Preservatives, Food Additives & Food Colourings

 

PRESERVATIVES, FOOD ADDITIVES AND OTHER

CHEMICAL NASTIES

It is difficult to understand what the numbers listed on ingredients labels actually refer to without some kind of reference or understanding of chemistry.  Without knowledge about what they are, where they come from and why they are added to our foods and the actual physical side effects these chemicals may have on the human body - all those numbers would mean diddly-squat to you.

Below is a small list of additives and preservatives that are commonly found in many consumable products including both food and cosmetics. It is very important for all of us, especially those of us with eczema and sensitive skin to know exactly what all those numbers and long chemical names in the ingredients list actually mean and the potentially harmful effects they can have on human health. This information is actually public knowledge, i'ts just that most of us don't understand the names and numbers on the ingredients list or have access to that information.

These additives do not just irritate those with eczema and sensitivities, allergies or other skin conditions, they affect a whole range of people with other health and behavioural issues and many are thought to be carcinogenic (cancer promoting).

 

THE CHEMICAL MAZE

Years ago I discovered a little red book in a health food shop called The Chemical Maze, by Bill Sratham.  It's a great book to have at home, it is pocket sized and easy to tak e shopping with you.  The table below is an excerpt from this book.  It is an eye opening education on what those numbers in the ingredients list are really telling you. He has since released the third and fourth editions as well as other publications.  Worthwhile additions to your bookshelf. 

KNOWLEDGE = PERSONAL POWER

Please, I urge you, always read the ingredients list on all the products you buy.  If the name of the additive is not printed, the numbering system is used.  All ingredients must be listed by order of quantity involved, for example; the first ingredient listed is the main ingredient and each ingredient listed thereafter is less in quantity than the one before it. 

As you become more proficient in reading the Ingredients list on product labels it won't be so daunting.  You will be making educated choices about which products go into your shopping trolley.

For me, the elimination of highly processed foods containing these harmful preservatives and additives has made an enormous difference to the health of my skin, the rashing and redness has significantly subsided and my overall health has improved a great deal. This combined with eating fresh whole foods and a healthier lifestyle has been a lifesaver for me.

 

Manufacturers and government authorities may argue that these additives have little effect in small doses.  If you start to add up how many products they are in and how many of those products you, your children and family are using, on a regular basis throughout each and every day; through foods, personal hygiene and cosmetics, then you begin to realise that what you consume is not in small doses at all.  I would hazard a guess that the general population consumes these additives in large doses daily and are mostly unaware of the real effect it is having on their health until later in life or when you are shocked with news of some devastating illness.

 

DON'T FREAK OUT ...

... But, be warned, by the time you have read this tiny list, you'll be feeling a little paranoid. Sadly it makes for quite horrifying reading.  Don't get completely freaked out by all this new information, just allow it to sink in, think about buying this book or a similar one, read up on the many more chemical preservatives and additives present in processed foods and beverages.  Perhaps you may be motivated to make some very important decisions about your current eating habits. 

 

PRESERVATIVES AND PROBLEM ADDITIVES

H     =  HAZARDOUS

VH   =  VERY HAZARDOUS

 

Number	Names	Functions		Potential Ill Health Effects	Food Uses	Other uses
102 E102	Tartrazine FD & C Yellow No.5 Coal tar dye & azo dye; banned from foods in Norway & Finland and heavily restricted in Austria, Sweden and Germany	Colouring (Yellow)	VH	Hyperactivity; thyroid tumours; aggression; headache; migraine; nettle rash; hay fever; asthma; tingling of the mouth; insomnia; confusion; itching; blurred vision; swelling of the lips.	Confectionary; sweet corn; soft drink; marzipan; canned peas; cheese crackers; mint sauce; fruit juice cordial; jam; pickles; cereal; packaged soup; lollies; snack food.	Drugs; cosmetics; dyes for wool and silk
120 E120	Cochineal, Carminic Acid, Carmines Cochineal is banned in the USA; of animal origin	Colouring (Red)	H	Asthma; hyperactivity; hay fever; allergic reactions - possibly life threatening	Some alcoholic drinks; baked goods; red apple sauce; confections.	Cosmetics; Shampoo; lip salve
133 E133	Brilliant Blue FCF FD & C Blue No. 1 Coal tar dye; banned in Austria, Belgium, France, Switzerland and others	Colouring (Blue)	H	Cancer; malignant tumours; allergic reactions in chemically sensitive people; asthma; hyperactivity.	Soft drink; canned processed peas; dairy products; gelatine; desserts; cereal; sweets	Toothpaste, deodorant and cosmetics.
220 E220	Sodium Dioxide A gas formed from the burning of Sulphur or gypsum	Preservative Antioxidant	VH	Asthma; hyperactivity; headache; backache; gastric irritation; liver toxicity; destroys vitamin A in foods; bronchitis; nausea; teratogen (developmental abnormalities in a fetus)	Dried fruit; beer; fruit juice; gelatine; wine; soft drink; cordial, jam, dairy products; potato products; soup	Hair dyes; used to bleach straw, silk and wool; developer in photography
249 E249	Potassium Nitrite	Preservative Colour fixative	VH	Asthma; cancer; headache; destroys red blood cells; breathing difficulties and dizziness.	Cured meats; meat spread; bacon; sausages.
621 E621   622   623   624   625	Monosodium - L Glutamate and derivatives - MSG Made synthetically, may be GE/GM -genetically engineered/modified	Flavour Enhancer Salt Substitute	VH	Problems in people with poor kidney function; headache; asthma; hyperactivity; depression; irritability; mood changes; chest pain; numbness; migraine; infertility; convulsions; abdominal discomfort; nausea; vomiting; allergic reactions in aspirin-sensitive people and asthmatics; allergic reactions in sensitive people; teratogen.	Packet soup; soy sauce; flavoured noodles; meats; low sodium salt substitute; malt extract; quick soup; pickles; sauces; gelatine; maltodextrin;	Soap; shampoo; cosmetics; hair conditioners as hidden additives.

 

Hhmmm ... it's a little bit shocking isn't it? Another shocking fact for you - some additives used in the processing of foods are also used in the processing of cigarettes! 

Here are a few more additives you will find commonly used in food processing and cosmetics.

By the way, you won't be the only one who has trouble pronouncing the names of some these chemicals!!

Cocamidopropyl Betaine; A surfactant antistatic which is used in soap, eye makeup remover and shampoo, its known potential health effects are occupational allergic contact dermatitis and eyelid rash.

Methylcloroisothiazolinone; A preservative used in shampoo, liquid hand and body wash, after shave and dishwashing liquid.  Its known potential health effects are eye and skin irritation, allergic reactions and mutagen (an external agent that when applied to cells or organisms can increase the rate of mutation). 

 

And one more to completely horrify you ...

Methylene Chloride;   This is a Fragrance used in nail enamel, hair conditioner, shampoo, hairspray, cleansing cream, tablet coatings, vitamins, insect spray, anaesthetic in medicine and decaffeination.  Its known potential health effects are Nausea, dizziness, eye and skin irritation, dermatitis, neuron, liver, cardiovascular, kidney, endocrine and respiratory toxicity, cancer and teratogen (induces the formation of developmental abnormalities in a fetus).  This product is prohibited in cosmetic products in the USA.

 

BEWARE OF THE PRETTY PACKAGING - IT OFTEN HIDES THE TRUTH