Eat With Caution: Cancer-Causing Chemicals In Your Food

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – You may be eating more than you bargained for.

According to the environmental working group, more than 10 thousand additives are approved for use in U.S. foods. Many are used to make food look better or last longer, but some are linked to serious health risks, including cancer.

Recently some of the largest food manufacturers in the country, including Lays and Tostitos said they will stop using artificial colors by the end of the year. But what other chemicals could you and your family be eating that could be bad for your health?

From bright candies to fresh looking breads, food additives help enhance the color, texture, taste, and shelf life of what you eat. But many of these chemicals can negatively affect your health, even increase your risk of cancer. First on the list: sweets!

Titanium dioxide is a color additive commonly used in candy. It’s been shown to damage d-n-a and is banned for use in food throughout most of Europe. BHA, which is found in cured meats, has been identified as a possible carcinogen, and is banned in Europe.

The artificial sweetener aspartame is listed as possibly carcinogenic to humans. And you may not even know you’re eating it.

“You’re allowed to put it in food, and you also don’t have to actually indicate the total amounts that you’re putting in the food,” said Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, Cardiologist, Cleveland Clinic.

Azodicarbonamide or ADA, is used as a bleaching agent in breads and pastries. It’s been linked to an increased risk of cancer and may also cause liver and kidney damage. It’s also banned for use in most of Europe. Potassium bromate, which is added to the flour of many packaged baked goods, was found to increase the risk of thyroid, kidney, and other cancers in animals. Experts say the safest choice is to read ingredient labels and stick to whole, unprocessed foods when possible. Knowing what to avoid could be a small step toward a big difference in your health.

A recent study found that women who drank one or more sugary sodas a day were almost five-times more likely to develop mouth cancer. It’s a reminder that what you drink, and what you eat, really does matter.

Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.

Subscribe to the TV5 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every day.

Copyright 2025 WNEM. All rights reserved.