Food Additives to Avoid
81 substances flagged for significant concerns — banned in at least one country or under active regulatory review.
Showing 73–81 of 81 avoid additives
Sodium Borohydride
FlavoringSodium borohydride is a strong reducing agent classified as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in food applications. It is not approved as a food additive by the FDA and has no recorded adverse events or recalls in the FDA database.
Sodium Cyclamate
SweetenerSodium cyclamate is a synthetic non-nutritive sweetener that was used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages. It has been prohibited in the United States since 1969 due to regulatory concerns, though it remains approved in some other countries.
Sodium Fluoride
StabilizerSodium fluoride (CAS 7681-49-4) is an inorganic compound historically used as a stabilizer and thickening agent in food processing. It is not currently approved as a food additive by the FDA and has limited modern food applications due to its primary association with dental and pharmaceutical uses.
Tansy (tanacetum Vulgara L.)
OtherTansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) is a flowering plant whose leaves and oil have been historically used in food preparation and flavoring. Its current function in food applications is not clearly defined, and it is not approved as a food additive by the FDA.
Thiourea
OtherThiourea (CAS 62-56-6) is a synthetic organic compound that was investigated as an antimicrobial agent in food preservation. It is now prohibited in food use in major regulatory jurisdictions including the United States, European Union, and most other countries due to toxicological concerns.
Titanium Dioxide
ColorantTitanium dioxide (E171) is a white pigment used as a food colorant in candies, chewing gum, coffee creamer, and sauces. It was banned by the European Union in August 2022 after EFSA concluded it could not rule out genotoxicity concerns. It remains FDA-approved in the United States.
Toluene
SolventToluene (methylbenzene) is an organic solvent derived from petroleum that is not approved by the FDA for use in food products. While it has industrial applications, its presence in food is not permitted in the United States.
Trichloroethylene
SolventTrichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile organic solvent historically used in food processing, particularly for decaffeinating coffee and extracting oils. It is no longer permitted in food products in most major markets due to health concerns and the availability of safer alternative solvents.
Turpentine
OtherTurpentine (CAS 8052-14-0) is a volatile organic compound derived from pine tree resin, historically used in various industrial applications. Its function in food products is unclear, and it is not approved as a food additive by the FDA.
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