What it is

Potassium bromate is used as a flour improver because it helps to strengthen the dough and to allow higher rising. It does this by oxidizing the gluten molecules in the flour, which form molecular bridges that give the dough elasticity and structure. Potassium bromate also bleaches the flour, making it whiter and more appealing.

What it can do

• Can cause cancer in humans and animals
• Can cause tumors in thyroid and kidney

Potassium bromate is banned or restricted in many countries, including the European Union, Canada, Brazil, China, and India. However, it is still legal in the United States, where it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA allows up to 75 parts per million (ppm) of potassium bromate in flour, and requires that the final product contains no more than 20 parts per billion (ppb) of residual potassium bromate.

However, these limits may not always be met, especially if the bread is not baked for long enough or at a high enough temperature, or if too much potassium bromate is added to the flour. In such cases, consumers may be exposed to higher levels of potassium bromate than what is considered safe.

Where it’s found

Potassium bromate is mainly used in breads and baked goods that are made from wheat flour, such as

• White bread
• Rolls
• Buns
• Bagels
• Pizza dough
• Crackers
• Pastries
• Also found in some malted barley flours and semolina flours

What it is

Propyl gallate is formed by the condensation of gallic acid and propanol. It is a white crystalline powder that has antioxidant properties.

What it can do

• May cause cancer
• Stomach and skin irritability
• Allergic
• Breathing problems
• Kidney and liver problems

Where it’s found

Propyl gallate is used to protect oils and fats in products from oxidation. It is used in foods such as

• Meat products
• Microwaveable popcorn
• Soup mixes
• Chewing gum
• Mayonnaise
• Frozen meals

It is also used in

• Cosmetics
• Hair products
• Adhesives
• Lubricants

What it is

Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is used as a sugar substitute in many low-calorie foods and beverages. Some of the brand names of aspartame are NutraSweet, Equal, and Canderel.

What it can do

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Changes to metabolism
• Very rarely: mood changes

Where it’s found

Aspartame is found in many foods and drinks that are labeled as “diet”, “sugar-free”, or “low-calorie”.

• Diet sodas
• Sugar-free chewing gum
• Low-fat yogurt
• Sugar-free ice cream
• Sugar-free candy

What it is

Carrageenan is a natural ingredient that comes from red seaweed, also called Irish moss. It is used as a thickening, emulsifying, and preserving agent in many foods and drinks.

Carrageenan has no nutritional value, so removing it from the diet does not cause any deficiency.

What it can do

• Inflammation
• Bloating
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Glucose intolerance
• Colon cancer
• Food allergies

Where it’s found

• Chocolate milk
• Cottage cheese
• Ice cream
• Almond milk
• Dairy alternatives, such as vegan cheeses or nondairy desserts
• Coconut milk
• Creamers
• Deli meats

What they are

Sulfites are compounds that contain the sulfite ion, which is used as a preservative and antioxidant in some foods and beverages.

Sulfites have banned from fresh fruits and vegetables in the US since 1986, due to cases of severe reactions.

• Sulfites are inorganic salts that have antioxidant and preservative properties
• Sulfites can occur naturally in some foods and the human body, or be added as regulated food additives
• Sulfites are often lumped together with sulfur dioxide, which is a closely related chemical oxide

What they can do

• Allergic or sensitivity reactions
• Mild wheezing
• Severe asthma attacks
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction)

These reactions usually happen due to inhalation of sulfur dioxide that comes from sulfite-containing foods or drinks.

Where they’re found

• Dried fruits
• Wine
• Beer
• Shrimp
• Potatoes
• Pickles
• Jams

Sulfites are also used in some medications, such as

• Asthma inhalers
• Injectable epinephrine
• Antibiotics

What it is

Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar that is often used in low-calorie or sugar-free products. It is sold under the brand names of Sunett and Sweet One.

What it can do

Acesulfame potassium is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a safe alternative sweetener. More than 90 studies have shown that it does not cause cancer, diabetes, or other health problems in humans.

However, some people may experience

• Allergic reactions
• Headaches
• Digestive issues

Some animal studies have also suggested that it may affect the thyroid function, but this has not been confirmed in humans.

Where it’s found

• Soda
• Frozen desserts
• Candies
• Drinks
• Baked goods
• Chewing gum
• Sauces
• Yogurt