Blog - Food Reality Check

What is E621 (MSG/Monosodium Glutamate)? – Health Risks & Emerging Concerns

What is E621 (MSG/Monosodium Glutamate)? Complete guide to this controversial flavor enhancer with emerging evidence of neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic health risks The Quick Answer E621 is monosodium glutamate (MSG)—the…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E951 (Aspartame)? – Health Risks, Side Effects & Safety Concerns

What is E951 (Aspartame)? Complete guide to this controversial artificial sweetener with emerging health concerns that regulatory approval masks The Quick Answer E951 is aspartame—an artificial, non-nutritive sweetener approximately 200…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E417 (Tara Gum)? – Complete Guide to South American Plant Gum

What is E417 (Tara Gum)? Complete guide to this sustainable South American plant fiber with prebiotic benefits and excellent safety profile The Quick Answer E417 is tara gum—also called Peruvian…

Food Safety & Health

Are Artificial Sweeteners Safe? Science vs Myth

✓ The Short Answer: MOSTLY YES—But emerging evidence suggests concerns about weight gain and cancer warrant attention. Here's what the science actually says. Artificial sweeteners have been approved by the…

Food Safety & Health

Is MSG Safe? Science vs Myth

✓ The Short Answer: YES—For the general population. But the evidence on weight gain is mixed and worth considering. Here's what the science actually says. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E451 (Sodium Tripolyphosphate)? – Health Concerns & Safety Guide

What is E451 (Sodium Tripolyphosphate)? Complete guide to this water-retaining preservative with emerging cardiovascular and kidney health concerns The Quick Answer E451 is sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP)—a synthetic polyphosphate sequestrant used…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E262 (Sodium Acetate)? – Complete Guide to Safe Preservative

What is E262 (Sodium Acetate)? Complete guide to this versatile preservative with excellent safety profile and multiple functional benefits The Quick Answer E262 is sodium acetate—the sodium salt of acetic…

Food Safety & Health

Is Carrageenan Safe? Science vs Myth

✓ The Short Answer: IT'S COMPLICATED—Safe for most people, but may be problematic for those with inflammatory bowel disease Here's what the science actually says. Carrageenan is a food additive…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E331 (Sodium Citrate)? – Complete Guide with Health

What is E331 (Sodium Citrate)? Complete guide to this pH buffer and preservative with therapeutic health benefits and important sodium considerations The Quick Answer E331 is sodium citrate—the sodium salt…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E441? – Complete guide to understanding Gelatin in your food

What is E441? Complete guide to understanding E441 (Gelatin) in your food The Quick Answer E441 is gelatin, a protein derived from the collagen found in animal skin, bones, tendons,…