Additives to Avoid

Benzoates 210, 211, 212, 213, 216, 218
Purpose: Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in margarine, pickles, jams, soft drinks and fruit juices. Benzoic acid is found in flavourings such as chocolate added to beverages and sweets.
Side Effects: May cause adverse effects in sensitive people, especially hyperactive children.

Tertiary butylhydroquinone 319
Purpose: Petroleum-derived antioxidant used in fast foods and baking sprays, and to spray food packing to prevent change and rancidity.
Side Effects: May cause adverse effects in sensitive people, especially hyperactive children.

Colourings 102, 107, 110, 122, 123, 124, 127, 129, 132, 133, 142, 151, 155, 160b
Purpose: These add colour, provide uniform colour or restore original colour to a wide range of foods.
Side Effects: May cause hyperactivity in sensitive children, and a range of allergic reactions such as skin rashes and more serious conditions like breathing problems.

Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides 635
Purpose: Flavour enhancer known as the "new MSG," it can be added to foods stating "no MSG".
Side Effects: May cause effects in sensitive people

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) 621
Purpose: Flavour enhancer used in many foods, including bottled Chinese sauces.
Side Effects: Unsuitable for pregnant women, infants and children, and for asthmatics. May cause reactions such as nausea and headaches in sensitive individuals.

Nitrates 249, 250 251, 252
Purpose: Preservatives and curing agents commonly used in preserved and luncheon meats.
Side Effects: May cause adverse effects in sensitive people, especially hyperactive children.

Sulphites 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 228
Purpose: Preservatives used to prevent dried fruit from desiccation and stiffening; and used to preserve frozen potatoes and wine.
Side Effects: May cause allergic reation in senstive people.