Food safety is of critical importance to public health, and consumers should be aware of the hazardous ingredients lurking in their favorite dishes.

Despite food regulations in place, some ingredients find their way onto our plates that could be toxic, carcinogenic, or harmful to our immune systems. It’s essential to know what to avoid to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are a common ingredient in many low-calorie and diet foods and drinks, marketed as a safe alternative to sugar. However, studies linking artificial sweeteners to health problems have become increasingly common in recent years.

The most commonly used artificial sweeteners are aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin. Of these, aspartame is the most controversial, with various scientific studies linking its consumption to various diseases.

Research published in the journal ‘Nature’ (1) suggests that the consumption of aspartame may trigger or worsen mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Additionally, aspartame has been linked to migraines, seizures, and even cancer. The U.S. National Institutes of Health has listed aspartame as a possible carcinogen, and many countries have banned its use entirely or restricted it altogether.

Sucralose, another popular artificial sweetener, appears to be less toxic than aspartame, according to some studies. However, a 2017 review (2) of animal studies cautioned against consuming high doses over a long period.

Saccharin, also an artificial sweetener, has shown links to bladder cancer in some studies. Evidence has emerged of the sweeteners’ impact on gut microbiota, affecting immunity and creating a higher risk of chronic diseases.

Sodium Nitrite and Nitrate

Sodium nitrite and its cousin, sodium nitrate, are commonly used in processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs. Sodium nitrite is a curing agent, used to preserve meat and give it a pinkish-red color.

However, consuming large amounts of sodium nitrite and nitrate can be dangerous.

Sodium nitrite and nitrate can react with compounds in the stomach to produce nitrosamines, carcinogenic substances. Nitrosamines can cause cancer, particularly in the digestive system, leading to esophagus, stomach, and colorectal cancers.

Ingesting large amounts of this chemical compound can be fatal. Sodium nitrate also affects blood pressure, leading to hypertension.

Sodium nitrite has been targeted as a harmful ingredient for years.

A 2013 study (3) in the Journal of Food Protection revealed that out of 284 hot dog samples collected from retail stores in the US, over 20% contained more than maximum level of sodium nitrite.

Trans Fat

Trans fat is a form of unsaturated fat that occurs in industrial processing of hydrogenated oils. It is used to enhance the flavor, texture, and shelf life of processed foods, such as cookies, cakes, and frozen food.

Trans fat is associated with raised cholesterol levels, heart disease and stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned trans fats completely in 2018, considering them unsafe due to evidence linking the consumption to negative health outcomes, but they can still be found in some imported food products.

In the EU, the maximum levels of trans fats in foods have been imposed avoiding intake higher than the safe level of trans fats.

A meta-analysis of ten studies performed in 2017 (4) found that even small intakes of trans fat can increase the proportion of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, leading to a higher risk of multiple diseases, including heart disease.

Conclusion

Avoiding hazardous ingredients is critical to maintain good health and to avoid serious health problems. When shopping for food, read labels carefully and look for natural sweeteners, organic options, and whole foods without added preservatives.

By avoiding artificial sweeteners, sodium nitrites and trans fats, you will not only protect your wellbeing but also reduce the risk of serious diseases.