Pesticides+n+Food+Additives

Here’s a rundown of all 12 suspect additives:
 * Nitrates and nitrites** Primarily used to preserve flavor and color in cured meats, nitrites can form nitrosamines//,// a suspected carcinogen.
 * Potassium bromate** Used to fortify bread and other foods made from wheat flour, this additive is more poignantly recognized as a carcinogen by both the state of California and the International Cancer Agency.
 * Propylparaben** A common preservative in tortillas and muffins, it has also been linked with decreased sperm count and testosterone levels in lab rats.
 * Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)** The European Union classifies this potato chip and beef jerky preservative as a known endocrine disruptor.
 * Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)** Often used in concert with BHA as a preservative in convenience foods, it has been associated with the development of lung and liver cancer in lab rats.
 * Propyl gallate** This chemical is used to preserve edible fats in sausage and lard and also has links to estrogenic activity and endocrine disruption.
 * Theobromine** An alkaloid found in chocolate, this additive used in breads, cereals, and sport drinks is deemed safe by the FDA—but only at a level 5 times less than the average person consumes it.
 * “Secret flavor” ingredients** FDA loopholes allow companies to hide the specifics of their “natural flavors,” making this a grab bag of potential health concerns.
 * Artificial colors** Food dyes are typically used to increase the visual appeal of nutrient-deficient food. Caramel color III and IV contain a chemical that was linked to tumors in a National Toxicology Program study.
 * Diacetyl** Used as butter flavoring in microwavable popcorn, this compound is associated with severe respiratory diseases.
 * Phosphates** Found in more than 20,000 foods, this is the most common additive. High phosphate levels in the blood lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
 * Aluminum additives** Used as a stabilizer in many processed foods, it is linked with developmental difficulties during pregnancy as well as neurodegenerative disorders.