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A List of Bad Preservatives

A preservative is a substance that prevents items for decaying, spoiling, becoming discolored or otherwise undergoing undesired metamorphoses. When purchasing groceries, you may notice that many product containers list the names of chemicals and compounds along with the ingredients you recognize. These are preservatives. And while many preservatives have shown no negative health impacts on the general public, several others may be potentially hazardous, or bad.

  1. Sorbic Acid

    • Manufacturers utilize the fungicidal compound, sorbic acid, for inhibiting the growth of yeasts and molds on foods, particularly cheese. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the chemical is a strong irritant and---in large enough quantities---has the potential to cause severe damage to the tissues of the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. For these reasons, manufacturers only use small amounts of sorbic acid, and its salts, such as potassium, calcium and sodium sorbate, when preserving foods. However, these low-level amounts still have the potential to cause health problems, according to Cure Zone, which include intestinal discomfort and headache.

    Sulfur Dioxide

    • Sulfur dioxide is a toxic gas, which, according to Science Daily, manufacturers sometimes use to preserve the appearance of dried apricots and other dried fruits. Some manufacturers also use the gas for preserving alcoholic beverages, meats and dairy products such as milk and cheese. The preservative and its salts, such as sodium sulfite and calcium sulfite, are known for attacking and destroying vitamin B12 in the body, which helps metabolic function. They can also cause a number of potential health problems, such as headaches, intestinal problems and skin disorders.

    Biphenyl

    • According to UK Marine, biphenyl, also known as diphenyl, is a chemical that manufacturers incorporate into wrappers for citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons and limes. The chemical serves as a mild fungicide, protecting the fruits from mold. However, ingestion of the preservative biphenyl, and chemical variations of it, can produce several side effects, such as skin disorders, headaches and intestinal problems.

    Benzoic Acid

    • Benzoic acid is a fungicidal compound, which manufacturers use in a number of preservation applications, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. These include preserving meat and dairy products. The compound, and its salts, such as calcium, potassium and sodium benzoate, can cause hyperactivity in children and may cause reactions in people with allergies or other intolerances.

    Nitrates and Nitrites

    • Manufacturers use nitrates and nitrites, such as potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite, as pickling agents, which help preserve pickled cucumbers and other food items. However, ingesting them may cause intestinal discomfort, headaches and skin problems.

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