New "Anti-Freeze" Food Additive

If you buy Breyer's or Good Humor ice cream, be on the lookout for a new "anti-freeze" ingredient. It's "ice structuring protein" (ISP) and it's genetically engineered (GE) fish protein.

This new frankenfood ingredient has NOT even been tested for safety. The safety info submitted to the FDA was based upon a different sub-class of GE fish protein.

As is the case with all GE ingredients, you can't tell from the name of the ingredient that it's GE, and you can't tell from the information on the label.

Read the whole story.

Learn more about food additives.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #47

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C A    Cinnamon - see cinnamaldehyde.

* C A    Cinnamon bark extract - may cause skin rashes.

* C A    Cinnamon bark oil - may cause skin rashes.

* C    Citral - 9; interferes with wound healing.

* S A    Citric acid - 1, 7, 27, 44; may erode tooth enamel; may be corn based; may contain free glutamates.

X A    Citrus Red No. 2 - see FD&C Citrus Red No. 2.

Note: The codes *, S, C, X, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #46

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* S    Choline chloride - a vitamin; see nutrient additives.

* C    Chondrus extract - 46; see carrageenan.

C A    Cinnamal - see cinnamaldehyde.

* C A    Cinnamaldehyde - 9; may cause gastrointestinal irritation; irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

* C A    Cinnamic aldehyde - 9; see cinnamaldehyde.

Note: The codes *, S, C, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #45

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S    Cellulose - plant fiber

* C A    Cellulose gum - see carboxymethylcellulose.

C    Chlorine dioxide - 13, 34; suspected carcinogen.

S    Cholecalciferol - vitamin D3; see nutrient additives.

* S    Choline bitartrate - a vitamin; see nutrient additives.

Note: The codes *, S, C, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

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* C A    Cassia oil - 9; can cause upper respiratory irritation.

C A    Castor oil - 9; large amounts may cause pelvic congestion and induce abortion.

C    Cayenne pepper - see capsicum.

X    Cedar - 27; see camphor oil.

C    Cedar leaf oil - may cause reproductive failure, sensitivity to light.

X    Cedar wood oil - 27; see camphor oil.

Note: The codes *, C, A, X, are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #43

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C    Carvacrol - 9; essential oil; oregano oil; antimicrobial; therapeutic in very small amounts; large amounts are corrosive and harmful if swallowed or inhaled and destructive of skin and mucous membranes; can cause circulatory/respiratory depression, heart failure; do not use if pregnant or nursing.

* C    Carvol - 9, 47; see d-carvone.

* C    d-carvone - 9; may be toxic in large amounts.

* C    l-carvone - 9; see d-carvone.

* C A    Casein - 36, 50, 51; harmful to anyone with milk allergies; may contain traces of LAL, a chemical of questionable safety.

C A    Caseinates - cause kidney damage in rats.


Note: The codes *, C, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

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o C A     Carmine - 38; may cause hives, life-threatening allergic reactions; not adequately tested.

* C      Carnauba wax - 29; not adequately tested.

* C A      Carob bean gum - 18, 51; not adequately tested.

* S      Carotene - 38; see beta carotene.

C      Carrageenan - 19, 46, 51; undegraded carrageenan has not caused cancer in test animals; degraded carrageenan has caused cancer in rats; inadequate information to determine carcinogenicity in humans; product labels do not distinguish between degraded and undegraded carrageenan; possible carcinogen; may contain free glutamates; should not be given to infants; see MSG; on FDA list for further study.

Note: The codes *, o, S, C, A, are defined in Excerpt #3

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FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C    Capsicum - may cause gastrointestinal upset.

* C    Caramel - 27, 38; may be processed with caustic chemicals, sulfites or ammonia; on FDA list to be tested for teratogenic, mutagenic and reproductive effects; suspected carcinogen; may cause inflammation of the tongue, scalp lesions, dandruff, hair loss.

* C    Caramel color – see caramel.

C    Caramel color III – processed with ammonia; causes reduced white blood count in lab animals and decreased immune functon.

C A    Carbohydrate gum – resins derived from the bark of plants; see acacia gum, guar gum, gum ghatti, gum karaya, gum tragacanth.

* S    Carbon dioxide - 41.

* C A    Carboxymethylcellulose - 4, 17, 19, 32, 46, 50, 51; causes cancer in animals; mild irritant to eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

Note: The codes *, S, C, A are defined in Excerpt #3

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X A    Camphor oil - 27; has caused fetal death in pregnant women; toxic effects in adults.

* S    Candelilla wax - 29.

X    Canola oil – toxic; genetically engineered from rapeseed oil; processed at extremely high temperatures; depletes body stores of vitamin E; contains trans fats; caused kidney, heart, thyroid and adrenal problems in lab animals; depresses the immune system; blocks enzyme function; no studies done on humans for safety.

o C    Canthaxanthin - 38; not adequately tested.

C    Caprenin - 21; not adequately tested.

* S    Caprylic acid - 9.

Note: The codes *, o, S, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #39

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* S    Calcium pyrophosphate - see nutrient additives.

* C    Calcium silicate - 4; may cause kidney problems, possibility of asbestos contamination.

C    Calcium sodium EDTA - 7, 44; see EDTA.

* C    Calcium sorbate - 6, 40; see sorbic acid.

* C A    Calcium stearate - 4; may be corn, peanut, soy based; may be derived from hydrogenated oils.

C A    Calcium stearoyl lactylate - 18, 19, 46; may be corn, milk, peanut, soy based; may be derived from hydrogenated oils.

* C    Calcium sulfate - 18, 34; may constipate; can kill rodents; see nutrient additives.

Note: The codes *, S, C, A are defined in Excerpt #3

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FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C A    Calcium lactate - 3, 14, 23, 52; may cause cardiac or gastrointestinal disturbances; may be corn or milk based; see nutrient additives.

* S    Calcium oxide - 1, 18, 52; skin, mucous membrane irritant; see nutrient additives.

* S    Calcium pantothenate - vitamin B5; see nutrient additives.

C    Calcium peroxide - 13, 18; not adequately tested.

* C    Calcium phosphate - 13, 18, 50; see nutrient additives; may reduce mineral absorption; may cause kidney damage.

* C A    Calcium propionate – 6, 40; can trigger behavioral changes.


Note: The codes *, S, C, A are defined in Excerpt #3

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FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

S A    Calcium fumarate - 1; may contain corn.

* C A    Calcium gluconate - 14, 23, 26, 44; may cause gastrointestinal upset, heart problems; may be corn sugar based.

* S    Calcium glycerophosphate - see nutrient additives.

* C    Calcium hexametaphosphate - 19, 44, 50; see calcium phosphate.

* C    Calcium hydroxide - 23; lye, skin irritant.

* C1A    Calcium iodate - 17, 18; caution if thyroid problems.

Note: The codes *, S, C, C1, A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

What You Need to Know About Codex Alimentarius

This video is the best explanation I've seen and heard about Codex Alimentarius. It's a little long, but I recommend you take the time and watch it to the end.

View Video

Please take action. Sign the petition. YOUR HEALTH IS AT STAKE!

Contaminant in OTC Medications Linked to 34 Deaths

Diethylene glycol "which is used to keep glue and cosmetics moist" is being blamed for 34 deaths in Panama. It has contaminated over-the-counter medications like cough syrup and antihistamine tablets and skin remedies, like calamine lotion and rash ointments.

Diethylene glycol is one of many harmful ingredients that are commonly used in products we consume or put on our skin. The industry typically has downplayed the adverse effects of these types of ingredients, saying there is no cause for concern, or that they're used in such small quantities that they're safe.

The truth of the matter is that there are a lot of ingredients that are being used in our foods and personal care products that should not be used. There IS cause for concern. The industry's not going to take them out, because they deny that they're harmful. That is, unless, consumers stop buying products containing the unsafe ingredients.

If you don't know what's harmful and what's safe, you can find out in Food Additives: A Shopper's Guide To What's Safe & What's Not. With that information, you'll be armed to read labels and know which ingredients should and should not be in the foods and healthcare products you consume.

You vote with your dollars. When enough people stop using the products with the harmful ingredients, the industry will have to change and start producing products with safe and healthy ingredients. But as long as you continue to buy the products with the questionable and harmful ingredients, they'll continue to make them.

If you haven't started reading labels and checking to see if the ingredients are safe or not, now is the time to do so! Your health and your family's health is at stake.

If you're not a chemist and you don't know what to look for, all the information you need to decipher the chemical gobbledy-gook on the ingredients label is the the book, Food Additives: A Shopper's Guide... Food Additives also has a sibling for deciphering personal care product and cosmetic labels, Dying To Look Good.

Now is the time to take charge of your health. These two books make it really easy to get started.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #36

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C A    Calcium caseinate - 50; may contain free glutamates; see casein, MSG.

* C    Calcium chloride - 23; see nutrient additives; may cause heart problems, gastrointestinal upset.

* S A    Calcium citrate - 14, 18, 44; may interfere with results of medical lab tests, see nutrient additives; may be corn based.

* C    Calcium diacetate - 44; low oral toxicity.

C A    Calcium disodium EDTA - 7, 44; see EDTA.

C    Calcium formate - may cause urinary tract problems.


Note: The codes *, X, C, A are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #35

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* C    Calcium acetate - 44; low oral toxicity.

* C1    Calcium alginate - 50; see alginates.

* S A    Calcium ascorbate - 7; see ascorbic acid.

C A    Calcium benzoate - see benzoate of soda.

C    Calcium bromate - 34; see potassium bromate.

* S    Calcium carbonate - 2, 24, 39, 52; see nutrient additives; may constipate.


Note: The codes *, X, C, A are defined in Excerpt #3

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FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* X A    Butylated hydroxytoluene - see BHT.

C    Butylparaben - 6, 40, aspirin sensitive should
avoid, not adequately tested.

C    Butyraldehyde - 9; ingredient in rubber cement.

C    Butyric acid - 27; see butanoic acid.

X A    BVO - see brominated vegetable oil.

* C    Caffeine - 47; psychoactive, addictive drug; may
cause headaches, irritability, fertility problems, increases risk of miscarriage, birth defects, heart disease, depression, nervousness, behavioral changes, insomnia, etc., inhibits fetal growth.


Note: The codes *, X, C, A are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #33

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C    Broth – see free glutamates.

* C    Brown algae - Possible mercury contamination; avoid during pregnancy; not adequately tested.

S    Brown rice syrup - 49; 1 Tbsp. contains 5 grams of sugars; better tolerated by people with blood sugar disorders, all sweeteners are best avoided, see sucrose.

C    Butane - 41; see isobutane.

* C    Butanoic acid - 27; has caused cancer in animals.

C    Butyl acetate - 9; may cause eye irritation; see benzaldehyde.

C    1,3 butylene glycol - 24, 32; may cause gastrointestinal upset, nervous system disorders.

* X A    Butylated hydroxyanisole - see BHA.

Note: The codes *, X, C, S, A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Learn more about food additives.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #32

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C     Biphenyl - may cause nausea, vomiting, eye, nose irritation.

X A    Blue No. 1 - see FD&C Blue No. 1.

X A    Blue No. 2 - see FD&C Blue No. 2.

X    Boric acid - highly toxic; ingestion and topical application have caused poisoning.

C    Borneol - 27; may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness, convulsions.

X    Bromated flour – see potassium bromate.

X A    Brominated vegetable oil - 19, 24; has caused death in lab animals; stored in body fat; linked to major organ system damage, birth defects, growth problems; on FDA suspect list; banned in Belgium, Sweden and Great Britain.

Note: The codes *, X, C, S, A are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #31

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* S     Beta Carotene - 38; precursor to vitamin A; see
nutrient additives.

S      Beta glucans – acomponent of cellulose.

* X A      BHA - 7, 40; 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      BHT - 7; see BHA; banned in England.

C      Blackstrap molasses - 49; 1 Tbsp. contains 11-15
grams of sugars; contains small amounts of
minerals, but is still 65% sucrose.

* S      Biotin - B vitamin; see nutrient additives.

Note: The codes *, X, C, S, A are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #30

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C    Benzyl acetate - 27; may cause gastrointestinal
upset.

C    Benzyl acetoacetate - 27; see benzyl acetate.

C    Benzyl alcohol - 9; may cause diarrhea,
vomiting; see benzaldehyde.

C    Benzyl ethyl ether - 27; narcotic in large
amounts.

C    Benzyl formate - 27; narcotic in large amounts.

C    Bergamot - 27; may cause sensitivity to light.

Note: The codes *, C, S, A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

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FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C     Bentonite - 51; see aluminum silicate.

* C     Benzaldehyde - 9; may cause central nervous system depression, decreased sex drive, immune system stress.

* C A     Benzoate of soda - 40; can cause skin rashes, gastrointestinal upset, hyperactivity in children, neurological disorders; has caused birth defects in lab animals; moderately toxic if swallowed; those with asthma or liver problems should avoid.

* C A     Benzoic acid - 6, 40, see benzoate of soda.

* C     Benzoic aldehyde - 9; see benzaldehyde.

* C     Benzoyl peroxide - 13, 18; destroys vitamin A,
C, E, may cause skin rashes.

Note: The codes *, C, S, A are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #28

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C     Banana oil - see amyl acetate.

C      Barbados molasses - 49; see sucrose.

C      Barley malt - 49; 1 Tbsp. contains 6 grams of
sugar; better tolerated by people with blood
sugar disorders, all sweeteners best avoided, may
contain free glutamates; see sucrose, MSG.

* S A      Beeswax - 19, 27, 29.

o S      Beet powder – 38.

Note: The codes *, o, C, S, A are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #27

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

X A    Azo dyes - 10; may cause gastrointestinal distress, nausea, hay fever, itching, high blood pressure; see artificial color....

C    Azodicarbonamide - 34; not adequately tested.

S    Azulene - naturally occuring plant compound found in chamomile tea.

S    Bakers yeast glycan - 19, 46, 51.

S    Bakers yeast protein - 33.

C A    Baking powder - 18, may contain corn; double acting may contain aluminum.

* C    Baking soda - see sodium bicarbonate.


Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #26

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

SA      Ascorbates - 7; may be corn based; see ascorbic acid.

* S A      Ascorbic acid - 1, 7; synthetic vitamin C; see nutrient additives; can enhance mineral absorption, can inhibit nitrosamine formation; may be corn based.

* S      Ascorbyl palmitate - 7, see ascorbic acid.

X      Aspartame - 11; may cause brain damage in phenylketonurics; may cause central nervous system disturbances, menstrual difficulties; may affect brain development in unborn fetus.

C      Aspergillus oryzae - 29; may be carcinogenic.

Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #25

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S    Annatto - 27, 38.

C A    Arabinogalactan - 12, 19, 46, 51; not adequately
tested.

S    Arrowroot – no known toxicity.

X    Artemisia - 27; may cause headaches, nervous
system irritation, gastrointestinal distress, coma,
death in large amounts.

X A    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.

C A    Artificial flavoring – may contain MSG or HVP; may cause reproductive disorders, developmental problems; not adequately tested.

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

Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #24

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C   Amyl acetate - 27; may cause central nervous
system depression, headaches, fatigue, mucous
membrane irritation.

X   Amyl alcohol - 27; highly toxic, has caused
deaths.

C A   Amylases – 18; may be soy based, genetically
modified.

* C A   Anethole - 9; may cause mouth ulcers, burning
sensation in mouth.

* C A   Angelica - may cause sensitivity to light.

C   Animal or vegetable shortening - associated with
heart disease, hardening of the arteries, elevated
cholesterol levels.

Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

The numbers after the additive name are defined on page 8-11 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #23

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C    Amasake - 49; may contain aspergillus oryzae, a
suspected carcinogen.

X A    Ammonia - corrosive; toxic if inhaled; eye and mucous membrane irritant; can burn eyes and skin; can cause permanent damage; may cause mouth ulcers, nausea, kidney, liver problems.

* C    Ammonium alginate - see ammonia, alginates.

* C    Ammonium bicarbonate - 33; may cause
gastrointestinal distress; see ammonia.

* C    Ammonium carbonate - see ammonia.

C    Ammonium carrageenan - see ammonia,
carrageenan.

C A    Ammonium caseinate - 50; see ammonia,
casein.

* X    Ammonium chloride - may cause gastrointestinal
distress; toxic if ingested in large amounts; may cause irreversible damage; see ammonia.

* C    Ammonium citrate - 23, 26, 44; see ammonia.

* X A    Ammonium glutamate - 26; see ammonia,
MSG.

C    Ammonium hydrogen carbonate - ammonium
bicarbonate; see ammonia.

* C    Ammonium hydroxide - see ammonia.

* C    Ammonium isovalerate - see ammonia.

* C    Ammonium phosphate - see ammonia
phosphates.

* C    Ammonium sulfate - 18; see ammonia.

X A    Ammonium sulfite - 7, 40; see sodium bisulfite.


Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #22

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C    Aluminum - may be associated with senility,
memory problems, kidney problems,
neurological problems, mouth ulcers, mineral
malabsorption; not adequately tested.

* C    Aluminum ammonium sulfate - 4; may cause
vomiting; see aluminum, ammonium.

* C    Aluminum calcium silicate - 4; see aluminum.

C    Aluminum chloride - see aluminum.

* C    Aluminum hydroxide - 33; may cause
constipation; see aluminum.

C    Aluminum nicotinate - may cause
gastrointestinal distress; see aluminum, niacin.

* C    Aluminum potassium sulfate - may cause
gastrointestinal distress; see aluminum.

* C    Aluminum silicate - 51; has caused death in lab
animals; see aluminum.

* C    Aluminum sodium sulfate - see aluminum.

* C    Aluminum sulfate - see aluminum.


Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #21

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

* C     Almond oil - 27; very toxic if not distilled to
remove hydrocyanic acid; nontoxic if distilled.

C     Aloe extract - may cause gastrointestinal distress,
kidney problems.

* S A     Alpha tocopherol - vitamin E; may be corn,
peanut, soy based; see alpha tocopherol acetate.

S     Alpha tocopherol acetate - vitamin E; large doses
may be harmful if high blood pressure; see
nutrient additives.

C     Alum - see aluminum.


Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #20

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

X A   Alkyl gallate - may cause liver problems.

C   Alkyl sulfates - may cause skin rashes.

* S   Allspice - 27.

* C   Allyl isothiocyanate - 27; toxic; may cause skin
problems.

C A   Allyl sulfide - may cause breathing difficulty,
kidney, liver problems.


Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #19

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

S A    Albumins - 46, 50, 51; may be egg, milk based.

* S    Alfalfa - 27.

* C1    Alginates - 17, 28, 46, 50; possible pregnancy
complications.

* C1    Alginic acid - 5, 46; may cause birth defects.

C    Alitame – 11; related to aspartame; not
adequately tested; awaiting approval.

Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #18

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C A    Acetylated mono- and diglycerides - 19, see
mono- & diglycerides.

* S    Aconitic acid - 27.

* S    Adiptic acid - 1, 27, 40.

* C A    Agar-agar - 17, 32, 46, 51; may cause flatulence,
bloating; may have laxative effect.

C    Aguamiel - 49; derived from cactus; use sparingly.

Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #17

FOOD ADDITIVES Continued...

C   Acetate - 27; may cause stomach irritation in
large amounts.

* C   Acetic acid - 1, 27; may cause gastrointestinal
distress, skin rashes, eye irritation.

* S   Acetoin - 27.

C   Acetone peroxide - 13, 34, not adequately tested.

* S   Acetyl methylcarbinol - 27.

Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #16

FOOD ADDITIVES

* C A     Acacia gum - 17, 19, 46; may cause skin rashes;
not adequately tested.

X     Acesulfame-K - 11, "Sunette"; may cause low
blood sugar attacks; causes cancer, elevated
cholesterol in lab animals; not adequately tested.

X     Acesulfame-potassium - same as acesulfame-K.

C A     Acetal - may cause breathing difficulty, heart
problems, high blood pressure; central nervous
system depressant.

* C     Acetaldehyde - 9; irritant to mucous membranes,
central nervous system depressant, large doses
may cause death.

Note: The codes *, C, A, X are defined in Excerpt #3

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Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #15

HOW TO IDENTIFY GENETICALLY MODIFIED PRODUCE Continued ...

If the number is:

4 digits it's conventionally grown.
5 digits starting with 9 it's organically grown.
5 digits starting with 8 it's genetically modified

At this time, there is no way of knowing if the ingredients in packaged or canned foods have been genetically modified, unless they're organic. Organically grown foods are not genetically modified.

Learn more about food additives.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #14

HOW TO IDENTIFY GENETICALLY MODIFIED PRODUCE

If you’re eating non-organically grown food, you’re probably eating some genetically modified food without even knowing it. Genetically modified food has been on the marketplace for some time now. It’s not labeled and it doesn’t appear that labeling will be required anytime in the near future.

You can, however, tell if the fresh fruits and vegetables you buy have been genetically modified by those irritating little stickers that they put on the produce...

Details next time...

Have all this information right at your disposal - all the time. Get your own copy of FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Answer to the Splenda Quiz

Answer: added chlorine.

Beware, Splenda is not benign as the manufacturer says it is. There is evidence that it can do harm.

Splenda is one of a group of artificial sweeteners that really should be avoided because of the danger of adverse effects on your health.

Learn more about the harmful effects of food additives.

Learn more about healthy eating.

Splenda Quiz

What did the manufacturer of Splenda do to sugar to get Splenda?

Answer tomorrow, or find the answer here.

Hidden Souces of MSG

• infant formula
  
• baby food
  
• low fat and no-fat milk
  
• candy
  
• chewing gum
  
• drinks
  
• kosher food
  
• protein bars
  
• protein powder
  
• protein drinks recommended for seniors
  
• most processed foods
  
• wine
  
• waxes applied to fresh fruits and vegetables
  
• over-the-counter medications, especially children's
  
• binders and fillers for nutritional supplements
  
• prescription and non-prescription drugs
  
• IV fluids given in hospitals
  
• chicken pox vaccine
  
• live virus vaccines
  
• nasal spray flu vaccine
  
• pesticides, fungicides and feritlizers
  
• sprayed on growing fruits and vegetables as a growth enhancer (AuxiGro)

Learn how to keep MSG out of your food and to protect yourself from other harmful food additives.

Rich Chocolaty Ovaltine

Ive been hearing a lot of advertisements on the radio lately about Rich Chocolaty Ovaltine and how it's so healthy a treat for your kids. This is just another example of food industry propaganda and misinformation.

I'm sure they base their claim of nutritious on the synthetic vitamins and minerals they add. However, what they don't tell you is that the first ingredient in Rich Chocolaty Ovaltine is sugar. It also contains: carrageenan, mono- and diglycerides, artificial flavor and artificial colors yellow no. 6, red 40 and blue 1.

Carrageenan may be a source of hidden MSG. It may also be a potential carcinogen, but not enough information is available to make that determination. It should not be given to infants.

Mono- and diglycerides are hydrogenated oils. Need I say more.

Artificial flavor may be a source of hidden MSG.

Artificial colors may be carcinogenic. Most are derived from coal tar which is a known carcinogen. Yellow no. 6, red 40 and blue 1 are all derived from coal tar.

Ovaltine has 80 calories per serving, excluding the liquid. There are 18 grams of sugar in one serving, which is equivalent to 72 calories from sugar. So 90% of the calories in one serving of Ovaltine is from sugar!

If you don't understand where I'm getting these numbers from, go back to Excerpts from Food Additives...#10, #11 and #12. It's explained there.

You get all this information about food additives and more in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide ... Why not get your copy today and start protecting your family from the blatant untruths that are being fed to the consumer every day.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #13

Buying a packaged product in a health food store does not guarantee that it will be free of harmful additives. The only way to be sure there are no harmful additives in the food you buy is to read every label of every package and buy fresh, whole organic foods whenever possible.

Learn how to read and interpret labels so you know for sure that the food you buy is safe.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #12

Continued from Excerpts ... #11


The example is summarized below.

	grams	calories	percent
Fat	7	63	51%
Protein	2	8	7%
carbohydrate (total)     sugar     other	13 12 1	52 48 4	42% 39% 3%

Have this information and more at your fingertips when you need it.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #11

Continued from Excerpts ... #10

To get the number of teaspoons of sugar in the snack, divide 12 grams of sugar in the snack by 4, to get 3 teaspoons of sugar.

12 grams of sugar = 3 teaspoons of sugar
4 grams per teaspoon

Next time I'll summarize the results in a table so you can get the whole picture about what's in this snack. The results are on page 16 in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #10

Let's take an example of a 123 calorie snack with 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein and 13 grams of carbohydrate of which 12 grams of the carbohydrate is sugar.

To get fat calories, multiply 9x7=63 calories from fat.
To get percentage of fat, divide 63 fat calories by 123 snack calories to get 51% fat.

Use the same procedure for protein and carbohydrate, using 4 calories per gram instead of 9.

Tomorrow I'll do the calculations for the number of teaspoons of sugar in this snack. Why not try to figure it out now, then come back tomorrow and check your answer.

Better yet, get your own copy of FOOD ADDITIVES and have all this information at your fingertips right when you need it!

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #9

Nutrition Facts give you information on calories, and grams of fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sugars, and protein in each serving. Here's some useful conversions to help you use and understand this information better.

1 gram of fat = approximately 9 calories.
1 gram of protein = approximately 4 calories.
1 gram of carbohydrate = approximately 4 calories.
4 grams of sugar = 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Tomorrow I'll give you an example of how to use this for your benefit.

Now is the time to protect your health by making healthy food choices. Why not get your own convenient, pocket-sized copy of FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide ... and keep it with you when you shop so you can be sure you're making safe and healthy food-buying choices.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #8

Here's a general rule of thumb: If the list of ingredients is long, there's probably a lot of chemical additives in the product, and you're risking your health by eating it. If the list of ingredients is short, it may or may not have harmful additives in it, so read the ingredients carefully before you decide to purchase the product.

You can learn which ingredients are harmful and which are safe in FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's guide....

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #7

Ingredients are listed on the label in order of predominance by weight ... the ingredient that weighs the most is listed first, the ingredient that weighs the least is listed last.

Start protecting your family now from harmful ingredients in packaged fooods.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #6

How To Read Labels

Finding the ingredients on the label and being able to read them can be a challenge. They are often hidden under a flap of packaging material in very tiny print, barely readable without a magnifying glass.

Often the package has statements like "NATURAL FRUIT FLAVORS, with Real Fruit Juice," or ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS and NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED. This DOES NOT mean there are no harmful additives in the product. The manufacturer hopes you'll think these are healthy, natural products, but if you read the list of ingredients and compare each additive with the additives listed in this book, you'll see it's not true.

Find out how to get your copy and start reading labels now.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide...#5

Some of the additives are followed by a number or series of numbers. These numbers represent a code for the uses of the additives. These codes are listed on pages 8-11.

The additive listing may also include some of the adverse effects that may be associated with consumption of the additive, and if the additive has not been adequately tested.

FOOD ADDITIVES (sample listing)

X     Acesulfame-K - 11, "Sunette"; may cause low blood sugar attacks; causes cancer, elevated cholesterol in lab animals; not adequately tested.

Sample of codes listed on pages 8-11.
11. artificial sweetener - used in processed foods.

Note X is defined in Excerpts ... #3

Get your copy of FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... and start protecting your family from the scourge of harmful ingredients in common foods.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #4

The GRAS classification of safety by the FDA does not guarantee that the additive is safe. The FDA evaluates additives based upon their ability to cause cancer and harmful reproductive effects, generally ignoring other harmful outcomes. In addition, a number of formerly GRAS additives have been removed from the GRAS list after they were found to be harmful. It is virtually certain that some additives in common use now, and considered to be safe, will one day be banned.

Learn how to protect your family from harmful food additives.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #3

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

The codes below are to the left of each additive and indicate the safety of the additive.

*         GRAS - Generally Recognized As Safe by the FDA

o         FDA Approved colorant

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

A         The additive may cause allergic reactions.

C         Caution is advised. The additive may be unsafe, poorly tested, or used in foods we eat too much of.

C1       Caution is advised for certain groups in the population, such as pregnant women, infants, persons with high blood pressure, kidney problems, etc.

X         The additive is unsafe or very poorly tested.

Get your copy of FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide ... and make sure the food you buy doesn't contain harmful ingredients that can make you sick.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #2

Even if all of the food additives used in our foods were safe individually, rarely does any food have only one additive in it. Testing for additive safety has been done for individual additives, not for combinations of additives. Additives that are safe individually may be harmful in certain combinations. Nobody knows the effects of the many different additives used in the thousands of different combinations.

This book lists 800 of the most common food additives. Each additive is preceeded by a code representing it's safety and the advisability of its use. The code indicates if the additive is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, and an evaluation of its safety and advisability of its use, independent of the FDA evaluation. The codes are listed on page 7 under HOW TO USE THIS BOOK.

Excerpts from FOOD ADDITIVES: A Shopper's Guide... #1

This book will guide you when you're shopping to help you make informed choices about the foods you buy. It's purposely small so you can carry it in your pocket or purse.

There are more than 3000 different chemicals that are purposefully added to our food supply. The testing for the safety of these chemicals is generally done by the company that wants to produce the chemicals or to use the chemical additives in the foods they produce. The Delaney Clause of the 1958 Food Additives Amendment states that any additives shown to cause cancer in humans or animals are not permitted to be added to our food. However, political pressure has caused the FDA to relax these standards and allow small amounts of cancer-causing substances to be used in foods.

Learn more about food additives.