People in the US are Fed Toxic Chemicals Banned in Other Countries

People in the US are fed a slew of toxic chemicals that could land you in prison if you tried feeding them to people in other countries.

Breads, cookies, soft drinks, cereals and a litany of other processed foods are filled with additives and preservatives that the EU, Australia, Japan, China and India prohibit or severely restrict because of the risk to humans, while they are still fed to Americans.

The EU also bans a host of drugs used on farm animals in the US, citing health concerns that cannot be ruled out. The FDA says the drugs are safe.

Sometimes corporations reformulate a product for sale in Europe but continue to sell the more toxic version in the United States.

Some of the chemicals banned around the world but fed to American’s:

Potassium bromate

Added to baked goods, banned in Europe because it may cause cancer. The Center for Science in the Public Interest tried unsuccessfully to get it banned 20 years ago. Canada, the United Kingdom and China, among other countries have banned its use.

Azodicarbonamide (ADA)

Azodicarbonamide, or ADA, is found in hundreds of foods in the US, it is used as a flour whitener and as a dough conditioner, the chemical breaks down when heated into chemicals that cause cancer in animals. It is used by many chain restaurants. The FDA says it’s safe. It is banned in Australia and Europe and in Singapore, using it can get you 15 years in prison and a fine of nearly half a million dollars.

BHA

While BHA flavor enhancers are subject to intense restrictions in Europe they are commonly used in US foods. BHA is listed in a US government report on cancer causing substances as “reasonably anticipated” to be cancer causing in humans.

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)

BVO is used in citrus flavored soft drinks like Mountain Dew. Studies suggest it builds up in the body leading to memory loss and nerve and skin problems. While the F.D.A. says it is safe in limited amounts, India, Japan and Europe have all banned its use.

Photos from the top: “Fruchtgummi” by Günter Hentschel is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 and “Real food – fresh bread” by Nic McPhee is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0