Food additives are not only bothering Chinese consumers, but also worrying about its safety in other countries. The latest article on ABC's website published "Six Most Terrible Food Additives". For this reason, Life Times reporter interviewed He Jiguo, an associate professor at the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering of China Agricultural University, and commented on these six food additives one by one.

Sucrose polyester. Sucrose polyester is a fat substitute. From potato chips to ice cream, many snacks contain sucrose polyester. Because human digestive enzymes can't decompose this macromolecule, this food additive is beneficial to weight control. He Jiguo pointed out that in a strict sense, sucrose polyester belongs to food raw materials, and it will also affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like other factors that reduce fat absorption.

Saccharin. Saccharin is the oldest sweetener, and its cost is low. It is generally used in cold drinks, beverages, jellies, popsicles, preserves, cakes and so on. Many studies have found that saccharin can increase the risk of bladder cancer in experimental mice. However, He Jiguo pointed out that because saccharin has a weak bitter taste, it can't be used in large quantities. Now there are many fewer packaged foods that use saccharin as a sweetener in the market than before.

Potassium bromate. Potassium bromate plays the role of an oxidant in the process of fermentation, proofing and baking, which is helpful to the shaping and baking of flour and is considered as one of the best flour improvers in baking industry. Animal experiments have found that potassium bromate can cause thyroid cancer and renal cancer. He Jiguo emphasized that the addition of potassium bromate to food is forbidden in China, so if you buy regular food, you won't encounter the trouble of containing potassium bromate.

Butyl hydroxyanisole (BHA) and dibutyl hydroxytoluene (BHT). BHA and BHT are petroleum-derived antioxidants and preservatives, which are often used in fried food, instant noodles and so on. Animal experiments have found that these two additives are carcinogenic. He Jiguo pointed out that if antioxidants are not used in oils and fats, the risk of oxidation is higher than that of BHA and BHT, and if the amount used is within a safe range, it will not cause harm to human body.

Hydrogenated vegetable oil. Hydrogenated vegetable oil is the main source of trans fat in diet, which is often used to make French fries, fried chicken pieces, cakes and other foods. According to a study by Harvard University, about 70,000 people die of heart disease caused by trans fats every year. He Jiguo pointed out that at present, the per capita intake of trans fatty acids in China is within a safe range, so consumers don't have to worry too much, but for their own health, they should try to reduce the intake of foods containing trans fatty acids.

Finally, He Jiguo reminded consumers that if they don't want to buy food containing the above additives, they must carefully read the food label ingredient list.