Introduction
While Europe (EU) bans toxins, the United States (US) allows many of the same toxins that are banned in EU. The major difference between EU and the US is precautionary vs crisis management. Europe seeks to prevent any possible health issues and the U.S. deals with them differently.
No one should have to worry about what’s in food and if it’s safe to eat. You assume it’s safe if it’s sold at a grocery store. However, that’s just not accurate.
In this blog post, I’ll highlight five food additives sold in the US, but illegal in Europe. These five have hit the news with California lawmakers aiming to ban them in their state.
Comparison list between the US and EU.
5 toxic food additives
The following are 5 food additives sold in the US and not in Europe:
- Titanium dioxide – used as an anti-caking agent and whitener for coffee creamers, many baked goods, and gum to name a few. Also, an ingredient found in tamoxifen (a commonly prescribed drug used to treat breast cancer).
- Propylparaben is a paraben (man-made chemical) with preservative properties used in food along with personal care products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Known to be found in many sunscreens and other products.
- Potassium bromate is added to any baked goods containing flour like pizza dough, bread, buns, etc. as a flour “improver”.
- Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) – used as an emulsifier (keeps liquids from separating) in beverages such as Fanta Orange, Sun Drop and generic sodas sold at Walmart and Dollar General.
- Red Dye No. 3 (FD&C Red No. 3) – this is a man-made dye made from petroleum to make food and drinks a brighter color of red. Also used in medicines and drinks like Pediasure, Ensure, and Yoo-hoo.
The common connection?
All five additives are linked to serious health issues.
Titanium dioxide is considered safe according to Title 21 under the FDA. However, it has a high enough level of susceptibility of causing colon cancer, autoimmune diseases, and damaging DNA for Europe to ban it.
Propylparaben is classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) in the US and banned in the EU as of 2015. Found in food, cosmetics, and customer products. This additive negatively affects the male and female reproductive systems.
Pro tip: Look for paraben-free products.
Potassium bromate is considered safe in the US, but the EU prohibits this additive due to possible human carcinogens. The FDA continues to deny requests to have this additive removed in products in the US because it was approved before the Delaney amendment passage. The Delaney Clause basically states any approved additives before 1958 can remain. This clause is overdue for an update!
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) is classified as GRAS according to the FDA. That said, Europe banned the food additive in 2015 with over 100 other countries. Studies showed lung, nose, and throat irritation causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In addition, it’s a suspected carcinogen.
Red Dye No. 3 (RD&C Red No. 3) The FDA prohibited this dye in cosmetics but allowed it in food and drugs in the US. It’s been linked to cancer in animal studies and inducing hyperactivity in children. One would have to wonder why it’s banned in cosmetics but not in food and drugs. The dye is a known carcinogen. There are over 2,900 food products that contain Red Dye No. 3.
Pro tip: In many foods, RD&C Red No. 3 has been replaced by Red Dye #40.
How are additives approved in the US?
The FDA in the US considers a reasonable certainty of no harm when an additive is proposed. However, according to the FDA, “If new evidence suggests that a product already in use be unsafe, or if consumption levels have changed enough to require another look, federal authorities may prohibit its use or conduct further studies to determine if the use can still be considered safe.”
Keywords may prohibit or conduct further studies. In other words, the FDA may or may not take any action to further investigate if an ingredient, additive, or color may cause you harm when you absorb it either by mouth or skin.
Exceptions to the above are two groups:
Group I – Any substances determined safe for use in food prior to the 1958 amendment are exempt under the Food Additives Amendment.
Group II – Any ingredients deemed as GRAS before 1958.
Find a list of the Types of Food Ingredients
Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors | FDA
Manufacturing of products
Companies make different food products for the US vs. EU according to the regulations of each country. For example: The candy, M&Ms sold in the US contain artificial colorings (additives) to give them a bright look versus natural ingredients sold in Europe, not as bright in color.
This demonstrates food can be manufactured safely for both EU and the US but due to the regulations in the US, foods are made with these additives.
Who’s making a difference?
California is taking measures to ban all five of these additives for their state. If passed and becomes law, this would disallow the use of any of these five additives in food, but only in California. However, this opens the possibility for other states to do the same. That said, we shouldn’t have to petition to keep our food safe!
How to spot the additives?
Read the food label!
Titanium dioxide – The FDA does not require food companies to list titanium dioxide in the ingredients. If it’s not listed but artificial ingredients are, call the manufacturer and ask if it contains titanium dioxide.
Propylparaben – Parabens will be listed on food labels as “hydroxybenzoic acid or p-hydroxybenzoic acid ester or with “E” food additive numbers. Example: E214 Foods that contain this additive listed here.
Pro tip: Parabens can filter into food from plastic packaging.
Potassium bromate – can also be listed as bromic acid or potassium salt on the food label under ingredients.
Pro tip: Safe flours: Companies that sell unbromated flour: King Arthur and Bob’s Red Mill (no sponsered affiliation)
BVO – will be listed as brominated vegetable oil or brominated soybean oil.
Red Dye No. 3 – required by the FDA to be listed in the ingredients on the food label.
Pro tip: Avoid all artificial food dyes listed. Most food additives added directly to food will be listed on the label.
Conclusion
Read food labels. Once you get into the habit of reading labels, the easier it will be to avoid harmful foods.
Decrease eating processed foods. It’s not possible to avoid all foods that contain unsafe additives; however, it is possible to decrease processed foods. The fewer processed foods you eat where these additives are found, the less exposure to your health.
Look for BPA free products.
Food packaging may contain food additives that can be found in food indirectly by storage or handling. In other words, how food is contained, packaged, and stored can impact your health. That’s a future blog!
Stay up to date on color additives from the FDA Color Additives | FDA
In optimal health,
Lisa