In New Zealand, there is no official food code guide that explains where additives come from, what they do in food, and whether they are any good for you.

With so many colours, preservatives, and additives causing an array of health issues – some of which have been banned in other countries – it’s vitally important to know what to look out for and why.

In the book Supermarket Companion, how to bring home good food  Wendyl shared her well researched 19 page guide covering everything from colours, preservatives, and flavour enhancers to PH regulators and anti-caking agents.

These simplified charts show the most problematic. However I suggest buying the book for the comprehensive food code table listing every food code, what ingredient it represents and what it could do to you.

FOOD COLOURS TO AVOID

These are the 14 artificial colourings that are best avoided. All have health concerns associated with them and many are banned in other countries.

FOOD ADDITIVES TO AVOID

These are the 12 additives that are best avoided. All have health concerns associated with them and are on the US Center for Science in the Public Interest’s list also.

FOOD ADDITIVES SENSITIVE PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID

If you are highly sensitive to food additives and/or suffer from asthma, gout, skin irritations, hyperactivity or bowel looseness then you will want to avoid these additives.

ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS TO AVOID

These are the four artificial sweeteners it’s best to avoid. all have health concerns attached to them and are on the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s list also.

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