Food Additives: How Do We Detect Harmful Ones?

What are Harmful Food Additives?

Many foods contain food additives to extend shelf life and improve taste, color and texture. Some additives can be harmful to human health and may even be legally banned. So which additives should we avoid and how can we identify if they are harmful?

What are food additives?

Food additives are chemical or natural ingredients added to improve the taste, color, texture and shelf life of food. In the European Union and in Turkey they are usually identified by E codes (e.g. E102 - Tartrazine).

What are the Protection Methods for Consumers?

Here are some ways to recognize harmful additives:

1. Get in the Habit of Reading Labels: Carefully examine the ingredients list of products. Be especially aware of additives with E codes.

2. Food Additives Known to be Harmful: Some additives should be consumed with caution due to health risks:

• Artificial colorants
• E102 (Tartrazine): May cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity.
• E110 (Sunset Yellow): Some studies suggest it may have carcinogenic effects.
• E129 (Allura Red): May cause attention deficit and hyperactivity in children.
• Preservatives
• E211 (Sodium Benzoate): May cause allergic reactions and benzene (a carcinogenic substance) may form when combined with vitamin C.
• E250 & E251 (Sodium Nitrite and Nitrate): Found in processed meats, may increase the risk of cancer when consumed in excess.
• Sweeteners
• Aspartame (E951): May cause adverse effects on the nervous system.
• Cyclamate (E952): Banned in the US, linked to cancer risk.
• Emulsifiers and Thickeners
• E407 (carrageenan): May cause digestive system problems.
• E433 (Polysorbate 80): It can negatively affect the gut microbiota.

3. Prefer Natural Alternatives

• Choose products with beetroot juice, turmeric or spinach extractinstead of artificial colorings.
• Choose fresh and natural foodswithout preservatives.
• Use products with stevia or natural fruit sugarinstead of sweeteners.

4. Choose Products with Reliable Certificates: Products labeled “Organic”, “Non-GMO”, “Preservative Free” usually have safer ingredients.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Food Additive Analysis. You can also consult us on Imitation and Adulteration Analysis.

Contact us for more information.

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