Category: Food additives

Fact: Sodium citrate, a widely used food additive, is officially designated as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So, is sodium citrate good or bad for you? The answer depends heavily on the dosage and individual health status, making its effects contextual rather than absolute.

According to FODMAP dietitians, locust bean gum is generally considered low FODMAP and safe for many individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, some very sensitive people may still experience digestive symptoms due to its fermentable fiber content, even though it's not a true FODMAP.

According to regulatory bodies like the FDA, food-grade iron oxides (E172) are generally considered safe for consumption at controlled levels, but the question remains: how much iron oxide is safe to eat? Unlike some forms of bioavailable iron, the iron oxides used in food are poorly absorbed by the digestive system and are not considered a significant health risk in regulated quantities.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, propyl gallate is used in a wide range of food and beverage products to prevent fats and oils from spoiling. Many consumers are unaware of its presence, but this synthetic antioxidant is commonly added to processed items you might find in a grocery store. Understanding what foods contain propyl gallate is essential for those who wish to monitor their intake of this preservative.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), artificial dyes must be clearly listed on a product's ingredient label in the United States. When examining the ingredients for Big Red chewing gum, a quick check reveals that in the US, it does contain Red 40 Lake.

According to the EFSA, E141 is a colorant, and it can be used in most food products to impart a green hue. This green food additive, often labeled as copper complexes of chlorophylls, is commonly used in a wide variety of processed items to create a vibrant green color. Understanding what food contains E141 is key for discerning consumers who want to know more about the ingredients in their favorite products.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), purified wood cellulose is classified as "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) for human consumption. But despite this, public concern persists about finding an ingredient from wood in food products, especially since rumors about sawdust in shredded cheese went viral.

The common food additive sodium propionate is frequently used to inhibit mold growth in baked goods and cheeses. However, the question of whether this compound is natural or synthetic has a more nuanced answer than you might initially think, as its origins are rooted in both nature and industrial science.

According to regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA, the E418 food additive, also known as gellan gum, is considered safe for consumption, especially at typical food use levels. However, as an indigestible polysaccharide, it can cause some minor, primarily digestive side effects when consumed in large amounts. This article explores these potential issues in detail.

Lysozyme, an enzyme with antibacterial properties, is often sourced from chicken egg whites, making it non-vegan and not suitable for all vegetarians. While it naturally occurs in many living organisms, including plants, the industrial food-grade version is most frequently derived from eggs. This article explores the different sources of lysozyme, explains why it may not be suitable for some diets, and offers insight into vegetarian-friendly alternatives.