. FOOD CHEMICALS:  Azodicarbonamide Ack . The U.S. sells bread containing this additive:  Azodicarbonamide, which is another form of Bromide. (As in BVO) The problem is that many people are not aware of how many forms of bread contain these additives as well as the fact that it is essential to stay away from it. . Azodicarbonamide: Another reason to avoid most bread http://www.examiner.com/article/azodicarbonamide-another-reason-to-avoid-most-bread . also: Azodicarbonamide Bread Linked to Cancer __ (Thanks to DrFurious) __________________________ From the Book and Chemical-Free-Life.org, “The Essential Chemical-Free Shopping Guide:  How to Shop and Eat Chemical-Free”  Chemical Free Shopping Guide . Synthetic/Industrialized Chemical: Azodicarbonamide . Where Found: Bleaching agent commonly found in commercial flour, bread, processed bakery goods, pastries, pie crusts, pasta, crackers, and beer. . Red Flags: Azodicarbonamide was found to induce asthma and skin sensitization in occupational settings according to a report released by the World Health Organization, but studies on ingestion of this chemical as a food additive are lacking. Additionally, evidence of ethyl carbamate formation (a Group 2B carcinogen according to the International Agency on Cancer (IARC)) occurs in consumer food products (such as bread and beer) following the addition of azodicarbonamide, but again, studies on the health effects are lacking. .
Pop-upView Separately

.

FOOD CHEMICALS:  Azodicarbonamide Ack

.


The U.S. sells bread containing this additive:  Azodicarbonamide, which is another form of Bromide. (As in BVO) The problem is that many people are not aware of how many forms of bread contain these additives as well as the fact that it is essential to stay away from it.

.

Azodicarbonamide: Another reason to avoid most bread

http://www.examiner.com/article/azodicarbonamide-another-reason-to-avoid-most-bread

.

also:

Azodicarbonamide Bread Linked to Cancer

__

(Thanks to DrFurious)

__________________________

From the Book and Chemical-Free-Life.org,

“The Essential Chemical-Free Shopping Guide:  How to Shop and Eat Chemical-Free” 
Chemical Free Shopping Guide

.

Synthetic/Industrialized Chemical:


Azodicarbonamide

.

Where Found:


Bleaching agent commonly found in commercial flour, bread, processed bakery goods, pastries, pie crusts, pasta, crackers, and beer.

.

Red Flags:


Azodicarbonamide was found to induce asthma and skin sensitization in occupational settings according to a report released by the World Health Organization, but studies on ingestion of this chemical as a food additive are lacking. Additionally, evidence of ethyl carbamate formation (a Group 2B carcinogen according to the International Agency on Cancer (IARC)) occurs in consumer food products (such as bread and beer) following the addition of azodicarbonamide, but again, studies on the health effects are lacking.

.

. FOOD CHEMICALS:   *Big Chemical* Sues California to Stop BPA from being Blacklisted . Firms sue to keep California from adding BPA to ‘blacklist’ LA Times The American Chemistry Council is suing the Brown administration, saying BPA, a chemical in many food containers, should not be included on a list of substances that cause birth defects. A coalition of chemical companies is suing the Jerry Brown administration to stop an additive commonly found in food containers from being included in the state’s list of substances that cause birth defects. The lawsuit by the American Chemistry Council, filed in Sacramento County Superior Court on Friday, seeks to prevent the state’s Environmental Protection Agency from placing new restrictions on the use of Bisphenol A, or BPA, a chemical agent widely used to protect aluminum food cans from corrosion and to strengthen plastic bottles, toys and containers… If the Brown administration prevails, it could lead to warning labels on hundreds of ordinary food and household products and potentially expose manufacturers to a flurry of new lawsuits. Of more concern to the chemical’s producers is the possibility that manufacturers could stop using it altogether… Allan Hirsch, chief deputy director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, said the 2008 report found “that there is clear evidence that Bisphenol A causes developmental toxicity in laboratory animals.” That prompted the agency to conduct its own review, leading to the announcement in January that it intended to add BPA to the list of known harmful chemicals. Californians voted for the toxins registry when they passed Proposition 65 in 1986. _______________________ Red Flags for BPA (Bishenol-A): BPA is a reported endocrine-disrupting chemical; numerous peer-reviewed studies conducted by independent scientists have linked exposure to BPA to a variety of adverse health consequences including increased risk for endocrine-related cancers including breast cancer and prostate cancer, gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth in males), heart disease, abnormalities in liver function, low sperm counts in men, metabolic abnormalities, weight gain/obesity, increased serum cholesterol levels,  neurological damage/altered brain development (including a link with schizophrenia), abnormal puberty advances, disruptions and abnormalities, insulin resistance and diabetes, and adverse reproductive and developmental effects. .From the Book:  “The Essential Chemical-Free Shopping Guide:  How to Shop and Eat Chemical-Free”Chemical Free Shopping Guide Chemical-Free-Life.orgChemicalFreeLife.tumblr.com .  
View Separately

.

FOOD CHEMICALS:   *Big Chemical* Sues California to Stop BPA from being Blacklisted

.

Firms sue to keep California from adding BPA to ‘blacklist’

LA Times

The American Chemistry Council is suing the Brown administration, saying BPA, a chemical in many food containers, should not be included on a list of substances that cause birth defects.

A coalition of chemical companies is suing the Jerry Brown administration to stop an additive commonly found in food containers from being included in the state’s list of substances that cause birth defects.

The lawsuit by the American Chemistry Council, filed in Sacramento County Superior Court on Friday, seeks to prevent the state’s Environmental Protection Agency from placing new restrictions on the use of Bisphenol A, or BPA, a chemical agent widely used to protect aluminum food cans from corrosion and to strengthen plastic bottles, toys and containers…

If the Brown administration prevails, it could lead to warning labels on hundreds of ordinary food and household products and potentially expose manufacturers to a flurry of new lawsuits. Of more concern to the chemical’s producers is the possibility that manufacturers could stop using it altogether…

Allan Hirsch, chief deputy director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, said the 2008 report found “that there is clear evidence that Bisphenol A causes developmental toxicity in laboratory animals.”

That prompted the agency to conduct its own review, leading to the announcement in January that it intended to add BPA to the list of known harmful chemicals. Californians voted for the toxins registry when they passed Proposition 65 in 1986.

_______________________

Red Flags for BPA (Bishenol-A):

BPA is a reported endocrine-disrupting chemical; numerous peer-reviewed studies conducted by independent scientists have linked exposure to BPA to a variety of adverse health consequences including increased risk for endocrine-related cancers including breast cancer and prostate cancer, gynecomastia (abnormal breast growth in males), heart disease, abnormalities in liver function, low sperm counts in men, metabolic abnormalities, weight gain/obesity, increased serum cholesterol levels,  neurological damage/altered brain development (including a link with schizophrenia), abnormal puberty advances, disruptions and abnormalities, insulin resistance and diabetes, and adverse reproductive and developmental effects.

.
From the Book:  “The Essential Chemical-Free Shopping Guide:  How to Shop and Eat Chemical-Free”Chemical Free Shopping Guide

Chemical-Free-Life.org
ChemicalFreeLife.tumblr.com

.

 

. FOOD CHEMICALS:  MSG on Produce Did you know that… (1) Some waxes on produce contain MSG; (2) A wide variety of crops receive sprays containing MSG compounds that can soak into the fruit/vegetable. Produce that may receive MSG (fertilizer/pesticide) sprays: beans, celery, cucumbers, grapes, green bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, lettuce, onions, peanuts, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon. ___ Red Flags for MSG: The food additive and flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (commonly known as “MSG”) has been linked in empirical studies and clinical trials to a myriad of adverse symptoms including: Headaches and migraines, diabetes/insulin resistance/impaired glucose tolerance, weight gain / obesity, skin abnormalities (incl.urticaria, angioedema), intestinal disturbances, respiratory problems including bronchoconstriction (this is especially problematic for people with asthma), enhanced threat to people with vascular disease, cognitive impairment, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, hypertension,  endocrine dysfunction, burning sensations, pressure, tightness or numbness in the face, neck, and upper chest, and more.   ____   From the book:  “The Essential Chemical-Free Shopping Guide:  How to Shop and Eat Chemical-Free” Chemical Free Shopping Guide Chemical-Free-Life.org ChemicalFreeLife.tumblr.com .
Pop-upView Separately

.

FOOD CHEMICALS:  MSG on Produce

Did you know that…

(1) Some waxes on produce contain MSG; (2) A wide variety of crops receive sprays containing MSG compounds that can soak into the fruit/vegetable.

Produce that may receive MSG (fertilizer/pesticide) sprays: beans, celery, cucumbers, grapes, green bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, lettuce, onions, peanuts, potatoes, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon.

___

Red Flags for MSG:

The food additive and flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (commonly known as “MSG”) has been linked in empirical studies and clinical trials to a myriad of adverse symptoms including:

Headaches and migraines, diabetes/insulin resistance/impaired glucose tolerance, weight gain / obesity, skin abnormalities (incl.urticaria, angioedema), intestinal disturbances, respiratory problems including bronchoconstriction (this is especially problematic for people with asthma), enhanced threat to people with vascular disease, cognitive impairment, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, hypertension,  endocrine dysfunction, burning sensations, pressure, tightness or numbness in the face, neck, and upper chest, and more.

 

____

 

From the book: 

“The Essential Chemical-Free Shopping Guide:  How to Shop and Eat Chemical-Free”


Chemical Free Shopping Guide

Chemical-Free-Life.org

ChemicalFreeLife.tumblr.com

.

.

FOOD CHEMICALS:  BPA and Man-Boobs…New Study

.

The Chemical That Could Give You Man B…

Men’s Health News


Can BPA give you man boobs? According to a new report in the journal Reproductive Toxicology, early exposures to the chemical commonly found in canned foods (short for bisphenol-A) could promote abnormal breast growth in boys and adult men…

“This study provides additional evidence that the mammary gland is exceptionally sensitive to low doses of BPA when exposures occur during early development. What is different about this study is that it is the first to suggest that the male mammary gland could be affected by BPA exposures.”

The study also gives additional evidence that environmental chemicals could play a role in gynecomastia, a condition that causes abnormal breast growth in boys and men, and one that may cause significant emotional distress…

BPA has already been linked to breast and prostate cancers, heart and kidney damage, behavioral problems, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. It’s a chemical that’s currently produced at a high rate, with about 6 billion tons produced throughout the world annually. The quantities are staggering, considering that a miniscule amount could cause permanent damage.

BPA is so commonly used in consumer products that it’s actually starting to invade our environment, where its effects have been noted. Now detected in air, sand, and water, the chemical acts like a synthetic estrogen; even tiny doses of it could alter your body’s ability to regulate natural bodily functions.

____________

Solution:

Chemical-Free-Life.org says: You can significantly reduce your BPA exposure by (1) avoiding food and drinks in cans and plastic bottles—especially tomato-based foods, as the acidity levels cause high levels of BPA to leach into the food; (2) avoid handling store and bank receipts (they are often coated with BPA); (3) avoid microwaving food in plastic containers—always use glass.

.

.

FOOD CHEMICALS:  Gatorade to Replace BVO (with Another Synthetic Chemical)

.

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO*) is banned throughout Europe and Japan but here in the U.S. it requires boycotts, bad publicity, and profit loss to persuade Big Food to remove it…

.

Gatorade pulls ingredient linked to flame retardant

LA Times

…

Gatorade to remove flame retardant chemical from its drinks (yeah, you’ve been drinking this for years)

_________________

*Red Flags for BVO:

Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) contains bromine (a substance also used as a flame retardant) which can build up in fatty tissues.  Animal studies have linked bromine to the development of heart lesions. Bromine has also been linked with neurological impairment, reduced fertility, changes in thyroid hormones, and early onset puberty. Recent studies on the effects of BVO have linked excessive use to skin lesions, nerve disorders, depression, irritability, confusion/cognitive problems, slurred speech, and memory loss.

From the book: “The Essential Chemical-Free Shopping Guide:  How to Shop and Eat Chemical-Free”


Chemical Free Shopping Guide

Chemical-Free-Life.org

ChemicalFreeLife.tumblr.com

. FOOD CHEMICAL:  Carrageenan and the Link with Tummy Trouble (and MSG) . Some people think that carrageenan is a relatively safe synthetic food additive but did you know that it is linked to a variety of digestive problems (including IBS)? .Research links the controversial food ingredient carrageenan to serious -gastrointestinal inflammation- and -colon cancer-. . Carrageenan is common in processed foods—both conventional and those labeled ‘certified organic’.  If you want to avoid processed foods containing carrageenan go here: . Cornucopia’s guide to avoiding carrageenan in your food . If you remove the food additive carrageenan from your diet and you get relief from your digestive problems, please go here: . If you cut carrageenan out of your diet and noticed improvements in your digestive health, please fill out a questionnaire to help us and medical researchers better understand the impact of carrageenan on public health. . To get your copy of our user-friendly guide to food chemicals, go here: Chemical Free Shopping Guide .
Pop-upView Separately

.

FOOD CHEMICAL:  Carrageenan and the Link with Tummy Trouble (and MSG)

.

Some people think that carrageenan is a relatively safe synthetic food additive but did you know that it is linked to a variety of digestive problems (including IBS)?

.
Research links the controversial food ingredient carrageenan to serious -gastrointestinal inflammation- and -colon cancer-.

.


Carrageenan is common in processed foods—both conventional and those labeled ‘certified organic’.  If you want to avoid processed foods containing carrageenan go here:

.

Cornucopia’s guide to avoiding carrageenan in your food

.

If you remove the food additive carrageenan from your diet and you get relief from your digestive problems, please go here:

.

If you cut carrageenan out of your diet and noticed improvements in your digestive health, please fill out a questionnaire to help us and medical researchers better understand the impact of carrageenan on public health.

.

To get your copy of our user-friendly guide to food chemicals, go here:

.

.

FOOD CHEMICALS: MSG


How to Avoid MSG during the Holidays!

For those people who need to avoid MSG and are looking for a symptom-free holiday season, read the ingredients labels on the food you are planning to serve.

What:


Avoid ingredients that say:

.

MSG or Monosodium Glutamate   

*Look out for Hidden sources of MSG! Avoid:   

Autolyzed Yeast;

Calcium Caseinate;

Corn Oil;

Gelatin Glutamate;

Glutamic Acid;

Hydrolyzed Protein;

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein;

Maltodextrin;

Monoammonium Glutamate;

Monopotassium Glutamate;

Plant Protein Extract;

Sodium Caseinate;

Soy Sauce;

Textured Protein;

Textured Vegetable Protein;

TVP;

Whey Protein;

Whey Protein Isolate;

Yeast Extract

…

Where:


Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer widely used in packaged/processed food.  Industrialized versions (as opposed to naturally-occurring versions) of MSG are common additives (either by processing it into the food or by directly adding it) in a wide variety of packaged/processed foods, sauces, nondairy creamers, protein powders, dressings, dips, mixes, condiments, soups, and snack foods. 

When present sometimes it will say “MSG” on the label, other times it will say, “Monosodium Glutamate”, and other times MSG will not be labeled directly but will be present in one of several other ingredients listed on the label*.   In cases where MSG is processed into the food (as opposed to directly added), manufacturers may even use the words, “No added MSG” on the label.  This should be a red flag that the food item may well contain MSG.


…


Why:


The food additive monosodium glutamate (commonly known as “MSG”) has been linked in empirical studies and clinical trials to a myriad of adverse symptoms including…

headaches and migraines, 
diabetes/insulin resistance/impaired glucose tolerance,
weight gain / obesity,
skin abnormalities, urticaria, angioedema, intestinal disturbances,
respiratory problems including bronchoconstriction, especially for people with asthma,
enhanced threat to people with vascular disease,
cognitive impairment, difficulty concentrating,
hypertension, endocrine dysfunction, 
burning sensations, pressure,
and tightness or numbness in the face, neck, and upper chest
and more.


…

From the upcoming book,


“The Essential Chemical-Free Shopping Guide”

Copyright Chemical-Free-Life.org

…

Have you seen our video yet?

How (and Why) to Avoid MSG

_________

(photos-simplemom.net;salon.com;smilesouthflorida.com)


 

.

FOOD—ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS:  New study links BPA to Thyroid Hormonal Changes

.

UC Berkeley study: BPA linked to thyroid hormone changes in pregnant women …

A chemical found in many common products, including plastic bottles and canned food linings, is linked in a new study to thyroid hormone changes in pregnant women and baby boys.

The findings raise concerns because thyroid hormones play a crucial role in growth and brain development in young children, health experts note.

The study by UC Berkeley researchers is the first to analyze the effect of bisphenol A, or BPA, on thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women and newborns.

..

. FOOD CHEMICALS:   *Pink Slime* Maker Sues Media & Gov’t for Damaging their Reputation . BPI Sues ABC News, Former USDA Officials for ‘Pink Slime’ Defamation Food Safety News, By Helena Bottemiller Beef Product Inc, the maker of Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB), now commonly known as “pink slime,” on Thursday filed suit against ABC News, former U.S. Department of Agriculture officials, and a former company employee for alleged defamation of its product, which used to be a component of the vast majority of ground beef in the United States. The suit, filed by the Dakota Dunes, SD-based company in South Dakota state court, seeks $1.2 billion in damages as well as punitive damages for what it calls a “sustained and vicious campaign” against LFTB that led consumers to believe the product is unhealthy, fraudulently labeled and unsafe. Read more » .
View Separately

.

FOOD CHEMICALS:   *Pink Slime* Maker Sues Media & Gov’t for Damaging their Reputation

.

BPI Sues ABC News, Former USDA Officials for ‘Pink Slime’ Defamation

Food Safety News, By Helena Bottemiller

Beef Product Inc, the maker of Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB), now commonly known as “pink slime,” on Thursday filed suit against ABC News, former U.S. Department of Agriculture officials, and a former company employee for alleged defamation of its product, which used to be a component of the vast majority of ground beef in the United States.

The suit, filed by the Dakota Dunes, SD-based company in South Dakota state court, seeks $1.2 billion in damages as well as punitive damages for what it calls a “sustained and vicious campaign” against LFTB that led consumers to believe the product is unhealthy, fraudulently labeled and unsafe.

Read more »

.

FOOD CHEMICALS:  Common Food Additive Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease—New study

.

Flavoring Ingredient In Popcorn, Beer And Chardonnay Linked To Alzheimer’s

A common food ingredient called diacetyl, which is used to create the butter smell and flavoring found in microwaveable popcorn and other foods, may be linked to Alzheimer’s disease, a new study from researchers at the Center for Drug Design at the University of Minnesota shows.

The chemical is used widely in microwave popcorn, margarine, snack foods, candy, baked goods, ice cream, pet foods and other products. Diacetyl also forms naturally in fermented beverages such as beer and gives some chardonnay wines a buttery taste.

According to the research, those with the highest levels of exposure to the chemical could be at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Their findings appear in the current edition of the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology.

.

FOOD—ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICALS: Formaldehyde…Common and Carcinogenic


.

Government Agency Changes Formaldehyde’s Hazardous Classification

This change in classification follows updates to formaldehyde’s listing by other world agencies including the United States’ National Toxicology Program, an inter-agency program of the Department of Health and Human Services, which named formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen in its 12th Report on Carcinogens.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has also classified formaldehyde as a human carcinogen.

Formaldehyde has come under increased public scrutiny in recent years and is commonly found in the indoor environment due to its use in construction materials, building furnishings and some consumer products*.  Formaldehyde can cause both short and long term health concerns.

EMSL has sponsored a video about the hazards associated with formaldehyde in the indoor environment.  It can be seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD4pTC8GVpE

For information about testing for formaldehyde or other indoor air quality testing
services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

____

*WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW:

ChemicalFreeLife.tumblr.com says:  Recent studies have demonstrated that the formaldehyde commonly found on new bed sheets, pillow cases, towels and clothing can take as many as 10-15 washings to remove.  Formaldehyde can also be found in a number of food items.  Please see our archives as well as our paper (Research Findings on the Dangers of Synthetic Food Chemicals) on the front page of our blog for more details.

.

PET FOOD CHEMICALS:  Is “propylene glycol” behind the ‘Pet treat illnesses and deaths’?  The FDA’s research methodology is so pathetic, no one can tell. . FDA Releases Data on Chinese Dog Treat Testing Food Safety News,  James AndrewsThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration released data from five-and-a-half years of laboratory testing on Chinese-made chicken jerky dog treats — products that received heightened attention in 2007 and late 2011 following upticks in the 1,000 consumer complaints… Read more » .
View Separately

PET FOOD CHEMICALS:  Is “propylene glycol” behind the ‘Pet treat illnesses and deaths’?  The FDA’s research methodology is so pathetic, no one can tell.

.

FDA Releases Data on Chinese Dog Treat Testing

Food Safety News,  James Andrews

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released data from five-and-a-half years of laboratory testing on Chinese-made chicken jerky dog treats — products that received heightened attention in 2007 and late 2011 following upticks in the 1,000 consumer complaints… Read more »
.