At some point last year, my 14 year old son began to really read the labels on the food we have in our home. He says if it’s something unpronounceable (say: butylated hydroxyanisole – an antioxidant found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, vegetable oil) maybe it shouldn’t be put into your body. According to some studies, this particular additive indicate it is safe, other studies demonstrate that it causes cancer in rats, mice, and hamsters.
According to Specialty Food Magazine, 2010 will be the year people begin to focus on having fewer additives in the food they eat.
Per Wikipedia, Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor or improve its taste and appearance. Some additives have been used for centuries; for example, preserving food by pickling with vinegar, salting, as with bacon, preserving sweets or using sulfur dioxide as in some wines. With the advent of processed foods in the second half of the 20th century, many more additives have been introduced, of both natural and artificial origin.
The bottom line is it’s a personal choice of what you do, or don’t, put into your bodies. Being aware of what ingredients are in processed foods isn’t a bad idea. I’m happy to say that the cookies I bake have no preservatives, just butter, sugar, flour, spices, etc. And those things, in moderation, are fine for you.
My Kids' Cookies Weblog 