The answer
is simple, parabens.
In today’s fast paced western society where it is all
about convenience, having food that lasts long is of importance.
Parabens
are used to preserve food and even your cosmetics. It is a fungicide and
anti-bacterial agent that extends the shelf life of a product.1 Basically
what that means is it stops fungus, bacteria and other microbes from growing in
your food, your favourite creams, and make-up, especially in warm moist
environments like your bathroom and kitchen.2
Parabens
can be found in a variety of our everyday foods such as: juices, soft drinks,
infant formula, milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, oils, breads, flours, rice,
pasta, corn, fruits, baked goods, meats, shellfish and seafoods to name a few.3
If Parabens are everywhere are they harmful?
The answer
to this is not as simple. Parabens have been linked to breast cancer, however,
those studies were eventually found to be unreliable. Health Canada, along with
the U.S Food and Drug Administration have all deemed parabens as safe.2
Or at least safe at the current percentage level (.04% to .08%) that is used in
products today.
Despite
being deemed as safe, parabens can cause irritation to skin. Especially in
people who have sensitive skin.4
How are they made?
Parabens
are made in laboratories and mixed with other chemicals. However, interestingly
parabens are not only made in labs but can also be found occurring in nature. One
great example is blueberries.
Blueberries
make their own parabens to preserve themselves. How cool is that!
So the next
time you go to grab something to eat and the label says one of these: E218,
E214, E216 or
E209,3 just know that a paraben was added to keep it fresh longer!
References
[1] Joy,
Tracy. (2015). What are the dangers of Methylparaben?. LIVESTRONG. Retrieved
from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/21581-dangers-methylparaben/
[2] Parabens: What are they, and are they really that bad?. Reader’s Digest:
Best Health. Retrieved from: http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/beauty/parabens-what-are-they-and-are-they-really-that-bad/
[3] Dallmeier,
Lorraine. (2014). Are you eating parabens?. Herb & Grow. Retrieved from: http://www.herbhedgerow.co.uk/are-you-eating-parabens/
[4] Spotlight
on Parabens. (2007). LIFESCAPEMAG. Retrieved from: http://www.dweckdata.com/Research_files/Paraben_compendium.pdf
[5] Authority
Nutrition. Retrieved from: https://cdn.authoritynutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/handful-of-blueberries.jpg
