FOOD ADDITIVES Misc Information Organic Foods Pesticides Artificial

FOOD ADDITIVES Misc Information Organic Foods Pesticides Artificial Sweeteners MSG Preservatives

§ Food additives used in the U. S. are strictly controlled and pose little cause for concern § Incidental food additives are not common § BHT protects fruits and vegetables from browning caused by exposure to oxygen

§ Contaminants are not intentionally used in or on foods. § GRAS stands for “generally recognized as safe” § It includes a list of food additives believed to be safe § To control the safety of additives in food the FDA has rules manufacturers must follow which include submitting proof that a new additive is safe after numerous tests.

§ The artificial fat OLESTRA passes through the digestive track undigested § It is fortified with Vitamin E

Organic Food Are foods meeting strict USDA production regulations for organic including: Not using synthetic pesticides, herbicides fertilizers, drugs and preservatives, and produced without genetic engineering or irradiation.

Organic does not mean pesticide-free, however they typically have lower levels than conventionally grown foods. § Purchasing organic fruits and vegetables rather than conventionally grown foods do not harm the environment. § Animals are raised in natural surroundings with access to outdoors.

§ Individuals that purchase organic food should: § Cook the food properly § Wash raw produce vigorously

Pesticides § Chemicals used to control insects, disease, weeds, fungi, and other animals. § To reduce your intake of pesticides residues you should: § Trim the fat from meat § Discard the outer layer of cabbage

§ Most pesticides can be removed by washing foods thoroughly.

§ Artificial sweeteners § Current evidence indicates that moderate intakes of artificial sweeteners pose no health risks. § An example of an artificial sweetener that is made from sucrose is suralose.

MSG § Monosodium Glutamate is a flavor enhancer § Is widely used in Asian restaurants § Can cause symptoms such as burning and flushing of the skin and headache

Preservatives § Examples of microbial agents are salt and sugar § Nitrites are added to foods to inhibit rancidity and preserve color § Nitrosamines have been know to cause cancer in animals § Nitrites are commonly found in hot dogs and ham

§ Vitamin C and acetic acid are good preservatives

DYES § Only 10 synthetic color additives are approved by the FDA for use in foods § Coloring agents are allowed no marginal risk