In recent years, growing awareness has been directed toward certain food additives commonly used in American snacks that are banned or restricted in other countries. These ingredients, while enhancing flavor, texture, and color, have raised significant health concerns, leading to stricter regulations outside the United States.

The California Food Safety Act: A Step Towards Safer Snacks

In 2023, California passed the Food Safety Act, targeting four controversial ingredients: Red Dye No. 3, brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, and propylparaben. These additives have been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer and neurobehavioral issues. The law, set to take effect in 2027, represents a significant shift in food safety regulation, although similar actions have already been taken in other parts of the world.

For example, Red Dye No. 3, commonly found in candies and drinks, is banned in Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union (EU). The EU has also imposed strict labeling requirements for other artificial colorants like Yellow No. 5 and No. 6, warning consumers of potential adverse effects on children's activity and attention. In contrast, these additives remain widely used in the U.S., often without the same level of scrutiny.

Titanium Dioxide: A Controversial Additive

Another ingredient under fire is titanium dioxide, used to brighten and enhance the color of processed foods. While it was initially included in California's proposed legislation, it was later removed before the bill's final approval. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in 2022, citing concerns about its potential to damage DNA at the nanoparticle level. However, regulatory bodies in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Canada have not found sufficient evidence to warrant similar action, allowing its continued use.

Despite the ongoing debate, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing a petition to ban titanium dioxide, following growing public and expert concern. The ingredient’s safety has not been challenged since it was declared safe in 1973, raising questions about the adequacy of current regulations.

You can find titanium dioxide in products like:

‌Milk
Coffee creamer
Salad dressing
Candy and sweets
Chocolate
Chewing gum
Snacks
Sauces
Vitamin supplements

‌If you're curious about whether something you’re eating contains titanium dioxide, you can check the ingredients list. But know that the FDA doesn’t require food makers to use its chemical name on an ingredients list. Instead, it could be listed as:

Artificial colors
Artificial color added
Color added

The agency makes this exception for several approved color additives.

Potassium Bromate: A Bread Additive with a Dark Side

Potassium bromate, another additive included in California's new law, has been used in the U.S. since 1916 to improve the strength and rise of dough in packaged baked goods. Although it has been classified as a potential carcinogen since 1991, its use persists in the U.S. due to its status as a "prior sanctioned" substance, meaning it was approved before modern food safety regulations were in place.

Globally, potassium bromate has been banned in countries such as the UK, Canada, Brazil, and the EU. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the European Chemicals Agency classify it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." Despite these concerns, the FDA has yet to take definitive action against its use, leaving consumers vulnerable to potential health risks.

Here are some breads that may contain potassium bromate:

Harvest Gold White Bread
One test found that this bread had a concentration of 17.32 parts per million of potassium bromate, the highest of any white bread tested
Best Choice Wheat Sliced Bread
This bread is listed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) as containing potassium bromate
Bagels
Many bagels use bromated flour, which contains potassium bromate, to improve their texture and appearance

You can check the ingredients list to see if a bread contains potassium bromate. Companies are required to list "bromated flour" if they use it in their products.

The Global Regulatory Divide

The disparity in food safety regulations between the U.S. and other countries highlights a significant gap in consumer protection. While agencies like the FDA maintain that current levels of these additives are safe, growing evidence and international action suggest otherwise. The responsibility for navigating these risks often falls on consumers, who must remain vigilant about the ingredients in their food.

In response to these challenges, organizations like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) advocate for greater transparency and stricter regulations. They encourage consumers to consult resources like CSPI's Chemical Cuisine Ratings and to prioritize a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods.

Conclusion

As the debate over food additives continues, it's clear that more stringent regulations may be necessary to protect public health. The California Food Safety Act is a step in the right direction, but broader action at the federal level may be required to bring the U.S. in line with global food safety standards. Until then, consumers should remain informed and cautious about the potential dangers lurking in their favorite snacks.

Additional Resources:

Environmental Working Group (EWG): Provides extensive research on the health impacts of food additives and advocates for safer food policies.
Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI): Offers consumer guides on food additives and promotes science-based food safety regulations.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): An independent agency that assesses food risks in the EU and provides scientific advice on food safety.

The Hidden Dangers in American Foods: Ingredients Banned Abroad but Common in the U.S.