Food Additives with Caution
107 substances where evidence suggests some concern — limited data, conflicting studies, or restrictions in certain countries.
Showing 73–96 of 107 caution additives
Petroleum Naphtha
SolventPetroleum naphtha (CAS 8030-30-6) is a volatile hydrocarbon solvent derived from crude oil refining. It functions as a solvent and vehicle in food processing, though its use in direct food contact is restricted in most jurisdictions.
Polyacrylamide
OtherPolyacrylamide (CAS 9003-05-8) is a synthetic polymer used as a formulation aid in food processing to improve texture and stability. It is not approved as a direct food additive by the FDA but may be used in specific applications such as paper and paperboard that contact food.
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifierPolysorbate 60 is a synthetic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, commonly used in food and cosmetic products to help mix ingredients that don't naturally combine. It functions as a stabilizer and thickening agent in various processed foods and industrial applications.
Polysorbate 80
ColorantPolysorbate 80 is a synthetic emulsifier and surfactant derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is widely used in food manufacturing to improve texture, stability, and consistency in products ranging from baked goods to ice cream and salad dressings.
Potassium Bisulfite
OtherPotassium bisulfite is an inorganic salt containing sulfite ions, used primarily as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent in food processing. It functions to preserve foods by inhibiting microbial growth and preventing oxidation, commonly found in wine, dried fruits, and processed foods.
Potassium Nitrate
ColorantPotassium nitrate (KNO₃) is a naturally occurring salt used in food primarily as an antimicrobial preservative and color fixative in cured meats. It prevents bacterial growth, particularly Clostridium botulinum, while contributing to the characteristic pink color and salty flavor of processed meat products.
Potassium Sorbate
ColorantPotassium sorbate (CAS 24634-61-5) is a potassium salt of sorbic acid widely used as an antimicrobial preservative in food products. It functions to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and some bacteria, extending shelf life while maintaining food safety and quality.
Quinine Sulfate
FlavoringQuinine sulfate (CAS 6119-70-6) is a bitter alkaloid compound derived from cinchona bark, historically used as a flavoring agent in beverages. While once common in tonic water and other drinks, its use as a food additive is now restricted in many jurisdictions due to regulatory concerns.
Resorcinol
FlavoringResorcinol (1,3-benzenediol) is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in food products. While not currently approved as GRAS by the FDA, it has not been associated with reported adverse events or recalls in food applications.
Rosin, Wood
OtherRosin, wood is a natural resin derived from pine trees, used as a surface-finishing agent in food processing. It creates a protective coating on certain foods to improve appearance and shelf life, though it is not approved as a food additive by the FDA.
Saccharin
SweetenerSaccharin is a synthetic non-nutritive sweetener approximately 300-400 times sweeter than sucrose. It has been used in food and beverages since the early 1900s to provide sweetness without calories and is approved for use by the FDA and regulatory agencies worldwide.
Saccharin, Ammonium Salt
SweetenerSaccharin, ammonium salt (CAS 6381-61-9) is a non-nutritive synthetic sweetener approximately 300-400 times sweeter than sucrose. It is used in food and beverage products as a sugar substitute to provide sweetness without calories.
Saccharin, Calcium Salt
SweetenerCalcium saccharin is the calcium salt form of saccharin, a synthetic non-nutritive sweetener that provides sweetness without calories. It is used in beverages, food products, and tabletop sweeteners to reduce sugar content while maintaining sweet taste.
Saccharin, Sodium Salt
FlavoringSodium saccharin (CAS 128-44-9) is a non-nutritive artificial sweetener that is approximately 300-400 times sweeter than sucrose. It serves multiple functions in food products including sweetening, flavor enhancement, and antimicrobial preservation, and has been approved as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
Salicylic Acid
FlavoringSalicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid) is an organic compound with antimicrobial and keratolytic properties that has been investigated as a flavoring agent. It is not currently approved as a food additive by the FDA and has limited use in food applications.
Skatole
FlavoringSkatole is a naturally occurring organic compound with a fecal odor that is used as a flavoring agent in food products. Despite its unpleasant smell, it is employed in very small quantities to add complexity to certain food and beverage flavors, particularly in specialty and gourmet applications.
Sodium 2-ethylhexyl Sulfate
OtherSodium 2-ethylhexyl sulfate is an anionic surfactant primarily used as a washing and surface removal agent in food processing equipment. It is not approved as a food additive for direct food use by the FDA.
Sodium Benzoate
ColorantSodium benzoate (CAS 532-32-1) is a sodium salt of benzoic acid used primarily as an antimicrobial preservative in food and beverages. It inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, extending shelf life while also functioning as a pH control agent and antioxidant in various food products.
Sodium Chlorite
OtherSodium chlorite (CAS 7758-19-2) is an inorganic antimicrobial compound used as a food additive and fumigant to reduce microbial contamination. It functions by releasing chlorine dioxide when activated, which kills bacteria and other microorganisms on food surfaces and equipment.
Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin
ColorantSodium copper chlorophyllin is a synthetic green colorant derived from chlorophyll, the naturally occurring pigment found in plants. It is used in food and beverages to provide or enhance green coloring and is regulated as a color additive in various jurisdictions worldwide.
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
OtherSodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a synthetic surfactant and detergent compound used as a washing and surface removal agent in food processing equipment. It is not approved as a direct food additive by the FDA but may be used in food-contact surface cleaning applications.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
EmulsifierSodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant commonly used as an emulsifier and foaming agent in food products. While widely recognized for personal care applications, its food use is limited and regulated in most jurisdictions.
Sodium Metabisulfite
ColorantSodium metabisulfite is a sulfite-based preservative and processing aid used to prevent microbial growth and oxidation in foods. It functions as an antimicrobial agent, antioxidant, and dough strengthener across various food applications.
Sodium Nitrate
ColorantSodium nitrate (NaNO₃) is a preservative and curing agent primarily used in processed meat products to inhibit bacterial growth and develop characteristic colors and flavors. It has been used in food preservation for centuries and remains a common ingredient in cured meats, though its use is regulated in many countries due to potential health considerations.
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