Under pressure from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other environmental and public health groups, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned seven substances used in artificial flavors that have been linked to cancer in animals. "Chemicals that could cause cancer should never have been allowed in our food in the first place, especially not hiding behind the confusing label of ‘artificial flavors,’" said Melanie Benesh, EWG’s legislative attorney. "The FDA finally did the right thing by taking this important step to better protect consumers." These food additives are most commonly used to enhance the flavor of baked goods, ice cream, candy, chewing gum and beverages. The newly banned flavors are benzophenone, ethyl acrylate, eugenyl methyl ether, myrcene, pulegone, pyridine and styrene. "Consumers will never know which foods were made with these chemicals, since manufacturers have been allowed to hide these ingredients behind the vague term ‘flavor,’" said Dawn Undurraga, EWG’s nutritionist. "This is a positive step forward, but the FDA should empower consumers to make their own fully informed decisions by requiring full ingredient disclosure." The ban on styrene was also supported by a petition from the food industry. But the FDA acted on the other six […]
Latest Articles
San Diego’s 8 New Microgrids Will Save City $6 Million over 25 Years
Takeaways: By the end of 2022, San Diego will operate eight microgrids and save an estimated $6 million in energy costs.
The microgrids will...
Unilever to Help Replace Single-Use Miniatures at Holiday Inn-Owner Hotels
Takeaways: Unilever is replacing bathroom miniatures with "bulk amenities" in over 4000 hotels.
The company's largest brand, Dove, will supply full-size hand wash, body...
Using Bamboo for Reforestation and Clean Energy in Uganda
Takeaways: Divine Nabaweesi, the founder of Divine Bamboo, aims to stop deforestation in Uganda through bamboo forestry and use the plant for clean biomass...
Scientists Invent Way to Grow Plants in Complete Darkness
Takeaways: Scientists have found a way to grow plants in complete darkness.
They use a two-step process to convert carbon dioxide, electricity and water...
Halving Pesticide Use, Dismantling Dams: EU’s Ambitious Draft Law to Restore Nature
Takeaways: The European Commission has drafted a law that will halve pesticide use across Europe by 2030 and dismantle big dams to make rivers...
Why Growing Forests Is Awesome
Why Growing Forests Is Awesome Guest Post by: Job van Hooijdonk, co-founder of Regreener In 2016, a record of 29.7 million hectares of forest disappeared. That's2 90,000 square...