10 Questionable Food Additives & Safer Alternatives

The US announced that they are eliminating the approval of additives and chemicals in food products that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).  This got me thinking about what is happening here in Canada, so I did a little research. 

In Canada, the safety of food additives and chemicals used in food production is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and overseen by Health Canada. The system involves a scientific risk assessment and regulatory approval process before any additive or chemical can be used in food production. This is a summary from ChatGPT, so I'd love to hear any feedback from those working directly in this industry!  I've added some links for more clarity or if you want to dig deeper.  Here’s how it works:

1. Pre-Market Approval Process

Before a food additive or chemical can be used, the manufacturer must submit a detailed safety assessment to Health Canada. This includes:

• Toxicological data: Studies on potential health risks, including long-term effects.
• Dietary exposure assessment: How much of the substance consumers might be exposed to through food.
• International evaluations: Consideration of approvals by organizations like the Codex Alimentarius Commission, U.S. FDA, and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Ensuring it is only used in necessary amounts.

LINK To Health Canada's Food Additives Overview

2. Scientific Risk Assessment

Health Canada’s Food Directorate conducts a risk assessment, which follows guidelines from international bodies such as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). Key factors considered:

• Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
• Potential carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive effects
• Accumulation in the body over time

3. Regulatory Approval & Food Additive Tables

If an additive is deemed safe, it is added to Canada’s List of Permitted Food Additives, specifying:

• Approved food categories
• Maximum allowable levels
• Any required conditions for use

Here's the link to the Lists of Permitted Food Additives.  There are 15 categories of additives.

4. Post-Market Monitoring & Re-Evaluation

Even after approval, Health Canada continuously monitors new research and real-world data. If new risks are identified, regulations may be updated or the additive may be banned.

5. Additional Oversight

• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ensures compliance with food safety standards during production and distribution.
• Consumer reports, scientific studies, and international policy changes influence ongoing regulatory decisions.

This process ensures that any chemical or additive used in food production meets strict safety and scientific standards before it reaches consumers. 

This sounds great, and if I didn't know better, and understand that although some of the research has proven ingredients to be safe, other research has shown it to be harmful.  Science is a process of trying to prove the truths, or more accurately trying to disprove theories and hypothesis that are believed to be accurate. If it can't be disproven, then it must be truth.  Next, I asked Chat GPT for some questionable food additives, and how would I know if they are in my food, and here's what I learned: 

10 Questionable Food Additives & Safer Alternatives

1. Artificial Colors (e.g., Tartrazine, Red 40, Allura Red AC)

• Concerns: Linked to hyperactivity in children, potential carcinogenic effects in animals, and allergies in sensitive individuals.
• How to Spot It: Labeled as Tartrazine (Yellow 5), Allura Red (Red 40), Sunset Yellow (Yellow 6), Brilliant Blue (Blue 1), etc.
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Natural colorings like beet juice, turmeric, spirulina, annatto, and paprika extract.

2. Aspartame & Other Artificial Sweeteners (e.g., Sucralose, Acesulfame-K)

• Concerns: Potential links to gut microbiome disruption, metabolic changes, and increased cravings for sweets. Some studies raise concerns about a possible cancer link.
• How to Spot It: Found in diet sodas, sugar-free products, and gum as Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium (Acesulfame-K), Saccharin.
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Stevia, monk fruit, erythritol (in moderation), raw honey, or maple syrup.

3. Sodium Nitrates & Nitrites (Used in Processed Meats)

• Concerns: Can form nitrosamines, compounds linked to an increased risk of cancer (especially colorectal cancer).
• How to Spot It: Common in bacon, hot dogs, deli meats, and jerky as Sodium Nitrite, Potassium Nitrite.
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Look for nitrate-free or uncured meats that use natural preservatives like celery powder or sea salt.

4. BHA & BHT (Preservatives in Processed Foods & Cereals)

• Concerns: Possible endocrine disruptors, linked to hormone imbalance and tumor formation in animal studies.
• How to Spot It: Found in cereals, chips, gum, and packaged baked goods as Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT).
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Vitamin E (tocopherols), rosemary extract, or ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as natural preservatives.

5. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) & Hidden Glutamates

• Concerns: Some people report headaches, nausea, and neurological symptoms after consuming MSG.
• How to Spot It: Found in soups, snack foods, frozen meals, and restaurant dishes as MSG, Monosodium Glutamate, Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Protein, Textured Protein, or Autolyzed Yeast.
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Use herbs, sea salt, nutritional yeast, tamari, or miso to enhance flavor naturally.

6. Carrageenan (Used as a Thickener in Dairy Alternatives)

• Concerns: Some studies suggest it may cause gut inflammation and digestive discomfort.
• How to Spot It: Found in plant-based milk, ice cream, and processed dairy as Carrageenan.
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Look for gums like guar gum, locust bean gum, or just simple, whole ingredients (e.g., almond milk with just almonds, water, and salt).

7. Propyl Paraben (Preservative in Packaged Baked Goods & Snacks)

• Concerns: Possible endocrine disruptor that mimics estrogen, potentially affecting hormonal balance.
• How to Spot It: Found in packaged baked goods, tortillas, and processed snacks as Propyl Paraben.
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Choose products with natural preservatives like vinegar, lemon juice, or ascorbic acid (Vitamin C).

8. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) & Artificial Sweeteners in Sodas

• Concerns: Contributes to insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and obesity due to its rapid metabolism by the liver.
• How to Spot It: Found in sodas, candy, flavored yogurts, bread, and condiments as High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), Corn Syrup, Fructose, or Glucose-Fructose Syrup.
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Look for 100% fruit-sweetened products, raw honey, or maple syrup in moderation.

9. Potassium Bromate (Dough Conditioner in Bread & Baked Goods)

• Concerns: Banned in Europe, Canada, and China due to its potential to cause cancer in animal studies.
• How to Spot It: Found in some commercially baked bread, bagels, and pizza dough as Potassium Bromate.
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Choose organic or unbleached flour-based breads or look for baking soda, sourdough fermentation, or ascorbic acid instead.

10. Titanium Dioxide (Used as a Whitening Agent in Processed Foods)

• Concerns: May cause DNA damage and inflammation, leading to concerns about long-term toxicity.
• How to Spot It: Found in candy, chewing gum, powdered donuts, and some dairy products as Titanium Dioxide (E171).
• ✅ Safer Alternative: Opt for natural alternatives like calcium carbonate or rice starch, and choose minimally processed foods.

How to Identify These Additives on Food Labels

1. Check the Ingredient List – Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight (the most abundant ones come first).
2. Look for Chemical Names or E-Numbers – Some additives appear as E-numbers (e.g., E621 for MSG, E171 for Titanium Dioxide).
3. Be Aware of Hidden Names – Some additives are disguised with different terms (e.g., MSG as Yeast Extract).
4. Choose "Clean Label" Foods – Look for organic, minimally processed, or "No Artificial Additives" claims.
5. Use a Food Additive Database – Check Health Canada’s List of Permitted Food Additives.

By reading labels carefully and choosing whole, minimally processed foods, you can reduce exposure to questionable additives while still enjoying flavorful, healthy meals.  😊