CANCER: ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURINGS AND PRESERVATIVES

Aspartame

Aspartame, once thought to be the perfect sweetener, is now in serious doubt. People have reported behavioral changes from the use of aspartame and it may pose serious cancer risks. Used as an artificial sweetener in drink mixes, gelatine desserts and other foods.

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)

There is cause for concern with BVO. Gives the cloudy appearance to citrus-flavoured soft drinks and also used as an emulsifier.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

BHA retards rancidity in fats, oils and foods that contain oil. While most studies indicate it is safe, it is known to cause cancer in animals. Safer substitutes are available.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

BHT retards rancidity in oils. May possibly be cancer causing, avoid where possible. Found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips and oils.

Caffeine

Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee and tea but it is also added to some well-known soft drinks. It may cause miscarriages or birth defects and should be avoided by pregnant women. It also keeps many people from sleeping and may lead to fibrocystic breast disease.

Saccharin

A synthetic sweetener used in diet products. In 1977, the United States FDA proposed that saccharin be banned on evidence that it causes cancer. It was gradually replaced by aspartame.

Sodium Nitrite (Code No. 251) and Potassium Nitrite (Code No. 261)

Sodium and potassium nitrites can lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines, particularly in fried bacon. Has also been linked to asthma, headaches, destruction of red blood cells, breathing problems. Found in preserved and manufactured meats, bacon, ham, frankfurters, luncheon meats, smoked fish and corned beef.

Sulphur Dioxide (Code No. 220) and Sodium Bisulphite (Code No. 221)

Sulphating agents prevent discoloration (dried fruit, shrimp, dried, fried and frozen potatoes, beer, gelatine, cordials, wine etc.). They destroy vitamin Bl, vitamin A and may cause headaches, backaches, asthma, hyperactivity, bronchitis, nausea and severe allergic reactions.