Consumers should beware of an unholy trinity of food additives, according to this expert.
Gastroenterologist from California Dr. Saurabh Sethi has taken to TikTok to call out three potentially carcinogenic chemicals found in many processed foods sold in the US
His warning comes after more than 1,000 cereal lovers and health activists marched on Kellogg’s headquarters in Michigan earlier this month, demanding an end to “harmful additives” that are injected into products like Froot Loops and Apple Jacks.
Recent research has shown that 60% of the daily caloric intake of American adults comes from ultra-processed foods (UPF). — and for children, it is 70%.
A study published by the BMJ found that exposure to UPFs was linked to 32 adverse health outcomes, including mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic complications. Some of the associated conditions include cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
Sethi stressed the importance of checking food labels before consumption, as many additives that are banned or restricted in other countries are allowed in the United States.
Tartrazine
Number one on Seth’s list is tartrazine, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5, an artificial food color often found in processed pastries, chips, breakfast cereals and colored candies.
Sethi explains, “This is linked to hyperactivity, asthma and even behavioral issues in children. It’s banned or restricted in many countries, but it’s still found in foods, drinks and even vitamins here in the US.”
According to The Post, FD&C Yellow No. 5 is believed to contribute to allergic reactions in asthmatics as well as those with low tolerance to aspirin.
Earlier this month, researchers discovered that popular food dye can turn mice’s skin completely transparent – making their organs visible.
BHA
BHA, or butylated hydroxyanisole, is a preservative that prevents oils from spoiling.
Sethi notes that BHA, a potential carcinogen, is banned in Japan but is commonly added to chips, cereals, meat products, dry drink and cake mixes, fruit glazes and chewing gum.
In addition to cancer, BHA consumption has been linked to cognitive impairment.
Potassium bromate
Sethi points the last finger at potassium bromate, which is used to strengthen the texture of bread but is also known to cause cancer in lab rats and can cause kidney problems in humans.
Potassium bromate is banned from food products in the European Union, China, Canada, the UK and India, but is allowed in US products.
As a result, The Post previously reported, Erik Millstone, an expert on food additives, asserted that potassium bromate is “almost certainly” causing preventable diseases, such as cancer, in Americans.
“There is evidence that it can be toxic to human consumers, that it can even initiate or promote the development of tumors,” the University of Sussex professor in England told CBS News, adding that European regulations are more restrictive because of food. – safety precautions.
And some US states hope to catch up.
Earlier this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the California School Food Safety Act, which bans various additives linked to developmental and behavioral problems in children from school cafeterias.
All ingredients are approved for human consumption by the Food and Drug Administration.
Brands have until January 2027 to remove those ingredients from their products, or face fines of up to $10,000.
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