Food Additives with Caution
107 substances where evidence suggests some concern — limited data, conflicting studies, or restrictions in certain countries.
Showing 97–107 of 107 caution additives
Sodium Nitrite
ColorantSodium nitrite (CAS 7632-00-0) is an inorganic salt used primarily as a curing agent and antimicrobial preservative in processed meat products. It prevents bacterial growth, particularly Clostridium botulinum, while contributing to the characteristic color and flavor of cured meats.
Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated
ColorantHydrogenated soybean oil is a processed vegetable oil created by adding hydrogen to liquid soybean oil, making it solid or semi-solid at room temperature. It serves multiple functions in food manufacturing including texture modification, flavor enhancement, and as a cooking medium or ingredient carrier.
St. Johnswort Leaves, Flowers And Caulis (hypericum Perforatuml.)
OtherSt. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) is a botanical ingredient derived from the leaves, flowers, and stems of the St. Johnswort plant. Its function in food products is not clearly defined, and it is not approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance for food use.
Styrene
OtherStyrene (CAS 100-42-5) is an organic chemical compound primarily used in industrial applications rather than as a direct food additive. Its presence in food is typically indirect, arising from food contact materials like plastic packaging and polystyrene containers.
Sucralose
SweetenerSucralose is a non-nutritive artificial sweetener approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is widely used in beverages, baked goods, and other food products as a sugar substitute to reduce caloric content.
Sulfuric Acid
FlavoringSulfuric acid (CAS 7664-93-9) is a strong inorganic acid used in food processing as a pH control agent, flavor enhancer, and processing aid. It is not approved as a direct food additive by the FDA but may be used in specific food manufacturing processes under strict regulations.
Talc
SweetenerTalc (CAS 14807-96-6) is a naturally occurring mineral silicate used in food manufacturing as a formulation aid, processing aid, and anti-caking agent. While not FDA GRAS-approved, it has been used historically in food applications and serves functions related to texture and surface treatment in various food products.
Tansy, Oil (tanacetum Vulgara L.)
FlavoringTansy oil is a volatile essential oil derived from the tansy plant (Tanacetum vulgare L.), used as a flavoring agent in food products. It is not approved as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and has limited use in modern food manufacturing.
Tert-butylhydroquinone
AntioxidantTert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) is a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the quality and shelf life of foods by preventing oxidative degradation of fats and oils. It is approved for use in many countries and is commonly found in processed foods, cooking oils, and animal feed.
Triethylamine
FlavoringTriethylamine is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent and adjuvant in food production. It is not affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA and has limited approved uses in food applications.
Turpentine, Rectified
FlavoringRectified turpentine is a volatile essential oil derived from pine resin that has been purified through distillation. It is used as a flavoring agent in food products to impart pine-like and woody aromatic notes.
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