6 Dangerous Ingredients That Still Haven’t Been Banned in the U.S. — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

It’s no secret that the food industry is filled with unhealthy ingredients. From artificial sweeteners to preservatives, many of these ingredients have been linked to a variety of health issues. Unfortunately, many of these dangerous ingredients are still allowed in the United States. In this article, we’ll discuss six of the most dangerous ingredients that have yet to be banned in the U.S. We’ll also provide some tips on how to avoid them and make healthier food choices. So, if you’re looking to make healthier food choices, read on to learn more about these dangerous ingredients and how to avoid them.

6 Dangerous Ingredients That Still Haven’t Been Banned in the U.S.

It’s hard to believe that in the United States, there are still ingredients that have been linked to serious health risks that are still allowed in food products. Here are 6 dangerous ingredients that still haven’t been banned in the U.S.

1. Trans Fats

Trans fats are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to make it solid. This process is called hydrogenation. Trans fats are found in many processed foods, such as crackers, cookies, and fried foods. Trans fats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The FDA has taken steps to reduce the amount of trans fats in food products, but they have not been completely banned.

2. High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn syrup that is used in many processed foods and beverages. It has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. The FDA has not banned HFCS, but they have proposed a limit on the amount of HFCS that can be used in food products.

3. Artificial Food Dyes

Artificial food dyes are used to make food products look more appealing. They have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, allergies, and behavioral problems in children. The FDA has not banned artificial food dyes, but they have proposed limits on the amount of dyes that can be used in food products.

4. Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrite is a preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria in processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats. It has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The FDA has not banned sodium nitrite, but they have proposed limits on the amount of sodium nitrite that can be used in food products.

5. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer used in many processed foods. It has been linked to headaches, nausea, and other symptoms. The FDA has not banned MSG, but they have proposed limits on the amount of MSG that can be used in food products.

6. Partially Hydrogenated Oils

Partially hydrogenated oils are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to make it solid. This process is called hydrogenation. Partially hydrogenated oils are found in many processed foods, such as crackers, cookies, and fried foods. They have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The FDA has not banned partially hydrogenated oils, but they have proposed limits on the amount of partially hydrogenated oils that can be used in food products.

It’s important to be aware of the ingredients in the food you eat. While the FDA has taken steps to reduce the amount of dangerous ingredients in food products, there are still some ingredients that have not been banned. Be sure to read labels and avoid foods that contain these ingredients.

When you shop for groceries, you probably don’t look at the long list of ingredients on the back. But you should! There are some food ingredients still allowed in the U.S. but banned in other countries. And they’re banned for a reason. Many of them lead to severe health issues.

Some companies have taken things into their own hands. Fast-food chains and soda companies listened to the research and petitions, and despite The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) not banning these ingredients, they phased them out anyway for the health and safety of consumers.

But if not banned, they’re bound to still be used in food in the U.S. Read on to find out what these dangerous ingredients are so you can avoid them.

Next, check out The Worst Foods That Have Been Linked to Cancer.

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This chemical compound found in yoga mats can also be found in some cereal and bread. That’s right, the same ingredient that makes your dough soft and fluffy joins you in that Saturday morning yoga sesh. Although the FDA still approves the use of azodicarbonamide, it is banned as a food additive in Europe and Australia.

The World Health Organization reported that the chemical may cause asthma and other respiratory issues. And the FDA even noted that azodicarbonamide breaks down to form semicarbazide (SEM) during bread-making, which was shown to cause an increase of tumors in female mice. However, the FDA also adds: “These studies were conducted in rodents at levels of SEM that far exceed estimates of human exposure from the consumption of ADA-treated flour or bread products.”

After Subway announced they were removing the chemical from their bread in 2014, many fast-food chains followed. Yet, there are some products that still contain azodicarbonamide, such as Arby’s croissants, so be on the lookout for this ingredient.

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While still allowed in the U.S., Butylated hydroxyanisole is banned from food in Australia, Europe, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. According to the National Toxicology Program 14th Report on Carcinogens, the chemical is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.”

Studies show that BHA can cause forestomach tumors in rats, mice, and hamsters, but there is currently not enough information on how it affects humans. BHA can be found in cereal, chips, instant mashed potatoes, nut mixes, and more, so look out for the ingredient on these packages.

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Many soda companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi have dropped Brominated Vegetable Oil from their list of ingredients, but it’s technically still allowed for use by the FDA (with some restrictions). Banned in food in Japan and Europe, cases of high consumption levels of BVO have led to skin hypersensitivity, headaches, fatigue, memory loss, and more.

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Linked to gastrointestinal disease, as reported by the Center For Science In The Public Interest, Olestra is banned in Canada and European countries. The FDA still allows Olestra as a food additive, so you can find it in some diet versions of chips and fries because it’s a calorie-free and fat-free chemical.

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You’ll find rBGH across the American dairy industry, despite the fact that it’s been banned in Canada and Europe. The Center for Food and Safety reported that rBGH causes health problems in cows and produces higher levels of the hormone IFG-1 in milk consumers.

Given that IFG-1 is linked to breast, prostate, and colon cancers, there’s reasonable concern that rBGH is not yet banned in the U.S. However, many dairy farmers have boycotted rBGH, so it will not appear in all dairy products.

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Found in food packaging, PFAS are still authorized by the FDA for wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, takeout containers, pet food bags, and more. However, several countries have called on the European Union to restrict and ban PFAS because they “have been documented as toxic and/or bioaccumulative substances, both with respect to human health as well as the environment,” as stated in a petition by Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

In the United States, the city of Denver took matters into its own hands and banned PFAs from all food packaging. Although studies are ongoing, the National Cancer Institute has reported that PFAs may be associated with kidney cancer, prostate cancer, and several other types of cancer.

The FDA may not have banned PFAS yet, but fast-food chains like Wendy’s and McDonald’s announced that they were going to phase them out from packaging. Yet recent lawsuits against McDonald’s and Burger King show that they haven’t quite banned PFAS yet.

Mia Salas

Mia is a freelance writer for several publications and a soon-to-be graduate from Princeton University with a degree in English. Read more