Chemicals and Additives in American Food, Banned in Other Nations
Chemicals, food additives, and sweeteners may pose a severe health risk, with certain ones linked to cancer, allergies, and neurological disorders. It is crucial to research any food additives and chemicals that you may be consuming, as some can be hazardous to your health. From flavor enhancers to preservatives, these ingredients remain hidden in food labels, making it hard for consumers to understand what they eat. By checking the labels and researching, you can ensure that you consume safe and healthy foods.
Many foods contain chemicals and additives that can harm our health if consumed in large quantities. For example, many processed types of meat contain nitrates, and preservatives that can increase the risk of certain types of cancer if consumed in excess. Similarly, some artificial sweeteners contribute to obesity and other health issues.
Chemicals, 11 Notorious Additives Found In U.S. Foods!
| Chemical | Used in | Countries Banned | Side Effects | Brands |
| Pink slime | Meat products | Canada, European Union | Use of ammonia | Tyson |
| Olestra / Olean | Chips, crackers | Canada, European Union | gastrointestinal distress | Lays, Pringles |
| RBST / Artificial Growth Hormone | Dairy, yogurt, ice cream | Canada, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan | Cancer | General Mills, Land O Lakes |
| Azodicarbonamide (ADA) | Cereal, bread | European Union | Asthma, potential cancer in high doses | Arnold bread, Jimmy Dean, Pillsbury |
| Yellow 5 and 6 | Ice cream, instant pudding, soft drinks, chips | Norway, Finland, Austria, European Union (warning label) | May harm activity and attention in children | Peeps, Jell-O, Hostess |
| Red 40 | Candy, sports drinks, popsicles | Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Finland | Triggers allergies. Worsens behavior in children with ADHD | Swedish Fish, Kool-Aid |
| Brilliant Blue FCF (Blue 1) | Cotton candy, canned peas, sports drinks, | Austria, Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain | Allergic reactions | Jolly Rancher, M&Ms |
| Ractopamine | Pork, cattle, poultry | Banned in 160 countries | Cardiovascular system in humans | Plainville Farms, Jennie-O |
| Brominated Vegetable Oil | Citrus-flavored soft drinks | European Union, Japan, India | Skin and mucous membrane irritation, headaches, memory loss, impaired coordination | Mountain Dew |
| Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) | food packaging, medicine, animal feed | UK, European Union, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand | human carcinogen, according to the National Toxicology Program | Kellogs, Nestle, Nabisco |
| Potassium Bromate | Dough, bread, crackers, pizza, pastries, chips | UK, Canada, Brazil, European Union, Argentina, China, India, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Peru, Nigeria, | Human carcinogen, according to The National Agency on Research for Cancer | Hormel, Weis, Goya |
In conclusion
As a savvy consumer, you should always be mindful when purchasing food and aware of food chemicals and additives. By doing so, you’ll maintain health and well-being while avoiding the potentially unpleasant taste of chemically-processed food. Additionally, always look for natural alternatives that provide excellent nutrition without the added chemicals.
