Food Additives

We picked the following additives to focus on because each are widely used and have strong research backing their links with cancer or other health issues. Each additive on this list also has a safer alternative already in use. By buying these alternatives we can show suppliers we value our health and don’t want proven harmful additives in our food.

Sodium Nitrates/Sodium Nitrites

Nitrates/nitrites are most commonly used in luncheon meats, ham, sausage, bacon and hotdogs to stabilize the red color of the meat and prevent the growth of bacteria. When the nitrates/nitrites are heated or come in contact with stomach acids they are converted to nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are a known to cause cancer. Several studies have linked dietary intake of nitrites/nitrates with various cancers. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has listed this additive as one that should be avoided. Unfortunately, many children are consuming nitrates/nitrites daily and studies show consumption is rising. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed a safe and effective method for preventing bacteria without the use of nitrites/nitrates. Some Companies are now producing products without nitrites/nitrates by purchasing these products we can show the food industry we prefer the safer alternative.


Butylated Hydroxyanisole / Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHA / BHT)

BHT and BHA are antioxidants mostly used in cereals, chewing gum, chips, fats and oils to keep them from going rancid. The CSPI has listed these as additives we should try and avoid because the studies have come back mixed – some showing they are safe while others demonstrating an increase risk of cancer. Residues of BHT occur in human fat. Many companies are using vitamin E as a safer alternative.

Potassium Bromate

Potassium Bromate is a bleaching agent used in flour and used in breads, rolls, and pizza dough as a flour improver. It has been found to cause cancer in animal and human studies. It has been banned virtually worldwide except for the U.S. and Japan. The State of California has it listed on their Proposition 65 list: “chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity”. The CSPI has it listed as an additive to be avoided. Americans are consuming enormous amounts of bleached flour each day. Buying unbleached, unbromated all purpose flour would work just as well.

Propyl Gallate

Propyl Gallate is an antioxidant used in meat products, chicken soup bases, and gum to preserve fats and oils, usually in conjunction with BHA and BHT. Studies suggest it may cause cancer. It is listed with the CSPI as an additive to be avoided.

Sulfur Dioxide/Sodium Bisulfite (Sulfites)

Sulfites are used in dried fruits, fried, dried and frozen potatoes, shrimp, wine, and pickled products to prevent discoloration. The CSPI has them listed as additives some people should avoid because they can cause severe allergic reactions in some asthmatics and have been responsible for 12 known deaths. Since our school systems have such a high number of children with asthma we should consider removing sulfites from our schools. There are suppliers who are making the above products without the use of sulfites.

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