Chemicals In Food
Along with hazardous pesticides, the contents of food contact packaging (foils, wrappers, storage containers, and pans) contain hazardous chemicals which continually release into the food items they contain.
This low level but consistent contamination of chemicals in food exposes consumers to known carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins, and endocrine disruptors. Many common foods and highly processed foods also contain chemical additives, which negatively affect human health. Some of these additives have been linked to cancer, breathing difficulties (up to and including asthma) and endocrine disruption (hormonal imbalances). Several colorants also induce hyperactivity in children.
Unhealthy Food Additives
- Propylene glycol
- ButaneMonosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Disodium inosinate
- Disodium guanylate
- Enriched flour
- Sodium nitrate
- Sulfites
- Azodicarbonamide
- Potassium bromate
- Propyl gallate
- BHA/BHT
- Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH)
- Brominated vegetable
- Propyl gallate
- Olestra
- Carrageenan
- Polysorbate 60
- Carnauba wax
- Magnesium sulphate
- Chlorine dioxide
- Paraben
- Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
- Refined vegetable oil
- Sodium benzoate
- Aluminum
Hazardous Artificial Sweeteners
- Agave nectar
- Bleached starch
- Tert butylhydroquinone
- Saccharin
- Aspartame
- High fructose corn syrup
- Acesulfame potassium
- Sucralose
- Artificial Food Colorings
- Annatto
- Blue #1Blue #2Caramel coloring Citrus red #1Citrus red #2Brown HT Orange B Bixin Norbixin Green #3Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) Yellow #6Red #2Red #3Red #40
Choose organic and whole foods (fruits, vegetables, and whole grains)
Avoid processed, boxed, and shelf food
Cook more; preparing your own foods allows you to know exactly what you’re eating
Eat less meat and choose grass-fed, antibiotic and hormone-free varieties when you do
If you choose to eat dairy, consume hormone-free dairy products.
If you choose to eat seafood, select low mercury, and cruelty-free options.
Consumer Reports also cautions consumers to check the country of origin when purchasing produce. Different countries apply different pesticide guidelines. A consumer can significantly decrease or increase their pesticide exposure depending on a crop’s country of origin.