Category: Dietary additives

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Red Dye Number 3 from foods and ingested drugs in January 2025 due to its link to cancer in animal studies, while Red Dye Number 40 remains approved for consumption. This regulatory difference is the primary reason why red dye number 40 is currently considered the safer of the two options. However, the safety of Red Dye 40 is still a subject of ongoing debate among health advocates and scientists.

Over the past 50 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved six specific non-nutritive sweeteners as food additives, while also accepting the "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) status for several others. This regulatory complexity often causes confusion for consumers trying to understand which sugar substitutes are permitted in the American food supply. The distinction between these two pathways—formal food additive approval and GRAS notification—is crucial for manufacturers and transparent labeling.

According to reports, certain Premier Protein products faced a recall in July 2022 due to potential microbial contamination. Beyond this isolated incident, many consumers question what is unhealthy about Premier Protein shakes and their ingredient list, which includes a host of artificial additives and sweeteners.

Malic acid was first isolated from apple juice in 1785 and is the compound responsible for the tart taste in many fruits. This organic acid, found naturally in apples and grapes, as well as added to processed foods, has sparked debate: is malic acid in food good or bad for your health?

The FDA established that the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Red 40 is 7 mg per kilogram of body weight each day. There are increasing questions about what is the acceptable intake of Red 40 because of potential health issues.

Over 90% of commercially produced citric acid, the base for sodium citrate, is created through microbial fermentation using plant-derived sugars. This means that for virtually all commercially available products, the answer to 'Is sodium citrate plant-based?' is a clear yes. However, understanding the source and manufacturing process is crucial for discerning consumers.

The FDA classifies added MSG as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) for most people, but confusion often persists about whether L-glutamate is the same as MSG. The reality is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, involving chemical structure and how we consume it.

According to food safety authorities like the FDA and EFSA, food-grade ammonium chloride (E510) is approved for use as a flavor enhancer and acidity regulator within specific, controlled limits. This begs the question: is ammonium chloride safe for human consumption, or does this common food additive carry hidden risks?.

Food emulsifiers have been used for centuries to enhance the appearance, taste, texture, and shelf life of countless products. An emulsifier is a substance that helps blend ingredients that would not normally mix, such as oil and water, creating a stable and smooth mixture. This process is critical in nutrition and food science for everything from salad dressings to baked goods, though its effects on health are a subject of ongoing research.

Consumption of synthetic food dyes has increased dramatically in recent decades, fueling public debate over their safety. The critical question remains: is food coloring harmful to the body, and what are the real health implications for sensitive individuals and children?