Do food manufacturers use dangerous additives?
Manufacturers of colourings and preservatives say their products undergo toxicology testing, but food watchdogs point out that tests cannot show if an additive causes hyperactivity or allergic reactions. Why are problem additives permitted? The government says that the report is still inconclusive and their use remains legal. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has commissioned another study, but we have to wait until 2007 for the results, fuelling suspicion that the FSA listens more to the food industry than it does to the consumers it was set up to protect. As Jamie Oliver’s series concluded, parents carry out informal experiments with additives every day, with many reporting negative results. Any other bad ingredients? Yes. Salt, hydrogenated fats (trans fats) and sugars are often found in manufactured foods aimed at children. Salt content is indicated on the label but note that manufacturers often prefer to show the “sodium content” – not the same thing. There is 2.5 grams of salt to e
