FOOD ADDITIVES

Food products often contain either natural or man-made additives.  Some additives are vitamins or minerals that are included to improve health, and others are preservatives that prevent food decay.  There are also additives that are used to add flavor, texture, or color to foodstuffs.  Studies have indicated that of the thousands of additives used, only a few have been related to adverse reactions.  For those individuals who are affected by additives, avoiding these allergens is important.  The Food Labeling Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires that food products must include labeling for any product that includes these common allergens:  milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, or shellfish.  Recognizing the generic names of additives on labels is more difficult.

P.S.   Anyone can be allergic to any substance, even those that occur naturally.  Using fresh produce and fewer processed foods is one effective way of limiting  allergic reactions to additives.

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