The world of food regulation is a constantly evolving field, where new scientific research can lead to a reversal of long-standing rules. Several ingredients that were once banned or heavily restricted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to health concerns have been quietly allowed back into our food supply. These reversals often happen with little public fanfare, after manufacturers present new evidence or reformulate their products to meet new guidelines. This has led to the surprising reappearance of some of the most controversial ingredients in food history.
1. Saccharin
Saccharin, the artificial sweetener found in the pink “Sweet’N Low” packets, is the most famous example of a banned ingredient making a comeback. In the 1970s, studies linked high doses of saccharin to bladder cancer in rats, which led Congress to mandate a warning label on all products containing it. However, after further research showed the mechanism that caused cancer in rats did not apply to humans, the warning label requirement was lifted in 2000, and the ingredient is now widely used.
2. Olestra (Olean)
In the 1990s, Procter & Gamble launched Olestra, a fat substitute that allowed them to create fat-free potato chips and other snacks. However, the ingredient was found to cause unpleasant digestive side effects and to inhibit the absorption of some vitamins. The FDA required a prominent warning label on all products containing Olestra. After the manufacturer made changes to the product, the FDA removed the warning label requirement in 2003. It is still approved for use.
3. Stevia (as a Food Additive)
Stevia, a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the stevia plant, had a long and controversial history with the FDA. For years, the FDA banned the use of stevia as a food additive due to concerns from early studies about its effect on reproductive health. The agency only allowed it to be sold as a “dietary supplement.” It was not until 2008 that the FDA granted “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) status to a highly purified stevia extract. This allows it to be widely used in foods and beverages.
4. Cyclamates
Cyclamates were a popular artificial sweetener until the FDA banned them completely in 1970. While the ban on saccharin was eventually lifted, the ban on cyclamates remains in effect in the United States. However, the ingredient is widely used in other countries, including Canada and the European Union, which has led to a persistent lobbying effort to have it re-approved in the U.S.
5. Trans Fats (from Natural Sources)
The FDA officially banned the use of artificial trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils) in 2018 due to their definitive link to heart disease. However, this ban does not apply to the small amounts of naturally occurring trans fats. They are found in meat and dairy products from ruminant animals like cows and sheep. While these are not the same as the industrially produced version, it is a nuance that many consumers are not aware of.
6. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
MSG was the subject of a major health scare in the 1970s and 80s. Many people believe it caused a range of symptoms known as “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.” While it was never officially banned, it was voluntarily removed from many products due to public pressure. In recent years, a scientific consensus has emerged that MSG is safe for most people. It has been quietly added back into a huge number of processed foods, from chips to soups, to enhance their savory flavor.
7. Certain Food Dyes
The debate over the safety of artificial food dyes, especially their link to hyperactivity in children, has been raging for decades. While some dyes, like Red Dye No. 3, are banned for certain uses, others that were once under intense scrutiny remain in our food supply. The FDA maintains that the current evidence does not support a broad ban. It’s a position that many consumer advocacy groups continue to challenge.
8. Genetically Modified Salmon
In 2015, the FDA approved the first genetically modified animal for human consumption. It is AquaAdvantage salmon, which is engineered to grow twice as fast as conventional salmon. The approval was highly controversial and faced years of legal challenges that delayed its entry into the market. After a long fight, the salmon quietly sells in the U.S. without a clear label indicating that it is genetically engineered.
The Ever-Evolving Ingredient List
The story of these controversial ingredients shows that the line between “safe” and “unsafe” is not always permanent. It can shift over time based on new scientific evidence, industry pressure, and changing regulatory philosophies. For consumers, it is a powerful reminder that the food supply is constantly changing. It changes in ways that are not always obvious. Staying informed is the best way to make confident choices in the grocery aisle.
How do you feel about the FDA re-approving ingredients that were once banned? Do you think our food supply is safer or less safe than it was in the past? Let us know!
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