What’s in your Chocolate Biscuits ?

Anyone ever wonder what the following Colours, as listed on chocolate biscuit packets, actually are?

Check out your packet next time and then compare it to a no frills brand. Then you must get yourself a copy of the Chemical Maze, an invaluable guide to take shopping with you. The Chemical Maze is broken down into food additives and cosmetic ingredients. It lists these and their codes, their functions, potential effects, and rates them from safe to hazardous.

Tim Tam ingredients: COLOURS (e102, e110, e129, e133, e150), milk solids, cocoa, salt, raising agent (e500), emulsifier (e322: soy) and flavouring. May contain traces of peanut, other nut, egg or seed.

(1) COLOUR e102 - Tartrazine.

Known effects are asthma, altered states of perception and behaviour, uncontrolled hyper agitation and confusion. Known reactions are rhinitis (hay fever), bronchospasms (breathing problems), blurred vision and purple patches on the skin. It may also cause wakefulness in young children at night. Tartrazine is known to inhibit zinc metabolism (zinc is required in over 200 enzyme systems in the body). It is an active ingredient in herbicides used to kill aquatic weeds. In 1986 the British Institute of Mental Handicap linked it with aggressive behaviour in children. Prevents the action of an enzyme that breaks down many potentially harmful toxins formed during digestion. Tartrazine is one of four Azo dyes known to interfere with the digestive enzymes 1-Amylase, Pepsin and Trypsin. The British Medical Journal, the “Lancet”, lists these problems associated with tartrazine:- Allergies; Thyroid Tumours; Lymphocytic Lymphomas, Chromosomal Damage; Trigger for Asthma; Urti! caria; Hyperactivity.
As an Azo Dye, it is implicated in bladder cancer, liver cancer and sarcomas. (In hair dyes,tartrazine is absorbed through the skin.)

The FDA states that over 100,000 people are allergic to tartrazine. U.K. studies have shown that 79% of hyperactive children are allergic to tartrazine. It is believed to cause allergic reactions in 15% of the total population.

Tartrazine is completely banned from foods in Norway and Finland and is heavily restrictedin Austria, Sweden and Germany. **WHY not in other countries????

(2) COLOUR e110 - Also called FD & C Yellow No.6; Cl Food Yellow 3.

Causes cancer. Azo Dye - As an Azo Dye, it is implicated in bladder cancer, liver cancer and sarcomas. (In hair dyes, tartrazine is absorbed through the skin.) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon - (listed as human carcinogens by the EPA). Aspirin sensitive people will incur allergies to Sunset Yellow. It produces urticaria, angi-oedema (swelling of the blood vessels), gastric upset, and vomiting. Dangerous to asthmatics and causes hyperactivity and ADD. Should be avoided by those suffering from rhinitis.

One in 1000 are allergic to Sunset Yellow. It is one of four Azo dyes known to interfere with thedigestive enzymes 1-Amylase, Pepsin and Trypsin. The “Lancet” list these problems associated with Sunset Yellow: hives; rhinitis; nasal congestion; bronchoconstriction; when combined with Amaranth [123] or Ponceau [124], it may cause an anaphylactoid reaction; eosinophilotacticpurpura; allergies; kidney tumours; chromosomal damage; abdominal pain; indigestionfor food.

(Dogs fed 2% suffered eye defects, sometimes causing blindness. Caused an increasedof tumours in animals. Growth retardation and weight loss was experienced.

Completely banned in U.K., Norway, Finland and Sweden **WHY not in other countries????

(3) COLOUR e129 - Artificial colouring. Coal Tar Dye. Also called FD&C No.40.

An allergen in allergic skin conditions. Increases heart rate and is implicated in behavioural problems. Should be avoided by thosesuffering from asthma, rhinitis and urticaria. Tumours and lymphomas can result from consumingAllura Red.

Banned in Austria, Norway and Finland. Prohibited throughout the EEC. **WHY not in other countries????

(4) COLOUR e133 - Artificial colouring. Also called Cl Acid Blue 2; Cl Pigment Blue 24; FD&C No.1.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon - (listed as human carcinogens by the EPA). Triphenylmethane Dye.14% are allergic to this dye. Hyperactivity and skin allergies. Should not be consumed by young children or infants. Highly CARCINOGENIC.

Banned in the British Commonwealth 1972-1980, Austria, Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden,Switzerland and Germany. **WHY not in other countries????

(5) COLOUR 150 & E150 Caramel (E150a - Plain Caramel; E150b - Caustic Sulphite Caramel; E150c - Ammonia Caramel; E150d - Sulphite Ammonia Caramel).

Flavouring made from sucrose. Causes damage to some genes, slows down growth, causes enlargement of kidneys and intestines and may destroy Vitamin D. Can cause convulsions. Causes Vitamin B6 deficiencies. TERATOGENIC and CARCINOGENIC. Causes hyperactivity. Is a neurotoxic hazard.

Its up to you to know what you are putting in and on your body, be informed and make a choice for yourself and your health.

If you know someone who could be interested in this information, you have my permission to pass it on. I'm Keeta Gibson from http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/, your online eco-store for biodegradable, compostable and earthwise products.