. BHA also interacts with nitrites to form chemicals known to cause changes in the DNA of cells.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Calcium Benzoate

Preservative in many foods, including drinks, low-sugar products, cereals, meat products.

Can temporarily inhibit function of digestive enzymes and may deplete levels of the amino acid glycine. It should be avoided by those with hay fever, hives, and asthma.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Calcium Sulphite

Preservative in a vast array of foods-from burgers to biscuits, from frozen mushrooms to horseradish. Used to make old produce look fresh.

In the U.S., Sulphites are banned from many foods, including meat. They can cause bronchial problems, flushing, low blood pressure, tingling, and anaphylactic shock. The International Labor Organization says avoid them if you suffer from bronchial asthma, cardio-vascular or respiratory problems and emphysema.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Carrageenan Thickener used as a fat substitute in processed meats and can be found in condensed milk and some soy products Extracted from red seaweed using powerful alkali solvents. May cause stomach lesions, pain and cancer. opposingdigits.com/forums

Caramel Sulphite ammonia caramel is used widely in soft drinks like cola causing problems for the extra sulphite sensitive. In the US - and possibly in Europe - caramel 150 may be divided into caramels 150 (sulphite ammonia caramel), 150a (plain or spirit caramel), 150b (caustic sulphite caramel) and 150c (ammonia caramel). Plain caramel is considered failsafe. fedupwithfoodadditives.info/information/additivesall.htm

Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Glucose Syrup Sweetens, and maintains moisture while preserving freshness. Has been linked to Diabetes, Obesity, and can be addictive. westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html

Hydrogenated, Partially Hydrogenated Oils, Trans-Fats Replacement for lard, butter, coconut oil. Linked to development of Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease recoverymedicine.com/hydrogenated_oils.htm

Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG)

Flavor enhancer.

Has been known to cause pressure on the head, seizures, chest pains, headache, nausea, burning sensations, and tightness of face. Many baby food producers have stopped adding MSG to their products. MSG is also used in laboratories to induce obesity in rats for testing purposes.
nature.com/
ijo/journal/v30/n1/abs/0803109a.html

Olestra, Olean, Sucrose Polyester Fat substitute Causes dramatic depletion of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids. Also causes gastrointestinal disturbances, which are sometimes severe, including diarrhea, fecal urgency, and more frequent and looser bowel movements. cspinet.org/olestra/

Ponceau 4R, Conchineal

Red A

Food coloring.

People who suffer from asthma, rhinitis or urticaria may find their symptoms become worse following consumption of foods containing this coloring.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Potassium benozoate

See calcium benzoate.

See calcium benzoate.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Potassium nitrate

Preservative in cured meats and canned meat products.

It can lower the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood; it may combine with other substances to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic; and it may have an atrophying effect on the adrenal gland.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Propyl P-Hydroxybenozoate, Propylparaben, and Paraben

Preservative in cereals, snacks, pate, meat products, confectionery.

Parabens have been identified as the cause of chronic dermatitis in numerous instances.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Saccharin & its

Na, K and Ca salts

Sweetener in diet, and no-sugar products.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that saccharin is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Silicon/Silica/Silicon Dioxide excipient This ingredient is found in health food supplements, pharmaceuticals, spice powders, cooking sprays, etc. Do Additives in Health Food Supplement and Pharmaceutical Tablets Make us Ill?

Sodium Metabisulphite

Preservative and antioxidant.

May provoke life-threatening asthma.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Sodium sulphite

Preservative used in wine-making and other processed foods.

Sulphites have been associated with triggering asthma attacks. Most asthmatics are sensitive to sulphites in food.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Stannous Chloride (tin)

Antioxidant and color-retention agent in canned and bottled foods, fruit juices.

Acute poisoning has been reported from ingestion of fruit juices containing concentrations of tin greater than 250 mg per liter.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Sucralose (Splenda) Artificial low calorie sweetener Artificial sweetener which is a chlorinated sucrose derivative. Pre-approval research showed that sucralose caused shrunken thymus glands (up to 40% shrinkage) and enlarged liver and kidneys. holisticmed.com/splenda/
Getting to Know Sweeteners

Sulphur Dioxide

Preservative.

Sulphur Dioxide reacts with a wide range of substances found in food, including various essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential fatty acids. Adverse reactions: bronchial problems particularly in those prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. International Labor Organization says to avoid it if you suffer from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Sunset Yellow

FCF, Orange

Yellow S

Food coloring.

Some animal studies have indicated growth retardation and severe weight loss. People with asthma, rhinitis, or urticaria should avoid this product.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

Tartrazine, Yellow #5

Yellow food coloring.

May cause allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks and has been implicated in bouts of hyperactivity disorder in children. Those who suffer from asthma, rhinitis and urticaria may find symptoms worsen after consumption.
imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm

*A Note on Natural Flavors - Not so natural extracts such as yeast extract (MSG) commonly fall under this label.

Additive	Use	Facts you should know	Other Resources
Allura Red AC/ FD&C Red No.2	Food coloring in snacks, sauces, preserves, soups, wine, cider, etc.	Avoid if you suffer from asthma, rhinitis (including hayfever), or urticaria (hives).	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Aluminum	Levening agent found in Baking powder, some pancake/waffle mixes and frozen products, and ready-to-eat pancakes. Also found in some brands of wasabi powder.	Although research remains inconclusive, some studies show a connection between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease.	opposingdigits.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38 businessweek.com/1996/19/b3474101.htm ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16019791
Amaranth	Food coloring in wine, spirits, fish roe.	Amaranth is banned in the U.S. Avoid it if you suffer from asthma, rhinitis, urticaria or other allergies. Check the wikipedia link to the right to see the difference between the additive and the grain.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranth
Aspartame	Sweetener in snacks, sweets, alcohol, desserts, ~diet" foods	May affect people with PKU (phenylketonuria). Recent reports show possibility of headaches, blindness, and seizures with long-term high doses of aspartame. Aspartame is metabolized into methyl alcohol and formaldehyde.	Sweet Misery -video download sweet misery movie.htm theecologist.org/archive_detail.asp?content_id=458
Azorubine carmoisine, Food Red 3, Azorubin S, Brillantcarmoisin O, Acid Red 14, or C.I. 14720	A synthetic red azo dye. Found in blancmange, marzipan, Swiss roll, jams and preserves, sweets, brown sauce, flavored yogurts, packet soups, jellies, breadcrumbs and cheesecake mixes.	It appears to cause allergic and/or intolerance reactions, particularly amongst those with an aspirin intolerance. Reactions can include a rash similar to nettle rash and water retention. The Hyperactive Childrens Support Group believe that a link exists between this additive and hyperactive behavioral disorders in children.	ukfoodguide.net/e122
Benzoic Acid, Sodium Benzoate	Preservative in many foods, including drinks, low sugar products, cereals, meat products.	Can temporarily inhibit the function of digestive enzymes. May deplete glycine levels. Avoid if you suffer from asthma, rhinitis, urticaria or other allergies.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Brilliant Black BN	In drinks, sauces, snacks, wines, cheese, etc.	Avoid if you suffer from asthma, rhinitis, urticaria, or other allergies.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Butylated Hydroxy-Anisole	Preservative, particularly in fat-containing foods, confectionery, meats.	The International Agency for Research on Cancer says BHA is possibly carcinogenic to humans. BHA also interacts with nitrites to form chemicals known to cause changes in the DNA of cells.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Calcium Benzoate	Preservative in many foods, including drinks, low-sugar products, cereals, meat products.	Can temporarily inhibit function of digestive enzymes and may deplete levels of the amino acid glycine. It should be avoided by those with hay fever, hives, and asthma.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Calcium Sulphite	Preservative in a vast array of foods-from burgers to biscuits, from frozen mushrooms to horseradish. Used to make old produce look fresh.	In the U.S., Sulphites are banned from many foods, including meat. They can cause bronchial problems, flushing, low blood pressure, tingling, and anaphylactic shock. The International Labor Organization says avoid them if you suffer from bronchial asthma, cardio-vascular or respiratory problems and emphysema.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Carrageenan	Thickener used as a fat substitute in processed meats and can be found in condensed milk and some soy products	Extracted from red seaweed using powerful alkali solvents. May cause stomach lesions, pain and cancer.	opposingdigits.com/forums
Caramel	Sulphite ammonia caramel is used widely in soft drinks like cola causing problems for the extra sulphite sensitive.	In the US - and possibly in Europe - caramel 150 may be divided into caramels 150 (sulphite ammonia caramel), 150a (plain or spirit caramel), 150b (caustic sulphite caramel) and 150c (ammonia caramel). Plain caramel is considered failsafe.	fedupwithfoodadditives.info/information/additivesall.htm
Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Glucose Syrup	Sweetens, and maintains moisture while preserving freshness.	Has been linked to Diabetes, Obesity, and can be addictive.	westonaprice.org/modernfood/highfructose.html
Hydrogenated, Partially Hydrogenated Oils, Trans-Fats	Replacement for lard, butter, coconut oil.	Linked to development of Diabetes, Cancer, Heart Disease	recoverymedicine.com/hydrogenated_oils.htm
Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG)	Flavor enhancer.	Has been known to cause pressure on the head, seizures, chest pains, headache, nausea, burning sensations, and tightness of face. Many baby food producers have stopped adding MSG to their products. MSG is also used in laboratories to induce obesity in rats for testing purposes.	nature.com/ ijo/journal/v30/n1/abs/0803109a.html
Olestra, Olean, Sucrose Polyester	Fat substitute	Causes dramatic depletion of fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids. Also causes gastrointestinal disturbances, which are sometimes severe, including diarrhea, fecal urgency, and more frequent and looser bowel movements.	cspinet.org/olestra/
Ponceau 4R, Conchineal Red A	Food coloring.	People who suffer from asthma, rhinitis or urticaria may find their symptoms become worse following consumption of foods containing this coloring.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Potassium benozoate	See calcium benzoate.	See calcium benzoate.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Potassium nitrate	Preservative in cured meats and canned meat products.	It can lower the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood; it may combine with other substances to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic; and it may have an atrophying effect on the adrenal gland.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Propyl P-Hydroxybenozoate, Propylparaben, and Paraben	Preservative in cereals, snacks, pate, meat products, confectionery.	Parabens have been identified as the cause of chronic dermatitis in numerous instances.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Saccharin & its Na, K and Ca salts	Sweetener in diet, and no-sugar products.	The International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that saccharin is possibly carcinogenic to humans.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Silicon/Silica/Silicon Dioxide	excipient	This ingredient is found in health food supplements, pharmaceuticals, spice powders, cooking sprays, etc.	Do Additives in Health Food Supplement and Pharmaceutical Tablets Make us Ill?
Sodium Metabisulphite	Preservative and antioxidant.	May provoke life-threatening asthma.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Sodium sulphite	Preservative used in wine-making and other processed foods.	Sulphites have been associated with triggering asthma attacks. Most asthmatics are sensitive to sulphites in food.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Stannous Chloride (tin)	Antioxidant and color-retention agent in canned and bottled foods, fruit juices.	Acute poisoning has been reported from ingestion of fruit juices containing concentrations of tin greater than 250 mg per liter.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Sucralose (Splenda)	Artificial low calorie sweetener	Artificial sweetener which is a chlorinated sucrose derivative. Pre-approval research showed that sucralose caused shrunken thymus glands (up to 40% shrinkage) and enlarged liver and kidneys.	holisticmed.com/splenda/ Getting to Know Sweeteners
Sulphur Dioxide	Preservative.	Sulphur Dioxide reacts with a wide range of substances found in food, including various essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential fatty acids. Adverse reactions: bronchial problems particularly in those prone to asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure), flushing tingling sensations or anaphylactic shock. International Labor Organization says to avoid it if you suffer from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S	Food coloring.	Some animal studies have indicated growth retardation and severe weight loss. People with asthma, rhinitis, or urticaria should avoid this product.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm
Tartrazine, Yellow #5	Yellow food coloring.	May cause allergic reactions and asthmatic attacks and has been implicated in bouts of hyperactivity disorder in children. Those who suffer from asthma, rhinitis and urticaria may find symptoms worsen after consumption.	imadrugpat.org/foodadditives.htm