7 Carcinogenic Flavors Banned by the FDA
The FDA has withdrawn its approval of the following 7 chemicals from use in food flavorings because they were all found to induce cancer in laboratory animals. (see table below for places these flavorings are often found)
- Ethyl acrylate
- Eugenyl methyl
- Myrcene
- Pulegone
- Pyridine
- Styrene
- Benzophenone
The FDA has also banned benzophenone for use as a plasticizer in “rubber articles intended for repeated use in contact with food”.
PLEASE NOTE: The government has stated in its ruling that it does not plan to enforce this law until October of 2020. So between now and then, do not assume these flavors have been removed!
Source:
https://federalregister.gov/d/2018-21807 (published 10/9/18)
Description of Carcinogenic Flavors
(Table is in order of relevancy, most relevant at top. Relevancy factors: Data was statistically significant in the animal studies; the affected organ(s) exist in humans; the flavor is likely to be used.)
Links from Table: https://www.femaflavor.org/sites/default/files/InterimGRAS28_Dec2016Final.pdf https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FDA-2016-F-1444
Some Examples of Foods Likely to Contain These Carcinogenic Flavors
(Pictured above.)
- Mentos, Pure Fresh, Gum, Sugar Free, Fresh Mint
- Cinnamon Altoids Mints
- Red Hots
- Atomic Fireballs
- Life Savers Wint O Green Mints
Source:
https://www.bcpp.org
Learn More & Donate
This legislative success was accomplished through a lawsuit brought by a number of organizations that Sprout works closely with including Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and Center for Environmental Health. Sign up for their newsletters to learn more and donate to help encourage their work.