Additives used to promote junk food

23rd October 2001

Nearly three-quarters of the foods which use additives are high in sugar, salt or fat, and are foods which the Department of Health urges us to cut back on, according to a survey published in today's Food Magazine.

Additives - such as colourings, flavour boosters, artificial sweeteners and preservatives - are used in a large range of processed foods.Evaluation of these foods showed that 72% were high in sugar, salt or fat. 'These artificial chemicals give unhealthy foods a huge marketing advantage, with longer shelf lives and attractive colours and flavours -- but they are a dietary disaster zone,' said Food Commission director, Tim Lobstein