Organic Food - Additives In Food
Additives are added to food for several reasons: to replace the nutritional value lost in processing; to enhance their texture or appearance; and to offer a longer shelf life, or to facilitate the preparation of processed food.
It is not a legal requirement for food labels to state whether the additives come from natural or chemical sources, so the best you can do is learn about additives to avoid and choose products labeled as "natural" where possible. However this is not always 100% accurate.
Artificial Sweeteners
These are best avoided since the effects of aspartame, acesulfame and sucralose are not fully known. Use natural sweeteners such as cane juice, fruit juice and honey instead.
Additives to Avoid
Sulphites
These additives are used in foods to prevent spoiling and discoloration, and are listed as sulphur dioxide, sodium sulphite, sodium and potassium bisulphite or metabisulphite. They can trigger severe allergic reactions, including nausea and vomiting, breathing difficulties and abdominal pain. Asthmatics are especially susceptible. Try to avoid foods containing listed ingredients in the range 220-228.
Nitrates & Nitrites
These are used to enhance color and inhibit the growth of the botulism bacteria in cured meats, fish and cheese, sausages, luncheon meats and hot dogs.
Artificial colors & flavorings
Almost all artificial colourings have been shown to be carcinogenic in animals. When artificial colourings and flavorings are avoided, doctors have observed improvement in hyperactivity and behavioural problems in.
MSG
Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer often used in Chinese restaurant food. It can cause headaches, cold sweats and heart palpitations. Studies have shown that MSG can cause brain damage and female sterility in animals.
EDTA
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is used as a preservative in processed foods and may have toxic effects. Those with high exposure have recorded symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, sneezing, nausea and asthma attacks.
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Natural Additives
Look for these additives in the ingredients list. These come from natural plant and animal sources and are a safe alternative to chemical additives and colorings.
- Acetic acid (vinegar)
- Sodium chloride (salt)
- Albumen (from egg white)
- Annatto (extract from a rainforest tree)
- Beta-carotene (from carrots)
- Citric Acid (from citrus fruits)
- Dextrose (from corn sugar)
- Guar gum (from a seed grown in India)
- Gum tragacanth (from a thorny shrub native to the Middle East)
- Lactic acid (from whey, cornstarch, potatoes, and molasses)
- Lecithin (a substance occurring naturally in eggs, soya beans, and corn)