The top 12 to avoid
Our food should be nourishing and safe to eat. But more than 10,000 chemicals, some of which are potentially toxic, are allowed in cereal, snacks, meat and many other types of food sold in the U.S. Many of these widely used chemicals are associated with major health harms, including increased risk of cancer, developmental harm and hormone disruption.
By highlighting some of the worst offenders on the market, EWG’s Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Chemicals shows which chemicals in food to avoid.
- Sodium nitrite – is an additive used to preserve meat. When added to processed foods, nitrites are associated with an increased risk of cancer.
- Butylated hydroxyanisole – BHA, is a preservative used in cured meats and other foods. Multiple sources have identified it as a possible human carcinogen.
- Sodium benzoate – is a preservative used mostly in carbonated drinks, fruit juice, salad dressing and fermented foods. When combined with ascorbic acid, citric acid and vitamin C, it has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The reaction between sodium benzoate and any of these three compounds forms benzene, a chemical associated with blood cancer.
- Potassium bromate – is a possible human carcinogen added to flour used in packaged baked goods.
- Propyl paraben – is a preservative used in pastries and some tortillas. It causes developmental and reproductive harm.
- Titanium dioxide – is a color additive used mostly in candy. It may damage DNA.
- Seven artificial dyes – Synthetic food dye can be found in many types of food and beverages. It can affect development and cause behavioral difficulties in children. There are seven dyes that are especially concerning: Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3.
- Aspartame – is an artificial sweetener that can affect the hormones that regulate metabolism and have a negative effect on weight control. It has also been linked to heart disease and increased risk of cancer.
- Butylated hydroxytoluene – BHT, is a preservative found in cereals and other foods. It’s a chemical cousin of BHA and is a possible human carcinogen.
- Azodicarbonamide – ADA, is used as a dough conditioner and strengthener, as well as a bleaching agent in breads and pastries. ADA has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. It may also cause liver and kidney injury and affect the blood and the nervous and respiratory systems.
- Propyl gallate – is a preservative used in vegetable oil, meat products and chewing gum, among other products. It may cause hormone disruption and has been linked to an increased risk of asthma, hyperactivity and even cancer.
- Brominated vegetable oil– BVO, is used to stabilize citrus flavors in sodas and fruity drinks. It can cause neurological and reproductive harm and thyroid toxicity.