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Should You Be Concerned About Food Additives?

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University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children'sExperts in Children's Health
Man standing in a supermarket aisle and reading the label on a bag of pasta while grocery shopping

Recent news that U.S. regulators banned the use of red dye No. 3 in food, beverages and medicines brings attention to additives in our food supply, many of which have been linked to health problems.

Red dye No. 3, which has been found to cause cancer in laboratory rats, was banned as a food additive in California in 2023 and will be banned in the United States starting in 2027. The dye is used in candy, soda, cakes and other products and has also been linked to health problems in children. It was banned in cosmetics in the U.S. in 1990.

Food additives are used in processed foods to enhance flavor, color and texture, and to extend shelf life. These additives have come under scrutiny for potential health effects. Some research suggests food additives may raise the risk of obesity in children and interfere with hormones and development.

“The amount of additives in our food supply has increased significantly over the decades and many of them are known as harmful substances or likely harmful substances,” says Jacob Wolf, ND, of University Hospitals Connor Whole Health.

Ingredients to Watch Out For

Many food additives have been banned in Europe and elsewhere due to health concerns, but they remain prevalent in U.S. foods. Here are 10 additives to watch out for in common grocery store items:

Potassium bromate. Mainly used in breads and other baked goods, it’s a suspected carcinogen that has been banned for human consumption in Europe, China and India, but is still used in the United States. California banned potassium bromate in 2023.

Titanium dioxide. A color additive used in baked goods and candy. It’s banned in Europe because of concerns that it damages DNA.

Propionate. A preservative used in baked goods and other products may increase hormone levels associated with diabetes and obesity.

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole). A preservative widely used in cereals, cured meats and many other products. Studies have found BHA may cause cancer.

ADA (azodicarbonamide). A whitening agent and dough conditioner. Banned in Europe, India and China, azodicarbonamide has been linked to cancer.

Propylparaben. A preservative used in baked goods and other packaged products. Linked to increased risk of cancer, endocrine disruptions and other health concerns. It will be banned in California in 2027.

Artificial colors. Several food dyes have been linked to health issues. In addition to red dye No. 3, red dye No. 40, yellow dye No. 5 and 6, blue dye No. 1 and 2, and green dye No. 3 are linked to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral problems in children.

Sodium benzoate. A preservative used mostly in fruit juice, carbonated drinks and acidic processed foods. Sodium benzoate converts to benzene, a carcinogen. Studies have found other potential effects, such as increasing hyperactivity in children when combined with artificial food coloring.

Cellulose gum. Research has found this thickening agent, used in many products including ice cream and salad dressings, can disrupt the gut microbiome (gut health) and cause intestinal inflammatory problems.

Polysorbates. Emulsifiers used in many food products also have been linked to gut microbiome disruption and gut inflammation.

How to Reduce Your Exposure

Dr. Wolf suggests comparing labels and choosing products with limited ingredients. “It’s very challenging to avoid food additives completely, unless you’re eating a whole food diet – whole grains, fresh fruits, produce and such,” Dr. Wolf says. “I recommend to patients that they be mindful of reading the labels when they buy products.”

He also cautions about products labeled as reduced sugar, sugar-free or fat free. “If something is fat-free or reduced sugar, that means they’re adding new things into it to take the place of the fat or the sugar,” he says.

Dr. Wolf says he is especially cautious about artificial sweeteners. Recent studies have linked several artificial sweeteners to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. “You don’t need to know the names of everything, but if the ingredient list is 10 items long you might want to look for an alternative.”

Other ways to limit food additives:

  • Eat more whole foods, such as fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, seeds and lean meats.
  • Make more meals from ingredients in your kitchen.
  • Cut back on packaged and highly processed foods.
  • Limit intake of processed meats such as hot dogs and deli meats.
  • Buy fresh or frozen produce.
  • Drink more water and less bottled and canned beverages.

Related Links

The clinical dietitians and whole-health practitioners at University Hospitals can help you develop an eating plan that is both nutritious and safe for your whole family.

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