Some food additives allowed in the U.S. have been linked to serious health concerns but remain prevalent in common products. Here’s what you need to know:

The Ingredients and Their Uses

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
- Purpose: Used as an emulsifier in citrus-flavored sodas and sports drinks.
- Where Found: About 70 sodas and beverages, primarily brightly colored options.

Potassium Bromate
- Purpose: A flour "improver" that strengthens dough and improves texture in baked goods.
- Where Found: Packaged breads, frozen foods, and some dumplings (190+ products).

Propylparaben
- Purpose: Preservative to extend shelf life by preventing mold and bacterial growth.
- Where Found: Packaged tortillas, desserts, and cake icings (50+ products).

Red Dye No. 3
- Purpose: Provides a bright, cherry-red color to foods.
- Where Found: Candies, baked goods, cereals, and sodas (thousands of products).

Titanium Dioxide
- Purpose: Makes products appear whiter or enhances color vibrancy.
- Where Found: Coffee creamers, sauces, candy, and baking decorations.

Health Concerns

• Brominated Vegetable Oil: Linked to neurological, thyroid, heart, liver, and developmental issues in animal studies.
• Potassium Bromate: Associated with cancer in lab research.
• Propylparaben: Causes endocrine disruption and reproductive issues in lab tests.
• Red Dye No. 3: Linked to cancer, thyroid tumors, hyperactivity, and neurobehavioral effects in children.
• Titanium Dioxide: Potentially genotoxic, meaning it may damage genetic material.

Why Are They Still in Food?

• Outdated Reviews: The FDA last evaluated these additives decades ago (e.g., titanium dioxide in 1966).
• GRAS Loophole: Many additives are classified as "Generally Recognized As Safe" without rigorous safety reviews.
• Regulatory Gaps: Unlike Europe, where these chemicals are banned in food, the U.S. has lagged in updating safety evaluations.

Are There Safer Alternatives?

Yes! Examples include:
- Sorbic Acid for preservatives instead of propylparaben.
- Ester Gum instead of brominated vegetable oil.
- Calcium Carbonate in place of titanium dioxide.

How to Avoid These Ingredients

Read Labels: Ingredients must be listed on packaging.

Focus on Processed Foods: Be wary of candies, sodas, sports drinks, packaged breads, and baked goods.

Shop Smart: Choose brands and retailers that avoid these additives. - Whole Foods and Kroger have pledged to eliminate all these ingredients.
- Other brands like Panera, Papa John’s, and PepsiCo avoid some of them.

The Push for Change

• California passed the Food Safety Act in 2023, banning BVO, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and Red Dye No. 3.
• Advocacy groups like Consumer Reports urge the FDA to update its reviews and ban these additives nationwide.

By staying informed, you can make safer, healthier choices for yourself and your family!

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