10,000+ Additives In Our Food Supply? No Way!

Before late 2021, I had no clue that there are an estimated 10,000+ food additives in the American food supply—99 percent of which have no studies. That paragraph or two in Dr. Will Bulsiewicz’s NYT bestseller “Fiber Fueled” changed the trajectory of my life. Like most Americans, I assumed that the ingredients in foods on store shelves and in our pantries are fully vetted by agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I was dead wrong.

Bulsiewicz also introduced the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list to me. It’s the provision of a 1958 amendment to a 1938 law to strengthen the protection of citizens from the harm of dubious food companies.

In GRAS, the FDA handed over the authority to decide which additives are safe to put in our food supply to the companies it was supposed to scrutinize—I assumed.

There’s that word again.

A chemical analyst who has worked for the same company for 27+ years questioned the claim that there are 10,000+ additives in our food supply on one of my LinkedIn posts. I shared the reference Dr. Bulsiewicz provides in his compilation of sources. Being an analyst, he tried to interpret it another way.

https://sites.suffolk.edu/jhbl/2022/10/31/spilling-the-beans-food-additive-regulations-in-the-united-states-pose-serious-health-risks/

I sent him a CBS News report as well. I truly believe his mind was blown with the same realization that changed the trajectory of my life. Our food is not vetted. And this is NOT ok. We must close the GRAS loophole as well as taking other measures. I am now a food justice activist working on the GRAS side of the vineyard.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-food-additives-safety-review-california-legislation/

I am sure the chemical analyst has no idea that there are actually 350,000+ chemicals and chemical mixtures registered for production and use globally. Due to industry secrecy, we have no idea what 34 percent of these chemicals and chemical concoctions are. How scary is that?

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.9b06379

The major takeaway from this story is that employees, should stay on top of their game and have a bird’s eye view of their industry.

Here are five steps that will help:

• Hit the books. Stay updated with industry journals, blogs, and newsletters. Don't be afraid to take online courses or attend conferences.
• Network like a pro. Connect with people in your field. Join industry associations, attend events, and build relationships.
• Leverage tech. Social media, databases, and analytics tools can be your best friends. Use them to stay informed and measure your progress.
• Seek feedback. Ask for input from colleagues, mentors, and customers. It's the best way to stay relevant and improve your work.
• Stay curious. Never stop learning. Explore new trends, technologies, and approaches.

Remember: It's easy to get stuck in a rut, but staying informed and engaged is key to a successful career. So, keep your eyes open, your mind sharp, and your game strong.

We entrepreneurs need to do the same to stay ahead of the curve. Here are some tips:

• Network like crazy. Hit up conferences, trade shows, and online communities. Find mentors, make friends, and learn from the best.
• Stay in the know. Read, learn, and grow. Dive into industry news, blogs, and courses. Keep your finger on the pulse of trends and tech.
• Tech it up. Social media, analytics, automation – they're your new best friends. Use them to connect, measure, and streamline.
• Listen and learn. Your customers are gold. Ask for feedback, test, and iterate (rinse and repeat). Always be open to improvement.
• Build a dream team. Surround yourself with talented people. Empower them, and watch your business soar.

Remember, it's not just about staying ahead; it's about staying relevant and thriving. It’s also about remaining teachable.

A humble scientist who works for a well-known social justice organization offered the following friendly lifeline to the veteran chemical analyst, “congrats on starting your journey on the mystery US foods. I started my journey last year. A food additive is anything added directly or indirectly for a technical effect, including sensory. Link provides a good starting point for your research.”

https://sites.suffolk.edu/jhbl/2022/10/31/spilling-the-beans-food-additive-regulations-in-the-united-states-pose-serious-health-risks/

Once you research and verify the information for yourself and the shock of our broken food system wears off, join us on the frontline to effect change. We need a veteran chemical analyst on this team of relentless, global change makers.