Artificial preservatives and additives prevent oxidation and keep dry baking goods from clumping together, but studies suggest a connection between large doses of these compounds and digestive health problems. The FDA has recommended phasing out hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils from the food supply chain, and research on several of these compounds is still under further review.
Bacon, ham, hot dogs, corned beef, processed meats, pet food, soft drinks, hard cider and wine are some of the items that may contain artificial preservatives and additives.
Where You Might Find Them
Bacon, ham, hot dogs, corned beef, processed meats, pet food, soft drinks, hard cider and wine are some of the items that may contain artificial preservatives and additives.
Banned Artificial Preservatives & Additives
- Nitrates/Nitrites – synthetic, added in
- Sodium Nitrates/Nitrites – synthetic, added in
- Potassium Sorbate – E202
- Sorbic Acid – E200
- Propyl Gallate
- Potassium Metabisulfite/ Potassium Pyrosulfite (PMBS or KMBS) – E224 (OK in mead, wine and cider)
- Bisulfites – Sodium Bisulfite (SBS) (Sodium Bisulphite/Sodium Hydrogen Sulfite) – E222 – Potassium Bisulfite
- Sodium Metabisulfite (SMBS) – E223
- Sulfites/Sulfur Dioxide – synthetic (OK in wine, mead and cider if naturally occurring)
- Sodium Sulfites (OK in wine, mead and cider if naturally occurring)
- Tetrasodium EDTA
- Calcium Propionate/Calcium Propanoate (Calcium Salt) – E282
- Potassium Benzoate – E212
- Sodium Diacetate – E262ii
- Sodium Benzoate – E211
- Sodium Propionate/Propanoic Acid – E281/E280
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)
- Disodium Dihydrate EDTA
- Calcium Disodium EDTA (Disodium Calcium EDTA) – E385
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)
- Calcium Sorbate
- Sodium Erythorbate – E316
- Hydrogenated Fats & Oils (Trans Fat – not naturally occurring)
- Benzoate/Benzoic Acid – E210
- Parabens (Butyl, Heptyl – E209, Methyl – E218, Propyl – E216, Ethyl – E214)
- Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) – E319
- Partially Hydrogenated Oils (PHO)
- Aluminum Calcium Silicate
- Sodium Aluminum Sulfate (SAS)
- Carrageenan – E407
- Modified Food Starch – chemically modified
- Ethoxyquin – E324
- Ethylene Oxide (ETO)
- Solvent Extracted Oils (Fractionated Oils)
- Butane Glycol (Butylene Glycol/1,3-Butylene Glycol)
- Benzyl Alcohol – Synthetic
- Methylene Chloride