On November 12, 2014 the non-governmental organization Environmental Working Group (EWG) issued a “Dirty Dozen” list of food additives, as reported by the journalist Lydia Zuraw on the news provider Food Safety News. The list includes food contact substances, which are also regulated as food additives under U.S. law, such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT, CAS 128-37-0) and aluminum. BHT is an antioxidant authorized for use in food contact materials (FCMs) under U.S. law and has been found to migrate out of paper and board packaging (see FPF article on common contaminants of paper and board). The list is intended to draw attention to problems of food regulation, such as the controversial “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) designations. The EWG recommends that consumers avoid the Dirty Dozen substances.
Read more
EWG (November 12, 2014). “EWG’s Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives.”
Lydia Zuraw (November 12, 2014). “Environmental Working Group Releases First ‘Dirty Dozen’ List for Food Additives.” Food Safety News.
