EEC watches over food
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an American environmental organization that specializes, inter alia, in in studies on the toxicity of food additives and public education. It is known especially from the so-called the ‘dirty dozen of food products’, i.e. the list of products with the highest pesticide residues. The EEC also recommends that consumers look for their ecological counterparts. In November this year, the list of the 12 most harmful food additives was released.
The EEC emphasizes that more government oversight of food additives is needed.
The Dirty Dozen, a guide to food additives
Below, we present the most harmful food additives identified by the EEC:
1. Nitrates and nitrites (E 251, E 252, E 249, E 250)
They can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headaches, and high blood pressure, and potassium nitrite can even cause asthma, nephritis and behavioral problems. Nitrates and nitrites are considered carcinogenic compounds. In 2010, the International Agency of the World Health Organization for Research on Cancer stated that ingested nitrite and nitrate is a probable human carcinogen.
Application: cured, smoked and pickled meat products, hard, semi-hard and semi-soft cheeses, cheese analogues based on dairy products, pickled herring and sprats.
2. Bromian potasu (E 924)
In larger amounts, it causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is classified as a carcinogen.
Potassium bromate in the European Union is not approved as a food additive.
Usage: bread.
3. Propyloparaben (E 216)
In some people it can release histamine and thus cause allergic reactions: peeling and itching, hives and anaphylaxis. In studies on rats, taking into account the permissible daily consumption, it caused a reduction in sperm count and a decrease in the amount of testosterone.
Application: heat-treated meat products, sweets, jellies, cookies, fruit flavors, carbonated drinks. Currently withdrawn as a food additive.
4. Butylohydroksyanizol BHA (E 320)
In high doses, it causes disorders of the liver, kidneys, stomach and thyroid gland. Suspected of the possibility of causing allergies. When combined with high amounts of vitamin C, it can generate free radicals that can damage cell components, including DNA. For this reason, the EU authorities have decided to limit the use of BHA in the future. It was also banned from use in baby food.
Application: fats, oils, powdered cakes, powdered milk for vending machines, dried meat, processed nuts, heat-treated cereal products, dried potatoes, chewing gum, dietary supplements, tomato paste.
5. Butylhydroxytoluene BHT (E 321)
It can cause hives, dermatitis, fatigue, aggressive behavior, asthma, and even liver cancer when consumed in large amounts. Pseudo-allergic symptoms were also observed after BHT. The European Union has limited its use due to side effects. It was banned from using it in baby food.
Application: fats, processed nuts, oils, powdered cakes, chewing gum, processed fish, heat-treated cereal products, beer and malt.
6. Galusan propyl (E310)
Gallic acid can cause eczema, asthma, stomach problems, and skin irritation. There is a suspicion that this substance is impeding iron absorption. People allergic to aspirin should avoid it. It is unacceptable for food intended for infants and young children.
Application: fats and oils, powdered cakes, powdered milk for vending machines, powdered soups and broths, sauces, dried meat, processed nuts, pretreated cereal products, spices, dried potatoes, chewing gum.
7. Theobromine
According to the EGA, the recommended intake of theobromine is significantly exceeded, which studies have shown to negatively affect reproduction and development. According to the organization, theobromine is just one example of a huge loophole in the FDA’s voluntary GRAS notification process.
8. Artificial flavors and flavor additives
EEC is concerned about manipulating the taste and smell of food. The companies that supply food fragrances are often the same companies that are responsible for the fragrance of perfumes and cosmetics. EEC expects full disclosure of artificial flavors and flavorings.
9. Artificial dyes (np. caramel dyes E 150)
Caramel dyes can be contaminated with 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) and furans. Both of these compounds can induce the formation of neoplastic tumors. Artificial dyes are also suspected of inducing hyperactivity and can cause liver and stomach diseases and fertility problems.
Application: malt bread (bread with a minimum of 7% malt extract added by weight of flour), coca-cola, sweets, ice cream, marmalades and other similar fruit products, including low-calorie products, yoghurts, vinegar, vegetables in vinegar, brine or oil ( except olives), sausages, pates, burger meat, hamburger meat with the addition of vegetables or cereal preparations in an amount not less than 4%, meads, beer, Cider bouché, whiskey, grain spirit drink [other than Korn, Kornbrand or Marque (natural vodka) Luxembourg national rye), grape wine spirit (natural vodka), rum, brandy, Weinbrand, grape marc spirit (natural vodka) [other than Tsikoudia and Tsipouro and Marque national spirit (natural vodka) luxemburska], Grappa invecchiata, Bagaceira velha, Krupnik, arak, brandy, stark, cognac, aromatized grape wine drinks (except bitter soda), aromatized grape wines, Americano, liqueur and quality wines wi for liqueurs produced in specific regions.
10. Diacetyl
Concerns about food additives are not only limited to consumers, but are also related to serious illness in the workplace. Diacetyl, used as a flavor enhancer for butter, microwaveable popcorn, dairy products, as well as toffee and maple, may be associated with severe and irreversible changes to the respiratory system (bronchiolitis) in workers.
11. Phosphates
Phosphates are one of the most popular food additives, unfortunately they are often added to unhealthy, highly processed foods. In people with chronic kidney disease, high levels of phosphate in the body increase the risk of heart disease and death. A link has also been found between high dietary phosphate levels and the incidence of heart disease in people without nephrological problems. In 2013, the European Food Safety Authority began re-evaluating the data on phosphates permitted as a food additive as a matter of priority.
Application: among others cheeses, milk-based desserts, fruit-based desserts, egg-based desserts, frozen fish, cocoa, sweets, breakfast cereals, bread, baked goods, drinks, bakery products, functional food, soft drinks, fruit wine, sports drinks, honey drinkable drinks, spirits except whiskey, flavored wine-based cocktails, snacks based on potatoes, cereals, flour, processed nuts, powdered dessert mixes.
12 Aluminum compounds (np. E 541, E 521)
Aluminum-containing additives, such as sodium aluminum phosphate and sodium aluminum sulfate, are used in many processed foods. Aluminum can accumulate in our body, especially in bone tissue. Children, the elderly and those with heart or kidney diseases should avoid products containing aluminum derivatives. It interferes with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It also probably increases the risk of osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
Application: cheeses, milk-based desserts, fruit-based desserts, egg-based desserts, frozen fish, cocoa, sweets, breakfast cereals, bread, pastries, drinks.
EGA has serious concerns about each of the twelve food additives mentioned, most often related to their carcinogenic properties or influencing reproduction and development. It is recommended to avoid products containing the above additives. The EGA emphasizes that it can also improve our diet, because these are the worst additives found in highly processed products.
The title photo is from: Rego – d4u.hu / Foter / CC BY-SA
Photo from text is from: NightRStar / Foter / CC BY