Preservatives - the Embalmers of Food

Preservatives have been used for years to extend the shelf-life of foods and to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in food and cosmetics. I will focus on some of the most commonly used. 

BHA Butylated hydroxyanisole and 

BHT Butylated hydroxytoluene

BHA is found in preserved and cured meats such as pepperoni and sausage.

BHT is found in cereals such as Cap’n Crunch, Apple Jacks, and Fruit Loops to prolong shelf life. Years ago, General Mills removed BHT from Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Trix, Kix, and Lucky Charms. As we have seen with multiple other additives, the same cereals marketed in Europe do not contain this additive. I doubt it takes American children longer to consume these sugar-sweetened cereals than European children.

A variety of cold cereals pictured. Numerous cereals contain the preservative BHT, so read ingredient labels.

Although BHT is not necessarily added directly to these cereals, it is used in the wax paper lining that can leach into the cereal it contains. Both of these chemicals are considered endocrine disruptors and possibly carcinogenic. Look for these on ingredient labels when shopping to avoid them. Avoiding ultra-processed foods also will decrease your exposure.

Sodium Nitrates and Sodium Nitrites

These chemicals are used in preserving processed and cured meats, such as pepperoni, salami, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, jerky, and pre-packaged lunch meats. They give these meats their pink or red color.

Nitrites can develop into nitrosamines when heated, which increases cancer risk if consumed frequently.

Processed and cured meats such as salami, sausage, and hot dogs which contain sodium nitrates and nitrites.

The EU sets much stricter limits for these than the US.

Propyl Paraben

Propyl paraben is found in many processed pastries. This is an endocrine 

disruptor and found to affect the sex hormones and cause decreased sperm counts in male rats. It is also thought to have estrogenic effects. 

The EU banned this as a food additive in 2006 once this information was known.

Many cosmetics - moisturizers, shampoos, makeup, and shaving products - contain parabens. Some are being removed from cosmetics while still being allowed in foods. Parabens in cosmetics do not require FDA approval.

Picture of cosmetic bottles which may or may not contain propyl parabens. This preservative is being removed from many cosmetic products but remains in foods.

This chemical is found in many trail mixes, Sara Lee honey buns and cinnamon rolls, some brands of corn tortillas, some Weight Watchers products, and other commercially processed baked goods. 

Look for paraben-free labels or check the ingredient list.

Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in fruit juices, some fermented foods, carbonated drinks, sauces, condiments, and more to prevent the growth of mold and yeast. This chemical was the first food preservative approved by the FDA. It is also used to treat some medical conditions.

Sodium benzoate alone is considered safe, but when combined with citric acid, ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, and heated or exposed to sunlight, benzene, a known carcinogen, can form. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) there are over 20,000 products that contain the combination of sodium benzoate and citric acid, ascorbic acid, or vitamin C.

Sodium benzoate will be listed on the ingredient label. Look for this in combination with citric acid, ascorbic acid, or vitamin C.

Although there are others, these include some of the most commonly used. Read labels to find them and reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods to decrease exposure. Remember, you don’t want to consume these chemicals frequently or in high amounts, but infrequently, in small quantities, is likely okay. Be educated but don’t make yourself crazy.