Consumer Group Lists Food Additives To Avoid; Calls for More FDA Oversight

Consumers should avoid food additives like nitrites and nitrates used as preservatives in cured meats and propyl paraben in tortillas because they are linked to health risks, according to an Environmental Working Group report.

The EWG on Nov. 12 highlighted a dozen ingredients in foods that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) but may pose health threats or are banned or restricted in other countries.

This includes nitrites and nitrates that react with certain proteins in bacon, salami, sausages and hot dogs to form cancer-causing compounds, the EWG said. The group says research has linked nitrites to stomach cancer.

The ...