It turns out that was only a small victory for healthy food activists.
A new report by the Environmental Working Group found that same chemical in nearly 500 other foods on grocery store shelves.
The chemical in question is called azodicarbonamide (ADA). In the plastics industry, ADA is mixed into polymer plastic gel to generate tiny gas bubbles. The results create a material that is strong, yet spongy and malleable.
EWG says the additive has been overlooked because the Food and Drug Administration's approved amount is not known to be toxic to humans.
According to the World Health Organization, workers who handle large amonts of ADA report respiratory symptoms and skin sensitization.
Some of the many products that contain ADA in their ingredient list include:
- Wonder light wheat bread
- Martin's potato rolls
- Pillsbury dinner rolls and Toaster Strudel pastries
- Sun-Maid raisin bread
- IHOP French toast breakfast sandwiches
- Little Debbie Honey Buns
- Mariano's breads and rolls (42 varieties)
- Sara Lee breads and buns (19 varieties)
- Smucker's Uncrustables PB&J sandwiches
- Sunbeam enriched bread
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