“A Consumer’s Dictionary of Food Additives”: A comprehensive guide to understanding the substances that make their way into your diet

 From "natural flavorings" to unpronounceable additives, the ingredients listed on packaged foods can be both confusing and concerning. Ruth Winter's "A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives" sheds light on this opaque world, offering a comprehensive guide to understanding the substances that make their way into your diets. But as the book reveals, the story behind food safety and regulation is far from reassuring.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are tasked with ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply. Yet, these agencies face significant challenges; their ability to monitor and regulate food additives is alarmingly limited. For example, the FDA inspects domestic food plants just once every decade on average, and only two percent of imported foods are sampled for contamination. This reactive approach to food safety means problems are often addressed only after they've occurred, leaving consumers vulnerable to potential risks.

One of the most troubling aspects of food regulation is the reliance on manufacturers to determine whether an additive is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS). This self-policing system has led to lax enforcement and the inclusion of additives with questionable safety profiles. Compounding the issue is the use of vague terms like "natural flavorings" or "colorings," which can mask allergens or other harmful substances. For those with food sensitivities or allergies, this lack of transparency can pose serious health risks...<<<Read More>>>...