Environmental and health advocacy groups have been petitioning the courts to have the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remove specific artificial flavorings from the food additives list. They cited research that these chemicals cause cancer in laboratory animals. As children are more sensitive to chemical exposure, it is not surprising that a group of pediatricians joined the effort last summer. Current U.S. regulations allow for the use of more than 10,000 additives to preserve, package, or modify the taste, appearance, texture, or nutrients in foods, including roughly 1,000 additives used under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation process that doesn’t require FDA approval.

In October, as a result of these advocacy efforts, in October the FDA de-listed seven synthetic flavoring substances from its food additives list. The removal of these additives is in accordance with the Delaney Clause of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in which the FDA cannot approve the use of any food additive that has been found to induce cancer in animals at any dose. In its statement, however, the FDA noted that due to the low levels of exposure in foodstuffs, they have determined they do not presently pose a risk to public health. Nonetheless, these chemicals have been removed, and the FDA has granted companies a 24-month period to reformulate and come into compliance.

This controversy has also spotlighted regulations that support package labels listing “artificial flavors” rather than identifying the specific chemicals used to generate the flavors. The advocacy groups note there is more to be done, including legislation to fix regulations outside the jurisdiction of the FDA.

In the meantime, those concerned about these and other chemicals in food might consider the following physician recommendations to limit exposure:
-Buy and serve more fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, and fewer processed foods
-Wash hands thoroughly before and after touching food
-Clean all fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled
-Do not microwave food or beverages in plastic containers
-Use alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, for cooking and storage.

ISSUE: Some artificial flavoring chemicals outlawed

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues and viewsknowledge as power. For those interested in learning more about this month’s issue, the following related articles were selected to serve as a foundation for becoming aware of this matter.

American Academy of Pediatrics Says Some Common Food Additives May Pose Health Risks to Children (7/23/18)
American Academy of Pediatrics
[Pediatricians state why important to no longer permit certain chemicals]

FDA Bans Seven Artificial Food Flavorings (10/5/18)
by Kathleen Doheny
WebMD
[Outlines why chemical bans were sought]

FDA Removes Clearance for 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances (10/9/18)
The Daily Intake
[Outlines legal steps taken]

FDA Removes 7 Synthetic Flavoring Substances from Food Additives List (10/5/18)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
[FDA position on why removed seven food additives, but maintains position actions not needed]

This Loophole Allows Chemicals to Hide In Your Food (11/29/18)
by Michael Sikora
Alliance for Natural Health USA
[Outlines food additives labeling issues]

We encourage you to post your comments. You are also invited to share additional resources you have found relating to this issue.

To review past ISSUES, visit the Special Updates Archives.