▷ The Greens sought a new regulation of food additives

Published: 07/19/2006 - Updated: 08/14/2019

Food additives (preservatives, colorings, sweeteners, antioxidants, emulsifiers, acidulants …) are present in almost all products from the food industry. In Spain there are currently some 300 additives approved, but many are perfectly dispensable.

Despite adjusting our legislation to the European community, there are still many food additives that are marketed in Spain and can cause serious troubles because of its toxicity or, without being toxic, are inadequate or not sufficiently aware of its effects on the body.

Neither the authorities nor the health food industry report adequately about the possible risks from the consumption of additives. However, the abundant literature on the matter said that the indiscriminate abuse or certain additives can harm health and cause serious diseases.

In this situation, from the Bureau of Unit Greens ask a thorough review of the 'positive list' of permitted additives for Health, and the development of a new 'positive list' updated to take into account the following aspects:

Contents

Labeling
Prohibition of artificial coloring
Reduction of sweeteners
Prohibition of other additives hazard for health

Labeling

It must adequately inform consumers, through labeling of food products, the precise content of additives: name, number and side effects or contraindications for them. In case of potentially toxic additives or not recommended for children, pregnant women or people suffering from certain diseases, the label must include a warning, as is done in some countries. In the U.S., for example, products containing saccharin (E954) are required to include in their labels the following inscription: 'This product contains saccharin, which has been determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Use of this product may be hazardous to health '. It should also be noted on the label about the risks associated with the consumption of those additives which can cause poisoning when combined with other antagonistic and those that are cumulative, i.e. that the body absorbs but does not eliminate in its entirety

Prohibition of artificial coloring

Synthetic dyes can be aggressive or dangerous to health, particularly those forming part of the azo group (E-102, E-110, E-123, E-124 E-154, E-155). They are also completely dispensable, as they are of no use except for gastronomic beautify or improve the appearance of food and beverages. In the Nordic countries are prohibited almost all synthetic dyes. In the U.S. current authorized artificial dyes 9 and 23 in Spain, which would add another 5 colors considered 'natural' that are usually obtained by chemical synthesis.

Reduction of sweeteners

The rise of sweeteners has a lot to do with fashion of light or low in calories products. However, it is clear that help you lose weight. On the contrary, it has been said that the appetite increases anomalously. The result is weight gain. They often show a high toxicity. Proposing the exclusion of the precautionary withdrawal and Aspartame (E951) and cyclamates (E952).