Category: Blog
Ingredient Listed on Pepsi Max
Question: My name is Debbie, and I have only got the 2nd edition of The Chemical Maze.There is an ingredient in it that I am unable to find it is Phenylketonurics. As there is no sugar in this soft drink I can only assume it is used as a sweetener. Would you be able to […]
Continue reading Ingredient Listed on Pepsi MaxFood Additive of the Week E621 – MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
Although traditional Asian cuisine had often used seaweed extract, which contains high concentrations of glutamic acid, it was not until 1907 that MSG was isolated by Kikunae Ikeda. MSG was subsequently patented by Ajinomoto Corporation of Japan in 1909.
Continue reading Food Additive of the Week E621 – MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)Talc and its potential link to cancer
Talc, also known as magnesium silicate or 553, is a mineral based product that is used in a wide variety of industries and products from paper and paint, to pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food additives. For most people, the term talc is synonymous with a post-bathing product, also commonly called ‘baby powder’.
Continue reading Talc and its potential link to cancerGenetically modified ingredients may trigger asthma
Health concerns about the use of genetically modified ingredients in the foods we eat are on the rise. For many people, the lack of hard data to say GM is ‘safe’ is enough to be cautious ‚Äì history has already provided many case studies of ingredients considered safe, that in the longer term were deemed […]
Continue reading Genetically modified ingredients may trigger asthmaMSG and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Question: I note that MSG is rated as best avoided and that Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is rated as safe. I am confused about glutamate safety and how it differs between the two additives? Is it not the glutamate component that is dangerous?
Continue reading MSG and Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateSulphur Dioxide (220) the key to bright orange dried apricots
Dried apricots can be a delicious and healthy snack for children but did you know that preservative 220, or sulphur dioxide, is used to maintain their bright orange colour in the drying process? Dried apricots, like many fruits when dried or preserved, tend to darken in colour and apparently we, as consumers, find that unappealing. […]
Continue reading Sulphur Dioxide (220) the key to bright orange dried apricotsDo food additives contribute to obesity?
Whilst research is yet to establish a causal link between obesity and food additives, common sense tells us that there is a link between the two. Most of the calorie-dense, high fat foods that contribute to obesity in individuals are also high in chemical additives, preservatives and artificial everything else.
Continue reading Do food additives contribute to obesity?Naphthalene linked to infant blood disorders and brain damage
Recent research has confirmed that it is not safe to dress babies in clothes that have been stored in naphthalene, a key ingredient in mothballs. Naphthalene is not a banned ingredient in Australia but experts are now calling for any products that use it as an ingredient to be removed from sale.
Continue reading Naphthalene linked to infant blood disorders and brain damageMSG in milk products a hidden ingredient
Reduced-fat milk products may contain MSG. A prepackaged chocolate milk drink (fat free) caught my attention this week. Some would consider this a moderately healthy choice, and most people would not be remotely suspicious that this product could contain something as potentially harmful as MSG. There are many products we know are worth checking for […]
Continue reading MSG in milk products a hidden ingredientHow are food additives classified
Here is a quick and ready reckoner that provides an easy to understand classification system for the food additives used today. 100-199 Colours 200-299 Preservatives and Food Acids 300-399 Antioxidants, Mineral Salts and Food Acids 400-499 Emulsifiers, Humectants, Vegetable Gums and Processing Aids 500-599 Anti Caking Agents, Firming Agents, Stabilisers and Processing Aids 600-899 Flavour […]
Continue reading How are food additives classified