Potassium bromate, titanium dioxide, azodicarbonamide are “ingredients” that we consume daily, but they sound like elements on the periodic table rather than something fit to be in almost all processed foods. The additives above are just a few on the long list of ingredients that are completely banned in other countries. It is unacceptable that the United States refuses to keep these health-threatening carcinogens out of our foods.
While Americans are aware that processed foods are a threat to health and contain risky ingredients, these additives are almost impossible to avoid because of how prevalent they are in the grocery stores. When comparing the goods sold in Europe, it is clear that eliminating ingredients is very possible for these companies. There’s no reason that the same foods sold in the United States and in Europe should have drastically different food labels. If foods can contain just a few simple ingredients, there is no need to add extra preservatives with no proven nutritional value.
According to Harvard Health, food dyes banned in other countries like Switzerland and the United Kingdom are said to increase ADHD and hyperactivity in certain groups of people, especially children. While California has recently placed the first U.S. ban on harmful chemicals, such as potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, propylparaben, and Red Dye No. 3, these additives remain widespread and loosely regulated throughout the country. The chemicals banned under California’s law have three things in common: they have been linked to higher risks of cancer, linked to nervous system damage/behavioral problems and they’ve been banned by regulators in most European countries. There’s a clear concern for certain ingredients by other nations or even certain states, and the government must acknowledge the issue and confirm that our foods can do without additives for the safety of Americans. It’s unfair that citizens of the United States have to be subject to poisons because it is cheaper or more convenient for companies.
Health disturbing additives that other countries shy away from still remain in many of common processed foods. Seed oils for one, have had a lot of negative attention recently as many claim they’re toxic and disease-causing. The oils used in fast foods, in your favorite snacks at the grocery store or the ingredients needed for a boxed cake mix recipe are bad for the health of Americans. However, these negative effects could be mitigated if the oils weren’t ultra processed according to registered dietitian, Julia Zumpano. The production removes a lot of the healthy antioxidants in order to make the oils taste better, have a longer shelf life and enhance their color. Zumpano adds that the seed oils are rich in omega-6, which can be beneficial to health, but since they’re heavily incorporated in our diet, Americans are consuming too much of these fatty acids which can lead to inflammation. The excess inflammation has been linked to issues such as type two diabetes, stroke, heart disease, arthritis and more. It is frustrating that something that is not inherently bad for you is refined so heavily and used in so many foods that it becomes dangerous. Zumpano recommends avoiding them, but the more realistic option is to just consume them in moderation. Encouraging the United States to make the swap for healthier alternatives like olive or coconut oil is another way to push toward a healthier future.
It’s upsetting, disappointing and tiring that Americans have to put our trust into unreliable government regulations for the food we consume. The additives we are unfortunately ingesting into our bodies daily have been banned by other countries, proving their negative health effects. Since our administration allows fruitless preservatives with no positive benefits for our health in most of our goods, it is up to us to make an attempt to avoid processed “foods” whenever possible and work to demand these toxins remain out of our diets.
Photo credit: “Light mayo ingredients” by Josh Larios is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
