From MSG to High Fructose Corn Syrup: A Guide to Common Additives in Processed Foods

• March 19 2023
• 9 min reading time

Processed foods are a common part of many New Zealanders' diets, offering convenience and ease of preparation. However, these foods often contain a range of additives used to enhance flavour, prolong shelf life, and improve texture. While some additives are considered safe for consumption, others have raised concerns about potential health risks. In New Zealand, the use of food additives is regulated by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). FSANZ approves additives that have been tested and deemed safe for human consumption, with strict guidelines in place to ensure their safety. Despite this, many consumers are wary of the use of certain additives and the potential risks they may pose. In this article, we'll explore some of the most common additives found in processed foods in New Zealand, including their uses, potential risks, and how to make informed choices when it comes to your diet. From MSG to high fructose corn syrup, we'll take a closer look at the additives that are prevalent in our food supply and the potential impact on our health.

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate): The Flavour Enhancer with a Controversial Reputation

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer commonly used in processed foods to enhance the umami taste, which is often described as a savoury or meaty flavour. MSG is made up of glutamic acid and sodium, which occurs naturally in many foods, such as tomatoes and cheese. MSG has been a controversial ingredient for many years, with some studies linking it to adverse reactions such as headaches, nausea, and sweating. However, the scientific evidence linking MSG to adverse reactions is limited and conflicting, and many regulatory bodies have deemed it safe for consumption. Despite this, many consumers remain wary of MSG, and some manufacturers have opted to remove it from their products. If you're concerned about consuming MSG, it's important to read food labels carefully and opt for products that do not contain this ingredient. While MSG remains a contentious ingredient, it's important to recognise that it has been approved for use in many countries, including New Zealand, and that the scientific evidence linking it to adverse reactions is limited. However, if you have concerns or experience adverse reactions after consuming MSG, it's best to speak to your doctor or a qualified health professional.

HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup): The Sweetener That's Everywhere

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener commonly used in processed foods and soft drinks as a cheaper alternative to sugar. It's made by converting corn starch into glucose and then treating it with enzymes to produce fructose. HFCS has been a popular ingredient in the food industry since the 1970s, and its use has continued to rise. However, there is growing concern about the impact of HFCS on health, with some studies linking it to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. In New Zealand, HFCS is commonly used in soft drinks, fruit juices, and many other processed foods. While it's considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies such as FSANZ, it's important to recognise that consuming large amounts of HFCS may have negative health consequences. To limit your intake of HFCS, it's important to read food labels carefully and opt for products that are lower in added sugars. This may include choosing water or low-sugar drinks instead of soft drinks, and opting for whole foods over processed foods whenever possible. While HFCS remains a common sweetener in many processed foods, it's important to be aware of its potential impact on health and make informed choices about the foods you consume.

Artificial Sweeteners: The Zero-Calorie Option

Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, are widely used in processed foods as a zero-calorie alternative to sugar. They are also commonly used in diet soft drinks and other low-sugar products. While artificial sweeteners are deemed safe for consumption by regulatory bodies such as FSANZ, there have been concerns about their impact on health. Some studies have linked artificial sweeteners to an increased risk of cancer, although the evidence is limited and conflicting. In New Zealand, artificial sweeteners are commonly used in a range of products, from chewing gum to breakfast cereals. While they may be a useful tool for those looking to reduce their sugar intake, it's important to recognise that consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners may have negative health consequences. To limit your intake of artificial sweeteners, it's important to read food labels carefully and opt for products that are lower in added sugars. This may include choosing water or low-sugar drinks instead of diet soft drinks, and opting for whole foods over processed foods whenever possible.

Trans Fats: The Sneaky Ingredient That's Bad for Your Heart

Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that are commonly found in processed foods, such as baked goods, fried foods, and snack foods. They are created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oils, which turns them into solid fats. While small amounts of trans fats occur naturally in some foods, most of the trans fats consumed by humans are from processed foods. Trans fats are widely recognised as harmful to heart health, with numerous studies linking them to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. In New Zealand, the use of trans fats in food products has been heavily regulated since 2013, with a maximum limit of 2% allowed in oils and fats used in food manufacturing. However, it's important to be aware that some imported products may still contain higher levels of trans fats. To limit your intake of trans fats, it's important to read food labels carefully and opt for products that do not contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. While the use of trans fats in food products has been heavily regulated in New Zealand, it's important to be aware of their potential impact on health.

Preservatives: Keeping Foods Fresh for Longer

Preservatives are a common ingredient in processed foods, used to extend their shelf life and prevent spoilage. They work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and moulds that can cause food to spoil. In New Zealand, the use of preservatives in food products is regulated by FSANZ. Some of the most common preservatives used in processed foods include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and sulphur dioxide. While preservatives are generally considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies, there have been concerns about their impact on health. Some preservatives, such as sulphites, can cause adverse reactions in some people, particularly those with asthma.

Food Dyes: Making Your Food Look More Appealing

Food dyes are commonly used in processed foods to enhance their colour and make them more visually appealing to consumers. They are often used in products such as sweets, desserts, and soft drinks, and can be made from both natural and synthetic sources. In New Zealand, the use of food dyes in food products is regulated by FSANZ. Some of the most commonly used food dyes include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. While food dyes are generally considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies, there have been concerns about their impact on health. Some studies have linked certain food dyes to hyperactivity in children and other adverse effects. To limit your intake of food dyes, it's important to read food labels carefully and opt for products that use natural colourings, such as beet juice or turmeric, instead of synthetic dyes.

Sodium Nitrite: The Additive That Gives Processed Meats Their Pink Hue

Sodium nitrite is a common additive used in processed meats, such as bacon, ham, and sausages. It's used to give these meats their distinctive pink colour, as well as to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage. While sodium nitrite is generally considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies, such as FSANZ, there have been concerns about its potential impact on health. Some studies have linked high levels of sodium nitrite consumption to an increased risk of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. In New Zealand, the use of sodium nitrite in processed meats is heavily regulated, with strict guidelines in place to ensure its safe use. However, if you're concerned about consuming sodium nitrite, it's important to read food labels carefully and opt for products that do not contain this additive. To limit your intake of sodium nitrite, it's also important to limit your consumption of processed meats in general. This may include choosing fresh meats over processed meats, and opting for plant-based sources of protein instead. While sodium nitrite remains a common additive in processed meats, it's important to be aware of its potential impact on health and make informed choices about the foods you consume.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Processed Foods

Processed foods are a common part of many people's diets in New Zealand, providing convenience and ease of preparation. However, they often contain a range of additives that have raised concerns about their potential impact on health. While some additives, such as preservatives and artificial sweeteners, are considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies, others, such as trans fats and high fructose corn syrup, have been linked to health concerns. It's important to be aware of these additives and their potential impact on health and make informed choices about the foods you consume. To limit your intake of additives, it's important to read food labels carefully and opt for whole foods over processed foods whenever possible. This may include choosing fresh fruits and vegetables instead of packaged snacks, and cooking meals from scratch instead of relying on processed foods. By making informed choices about the foods you consume, you can help to reduce your intake of potentially harmful additives and improve your overall health and wellbeing. Remember, the key is to be mindful of the foods you eat and to choose whole, nutrient-dense foods as often as possible.

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