Impact Detroit Magazine Impact Detroit Magazine 2013 | Page 21

FOOD ADDITIVES SAFETY CODES
The following codes indicate the safety of the additives in the table below. Many
additives have more than one code used to describe their safety.

*

GRAS - Generally Recognized As Safe by the FDA.

§

FDA approved colorant

S

There is no known toxicity. The additive appears to be safe.

A

The additive may cause allergic reactions.

Caution is advised. The additive may be unsafe, poorly tested, or used in foods we
eat too much of.
Caution is advised for certain groups in the population, such as pregnant women,
C1
infants, persons with high blood pressure, kidney problems, etc.
C

X

The additive is unsafe or very poorly tested.
Some Common Food Additives

- X -

Acesulfame-K - "Sunette"; may cause low blood sugar attacks; causes cancer, elevated cholesterol in lab
animals.

- X -

Acesulfame-potassium - same as acesulfame-K.

- C-

Animal or vegetable shortening - associated with heart disease, hardening of the arteries, elevated
cholesterol levels.
Artificial color FD & C, U.S certified food color - contribute to hyperactivity in children; may contribute to
learning and visual disorders, nerve damage; may be carcinogenic; see FD&C Colors.

- X A
- X A
- X -

Artificial flavoring - may cause reproductive disorders, developmental problems; not adequately tested.

- X -

Aspartame - may cause brain damage in phenylketonurics; may cause central nervous system disturbances,
menstrual difficulties; may affect brain development in unborn fetus.
BHA - can cause liver and kidney damage, behavioral problems, infertility, weakened immune system, birth
defects, cancer; should be avoided by infants, young children, pregnant women and those sensitive to
aspirin.

* X A

Artificial sweeteners - associated with health problems; see specific sweetener.

* X A

BHT - see BHA; banned in England.

- X A

Brominated vegetable oil - linked to major organ system damage, birth defects, growth problems;
considered unsafe by the FDA, can still lawfully be used unless further action is taken by the FDA .
Caffeine - psychoactive, addictive drug; may cause fertility problems, birth defects, heart disease,
depression, nervousness, behavioral changes, insomnia, etc.
FD&C Colors – colors considered safe by the FDA for use in food, drugs and cosmetics; most of the colors
are derived from coal tar and must be certified by the FDA not to contain more than 10ppm of lead and
arsenic; certification does not address any harmful effects these colors may have on the body; most coal tar
colors are potential carcinogens, may contain carcinogenic contaminants, and cause allergic reactions.

* X § X -

- X -

- X A
- X A

* X A

- X A
- X - X -

Free glutamates - may cause brain damage, especially in children; always found in autolyzed yeast, calcium
caseinate, enzymes, flavors & flavorings, gelatin, glutamate, glutamic acid, hydrolyzed protein, hydrolyzed
soy protein, plant protein extract, protease, protease enzymes, sodium caseinate, textured protein, yeast
extract, yeast food and yeast nutrient; may be in barley malt, boullion, broth, carrageenan, malt extract,
malt flavoring, maltodextrin, natural flavors, natural chicken flavoring, natural beef flavoring, natural pork
flavoring, pectin, seasonings, soy protein, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, soy sauce, soy sauce
extract, stock, whey protein, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, anything that is enzyme
modified, fermented, protein fortified or ultrapasteurized and foods that advertise NO MSG; see MSG.
Hydrogenated vegetable oil - associated with heart disease, breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis,
elevated cholesterol.
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein - may cause brain and nervous system damage in infants; high salt content;
may be corn, soy, or wheat based. Contains free glutamates.
MSG - may cause headaches, itching, nausea, brain, nervous system, reproductive disorders, high blood
pressure; pregnant, lactating mothers, infants, small children should avoid; allergic reactions common; may
be hidden in infant formula, low fat milk, ca