The FDA's Delayed Action on Food Additives: A 54-Year Journey
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The FDA's Prolonged Delay on Food Additives
In a significant move, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finally prohibited the use of brominated vegetable oil (BVO), a controversial food additive. Previously utilized as a stabilizer for fruit flavors in beverages, BVO is now deemed unsafe and will be eliminated from all food products in the U.S.
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Section 1.1 Global Reactions to BVO
While the U.S. has been slow to act, other nations recognized the dangers of BVO much earlier. The UK banned it in 1970, followed by India in 1990, the EU in 2008, and Japan in 2010. Research has indicated that high consumption levels could potentially harm the kidneys and disrupt thyroid function due to bromine exposure.
"Although we are relieved to see this ban, it should have occurred much earlier since the safety concerns regarding BVO surfaced decades ago," stated Thomas Galligan, principal scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington, DC. "The hesitation from certain companies to stop using such additives may stem from the financial implications of change."
Section 1.2 Divergent Ingredient Lists
The discrepancy in how food companies operate in the U.S. compared to other countries can be striking. For instance, consider McDonald's fries:
Ingredients in the UK:
Potatoes, Non-Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (Rapeseed), Dextrose (mainly added at the start of the potato season).
Ingredients in the U.S.:
Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Canola, Corn, Soybean, Hydrogenated Soybean), Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (to maintain color), Salt, and Natural Beef Flavor [wheat and milk derivatives].
The presence of additives like beef flavoring and sodium acid pyrophosphate raises questions about the "natural" claims of these products.
Chapter 2 The Case of Azodicarbonamide
The first video discusses the ongoing changes in California regarding food additives, focusing on the recently banned substances.
In the U.S., bread can contain ingredients that are commonly found in industrial products, including yoga mats and hair straighteners. Azodicarbonamide, a flour bleaching agent, has been a topic of concern. Although banned in the UK in 1990, the FDA continues to consider it safe for human consumption, despite pressure from politicians like Chuck Schumer to impose a ban.
Critics argue that banning such additives could lead to unintended consequences. For instance, Jeff Stier from the National Center for Public Policy Research cautioned against setting a precedent for banning food additives, emphasizing the complexities surrounding obesity and food regulation.
The second video features David Sinclair discussing the implications of the NMN supplement ban, providing insight into the broader context of food safety and regulations.
Section 2.1 The Influence of Lobbying
Agribusiness has a powerful presence in politics, spending a record $178 million on lobbying efforts in 2023. With 1,325 lobbyists representing the industry, the influence of money on food safety and research cannot be overstated.
A study from 2020 revealed that nearly 13.4% of nutrition research articles published in leading journals had direct ties to the food industry, with processed food companies involved in about 40% of those studies. Alarmingly, 55.6% of articles with food industry involvement reported favorable findings for the industry, compared to just 9.7% of independent studies.
Section 2.2 Making Informed Choices
Having spent time in Spain during college, I can attest that many people experience weight loss while enjoying traditional foods. This is often attributed to the less processed nature of European diets, which contrasts sharply with the U.S. food landscape.
To make better food choices, I advise:
- Limit fast food consumption.
- Review ingredient lists carefully—shorter lists are usually better.
- Prioritize whole foods over processed options.
- Incorporate more vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole fruits into your diet.
Ultimately, the simpler the food, the less processed it tends to be, which generally means it's healthier. While we may not have control over the FDA's decisions, we can still make informed choices that promote better health.