TOXIC CHEMICALS TO AVOID: Lesson 1 - The Importance of Reading Food Labels and Identifying Toxic Chemicals

Understanding what you eat begins with reading food labels. These labels provide essential information about the nutritional content and ingredients in the food products we consume. By learning to read and interpret these labels, you can make informed decisions that contribute to your health and well-being.

It's not just about calories and nutrients; it's also about identifying potentially harmful ingredients. Many processed foods contain toxic chemicals and artificial additives that can have adverse effects on your health. By scrutinizing food labels for these harmful substances, you can avoid consuming ingredients that may pose risks to your health. Taking the time to read food labels and looking for toxic chemicals is a powerful step towards healthier eating habits and better overall health.

A Note on U.S. Food Safety vs. Other Countries

As of May 2025, many of the food additives, preservatives, artificial dyes, and chemicals still commonly used in the United States have been banned or heavily restricted in dozens of other countries, including across the European Union, Canada, Japan, and Australia.

These countries have chosen to prohibit these substances because of strong evidence linking them to:

• Cancer

• Hormonal disruption

• Behavioral issues in children

• Reproductive toxicity

• Chronic inflammation and immune suppression

Below is a detailed list of food additives and associated risks.

Food Additives to Avoid

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally recognizes many food additives as safe, there are growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with their consumption, especially in large quantities. Below is a list of common food additives, detailing their typical uses and associated health concerns:​

1. Sodium Nitrate

• Found in: Processed meats such as bacon, ham, hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats.​

• Health concerns: High consumption has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer and other health issues. ​

2. Sulfites

• Found in: Dried fruits, wine, and some processed foods.​

• Health concerns: Can cause allergic-like reactions, including breathing difficulties, particularly in individuals with asthma. ​

3. Azodicarbonamide

• Found in: Flour, bread, and rolls as a dough conditioner.

• Health concerns: Classified as a potential carcinogen; its breakdown products have been linked to cancer in animal studies. ​

4. Potassium Bromate

• Found in: Breads and rolls to improve dough strength and rise.​

• Health concerns: Classified as a possible human carcinogen; linked to kidney and thyroid tumors in animal studies. ​

5. Propyl Gallate

• Found in: Fat-containing products like meats, popcorn, soup mixes, and frozen dinners to prevent rancidity.​

• Health concerns: Some animal studies suggest a potential link to cancer, though evidence is inconclusive. ​

6. Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

• Found in: Cereals, snack foods, chewing gum, and processed foods as preservatives.​

• Health concerns: High doses have been shown to cause tumors in animal studies; potential endocrine disruptors. ​

7.Propylene Glycol

• Found in: Dairy products and salad dressings as a thickener.​

• Health concerns: Generally recognized as safe in small quantities; however, excessive consumption may lead to potential toxicity, especially in individuals with kidney or liver conditions. ​

8. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

• Found in: Flavor enhancer used in many processed foods, including soups, snacks, and restaurant foods.​

• Health concerns: Some individuals may experience symptoms like headaches and nausea, though scientific evidence does not conclusively link MSG to serious health issues. ​

      9. Enriched Flour

• Found in: Breads, pastas, and pastries.

• Health concerns: Processing removes fiber and nutrients; consumption may lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. 

    10. Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH)

• Found in: Dairy products like milk and cheese to increase milk production in cows.

• Health concerns: Concerns about increased levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in milk, which may be linked to certain cancers, though evidence is inconclusive. 

    11. Refined Vegetable Oils

• Found in: Processed foods; includes oils like soybean, corn, safflower, canola, and peanut oil.

• Health concerns: High consumption linked to inflammation and associated with obesity and diabetes. 

    12. Sodium Benzoate

• Found in: Salad dressings and carbonated beverages as a preservative.

• Health concerns: When combined with vitamin C, can form benzene, a known carcinogen; may also cause oxidative stress and DNA damage. 

    13. Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)

• Found in: Soft drinks to keep flavor oils in suspension.

• Health concerns: Bromine accumulation in the body can lead to neurological symptoms and thyroid issues.

    14. Propyl Gallate

• Found in: Meats, popcorn, soup mixes, and frozen dinners as an antioxidant to prevent fats and oils from spoiling.

• Health concerns: Animal studies have suggested a potential link to cancer, though evidence is inconclusive. 

    15. Olestra

• Found in: Fat-free snack foods like chips as a fat substitute that adds no calories.

• Health concerns: Can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps; may also inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. 

     16. Carrageenan

• Found in: Ice cream, yogurt, soy milk, and other processed foods as a thickener and stabilizer.

• Health concerns: Some animal studies have linked carrageenan to gastrointestinal inflammation and ulcers, though human studies are limited. 

    17. Polysorbate 60

• Found in: Baked goods, whipped toppings, and frozen desserts as an emulsifier.

• Health concerns: High doses in animal studies have shown potential adverse effects, but typical dietary exposure is considered safe. 

     18. Magnesium Sulfate

• Found in: Tofu processing and as a firming agent in canned vegetables.

• Health concerns: High concentrations have shown cytotoxic effects in laboratory settings, but typical dietary exposure is considered safe. 

     19. Chlorine Dioxide

• Found in: Flour bleaching processes to whiten and mature flour.

• Health concerns: Excessive exposure can lead to adverse effects; however, the amounts used in food processing are generally regarded as safe. 

     20. Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben)

• Found in: Baked goods, processed meats, and beverages as preservatives to prevent mold and yeast growth.

• Health concerns: Parabens are known to mimic estrogen and have been detected in breast cancer tissues, suggesting a potential link to cancer. 

     21. Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)

• Found in: Salad dressings, sauces, and ice cream as a thickener and stabilizer.

• Health concerns: Recent studies suggest that CMC may disrupt gut bacteria and could be linked to inflammation and metabolic syndrome. 

     22. Aluminum Compounds (e.g., Sodium Aluminum Phosphate)

• Found in: Baking powders, processed cheeses, and some packaged foods as leavening agents and stabilizers.

• Health concerns: High levels of aluminum exposure have been associated with neurotoxicity; however, typical dietary exposure is considered safe.

It's important to note that while these additives are approved for use in many countries; ongoing research continues to evaluate their safety profiles. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and consider moderating their intake of processed foods containing these additives.​