BROMINATED VEGETABLE OIL (BVO): A potentially dangerous additive for some people, BVO is used as an emulsifier in some foods and as a clouding agent in many popular soft drinks, Bromate, the main ingredient of BVO, is a poison. Just two to four ounces of a 2 percent solution of BVO can severely poison a child.

BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE (BHA) AND BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT): Used to prevent fats, oils and fat-containing foods from becoming rancid, BHA or BHT is often added to food packaging materials. Researchers report that BHA in the diet of the pregnant mice results in brain enzyme changes in their offspring including a 50% decreased activity in brain cholinestrase, which is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses. BHA and BHT also affect the animals sleep, levels of aggression, and weight. The authors of the study speculate that BHA and BHT can affect the normal sequence of neurological development in young animals too. Many consumers eat nearly 20 milligrams or more of BHA or BHT daily. Babies who are beginning to eat solid foods are estimated to ingest as much as eight milligrams per day.

CITRUS RED DYE NO. 2: Used to color orange skins, Citrus Red Dye No.2 is a probable carcinogen and may cause chromosomal damage. Some experts contend that this compound does not migrate from the orange skin onto the pulp but the FDA has recommended a ban. Its continued use should be one more reason to seek organically grown foods.

MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE: Also known as MSG, monosodium glutamate is a "flavor enhancer" often found in fast food, and packaged food. Sensitivity symptoms include headaches, flushing of the skin, tightness of the chest, heart palpitations, and nausea.

NITRATES: Nitrates are used as preservatives in cured meats such as bacon, ham and smoked fish to prevent spoilage. Nitrates form cancer causing compounds, known as nitrosamines in the gastrointestinal tract. They have been associated with human cancer and birth defects.

SACCHARIN: Still widely used as an artificial sweetener in soft drinks, this additive is a possible human carcinogen. Every packet of Sweet’n’Low has forty milligrams of saccharin.

SULFUR DIOXIDE, SODIUM BISULFITE AND SULFITES: These are used to preserve foods such as dried fruits to prevent them from drying and stiffening, and are also used on shrimp and frozen potatoes. The FDA has received hundreds of letters reporting adverse reactions in asthma sufferers who have consumed food with sulfating agents. At least four deaths caused by acute reactions to sulfites have been reported to the FDA.

TERTIARY BUTYHYDROQUINONE (TBHQ): This chemical is often used along with BHA or BHT to spray the insides of cereal and cheeses packages. TBHQ, which is toxic at extremely low doses, has been implicated in childhood behavioral problems. It is mainly found in candy bars, baking sprays, and fast foods.

YELLOW DYE NO. 6: Used in candy and carbonated beverages, Yellow Dye No. 6 increases the number of kidney and adrenal gland tumors in rats. It may also cause chromosomal damage as well as allergic reactions. It has been banned in Norway and Sweden.