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Dangerous Antioxidants, Flavour Enhancers, Sweeteners and E Numbers

I continue the topic of what we eat and what would not be advisable to eat, thereby continuing to examine the list of 37 particularly harmful substances. The heavily advertised Actimel, touted as the pinnacle of health and immunity boosting, contains no fewer than 2 E numbers from the particularly hazardous list. How do you like the advertising slogan "We recommend one or two bottles a day" after reading this?!

Today I was discussing with a colleague on the topic of what is the point of reading, knowing, and delving into all those E numbers, since "life is harmful anyway, that is what kills you." In other words, there is no point in fraying your nerves about it all and it is better to just turn a blind eye. Again, I would like this information to be available to everyone and for as many people in Latvia as possible to see and consider it. If only because the global village effect will increasingly begin to affect our country. I am worried that, due to its small population, small territory and a certain lack of political backbone, it may turn into a dumping ground for the world's E-number rubbish. The more we choose products with artificially enhanced substances, the more the market will offer us.

Caricature by Gats Šļūka

It seems the modern food production industry can no longer do without E numbers, but their proportionality, quantity and which specific E numbers are used is a matter of conscious choice. I will stop deliberating on why all fresh meat and sausages in supermarkets smell (sorry, but as a girl who grew up in the countryside I really do sense this strongly and know the smell and taste of real meat), and continue the topic of what we eat and what would not be advisable to eat, thereby continuing to examine the list of 37 particularly harmful substances.

E-320 – Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) – antioxidant and preservative. Found in fried and baked foods, breakfast cereals, ice cream and sweets.

E-321 – Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) – antioxidant and preservative. May be found in fish products, beer and malt beverages, breakfast cereals, chewing gums, fats and oils. In Latvia it has been seen indicated on caramel packets and chewing gums.

E-385 – Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) – antioxidant, sequestrant (forms chemical complexes with metal ions) and preservative. Of synthetic origin, permitted in the EU and widely present in Latvian-produced goods too.

E-389 – Dilauryl thiodipropionate – antioxidant used in eye and facial cosmetic products. Not permitted in EU countries.

E-443 – Brominated vegetable oil – emulsifier added to vegetable oil. Not approved for use in EU countries.

E-519 – Copper(II) sulphate – preservative added to vegetables, breakfast cereals and meat. Not approved for use in EU countries.

E-536 – Potassium ferrocyanide – colouring, anti-caking agent. Banned in the USA, permitted in the EU. Added to spices and salts.

E-620 – Glutamic acid – flavour enhancer, antioxidant, acidity regulator. Approved for use in EU countries. Enhances the flavour of beer together with hydrochloric acid; gives products a meaty taste.

E-622 – Monopotassium glutamate – flavour enhancer. Permitted in EU countries. A salt substitute with a low sodium content.

E-627 – Disodium guanylate – flavour enhancer. Used in soups, snacks, canned products and sauces.

I must say, I am disappointed in Pūre - it always seemed so ecological and locally made, and there you have it: E numbers from the most hazardous list added to its soups. :(

E-635 – Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides – flavour enhancer. Frequently used in instant noodles. A salt substitute with a low sodium content. Permitted in the EU.

E-636 – Maltol – flavour enhancer. Added to bread and biscuits, chocolate products, non-alcoholic beverages, jams and ice cream. Not approved for use in EU countries.

E-924 – Potassium bromate – flavour enhancer, used in flour, but not yet permitted in the EU.

E-928 – Benzoyl peroxide – bleaching agent. Not approved for use in EU countries.

E-950 – Acesulfame potassium – flavour enhancer, sweetener. Most commonly found in chewing gums and low-calorie products.

The heavily advertised Actimel, touted as the pinnacle of health and immunity boosting, contains no fewer than 2 E numbers from the particularly hazardous list - E950 and E951. How do you like the advertising slogan "We recommend one or two bottles a day" after reading this?!

E-951 – Aspartame – flavour enhancer, sweetener. Mainly found in low-calorie products, diet beverages, chewing gums, instant coffee and soft drinks.

E-954 – Saccharin and its Na, K, Ca salts – sweetener. Sugar substitutes, diet beverages and foods.

In summary - 26 of the 37 harmful E substances are permitted in the EU (with the exceptions mentioned) and are on our shop shelves, as well as at the disposal of Latvian producers.

I would also like to recommend the website www.evielas.lv, on which materials this article has also been based, as it conveniently allows you to search by code or by name for a substance indicated on a product label, its description, legal status and effect on health, etc.

In closing, a short film (admittedly in Russian) in which everything is laid out neatly and explained - how we enjoy the achievements of modern chemistry at our lunch or dinner table.