More shocking food additives that are legal in the U.S. but banned in other countries due to health risks.

These are some of the worst food additives still legal in the U.S. but banned or restricted in other countries. The U.S. has looser regulations due to the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) loophole, which allows companies to self-certify additives without independent testing.

1. L-Cysteine (Human Hair & Duck Feathers in Bread & Bagels)

• Use: Dough conditioner in bagels, bread, and pizza dough.

• Source: Often derived from human hair (historically from barbershops in China) or duck feathers.

• Health Concerns: No direct health risks, but the source is concerning for many consumers.

2. Butane (TBHQ - Tertiary Butylhydroquinone)

• Use: Preservative in fast food, crackers, and processed snacks.

• Health Concerns: A petroleum-based chemical that may cause nausea, vomiting, liver toxicity, and hyperactivity in children. Large doses have been linked to cancer in animal studies.

3. Propylene Glycol (Antifreeze in Salad Dressings & Beverages)

• Use: Thickening agent in salad dressings, ice cream, and flavored drinks.

• Health Concerns: Found in antifreeze and de-icing solutions. High doses can cause liver and kidney toxicity. Banned in the EU in high concentrations.

4. Carrageenan (Inflammatory Agent in Dairy & Non-Dairy Milks)

• Use: Thickener in ice cream, yogurt, and almond/soy milk.

• Health Concerns: Linked to gut inflammation, digestive issues, and potential cancer risks. The EU has banned its use in infant formula.

5. Castoreum (Beaver Anal Gland Secretion in Vanilla & Raspberry Flavoring)

• Use: Natural flavoring in vanilla, raspberry, and strawberry-flavored products.

• Source: Extracted from beaver anal glands.

• Health Concerns: Not necessarily harmful but is a hidden animal product that many consumers unknowingly ingest.

6. Sodium Benzoate + Citric Acid (Cancer-Causing Combo in Sodas & Juices)

• Use: Preservative in soft drinks, fruit juices, and pickles.

• Health Concerns: When mixed with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), it can form benzene, a known carcinogen. Linked to hyperactivity in children.

7. Arsenic (Still Allowed in Some Chicken & Rice Products)

• Use: Previously used in chicken feed to promote growth and color. Traces still found in poultry, rice, and apple juice.

• Health Concerns: Linked to cancer, heart disease, and developmental issues.

8. Artificial Trans Fats (Partially Hydrogenated Oils in Fast Food & Margarine)

• Use: In fried foods, baked goods, and margarine.

• Health Concerns: Causes heart disease, obesity, and stroke. Banned in many countries but still present in some U.S. products due to loopholes.

9. High-Fructose Corn Syrup (Metabolic Disruptor in Sodas & Snacks)

• Use: Sweetener in sodas, candy, and processed foods.

• Health Concerns: Increases obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease risk. The EU restricts its use, while the U.S. heavily subsidizes corn production, making it widespread.

10. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG - Hidden in Fast Food & Processed Snacks)

• Use: Flavor enhancer in chips, soups, and fast food.

• Health Concerns: Linked to headaches, nausea, and neurological issues. Some people experience “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” with symptoms like sweating and heart palpitations.