The food and chemical industries have said for decades that all food additives are well tested and safe. And most additives are safe. However, the history of food additives is riddled with additives that, after many years of use, were found to pose health risks. Those listed below have been banned.

History shows us that we should take the food industry's assurances with a grain of salt. That's why CSPI reviews the science independently before making a determination of safety.

See Chemical Cuisine for our safety ratings of commonly used food additives.