Blog - Food Reality Check

Complete Guide to BPA in Food Packaging – Everything You Need to Know

What Is BPA? BPA stands for Bisphenol A, a synthetic chemical that has been widely used in food packaging since the 1960s. It's a key ingredient in making polycarbonate plastics…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E440 (Pectin)? – Complete Guide to Natural Fruit Fiber Additive

The Quick Answer E440 is pectin—a naturally occurring soluble dietary fiber found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, most abundantly in apples and citrus fruits. Commercially extracted from…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E415 (Xanthan Gum)? – Complete Guide to Bacterial Fermentation Thickener

The Quick Answer E415 is xanthan gum—a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced through fermentation of a carbohydrate (glucose or sucrose) with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It's used as a thickener, stabilizer, and…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E327? – Complete guide to understanding calcium lactate in your food

What is E327? Complete guide to understanding calcium lactate in your food The Quick Answer E327 is calcium lactate, a white crystalline salt used as a firming agent in canned…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E413 (Tragacanth Gum)? – Complete Guide to Natural Plant Gum

The Quick Answer E413 is tragacanth gum—also known as "gum dragon"—a natural thickener and stabilizer extracted from the sap of Astragalus shrubs native to the Middle East (primarily Iran, Iraq,…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E102 – Complete guide to understanding Tartrazine in your food

What is E102? Complete guide to understanding E102 (Tartrazine) in your food The Quick Answer E102 is a synthetic yellow azo dye used to color foods bright yellow. It's used…

Food Safety & Health

Pesticide Residues: Organic vs Conventional – Complete Comparison

Pesticide Residues: Organic vs Conventional Which produce carries less pesticide exposure? The Quick Answer Organic produce consistently contains lower levels of pesticide residues compared to conventional produce, but both types…

Food Safety & Health

Natural Additives vs Synthetic Additives – Complete Comparison

Natural Additives vs Synthetic Additives Which one is better? The Quick Answer It depends on whether you prioritize a short, “clean-label” ingredient list and consumer perception, or maximum shelf life,…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E211? – Complete guide to understanding Sodium Benzoate in your food

What is E211? Complete guide to understanding E211 (Sodium Benzoate) in your food The Quick Answer E211 is a synthetic preservative that prevents bacterial, mold, and yeast growth in acidic…

E-Numbers & Additives

What is E412 (Guar Gum)? – Complete Guide to Natural Fiber Thickener

The Quick Answer E412 is guar gum—a natural soluble dietary fiber extracted from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus), which is primarily grown in India and Pakistan. It's…