Food additives
At Every Turn > Nutrition and Exercise > What parents need to know about food additives
Tips Dec 05, 2018

What parents need to know about food additives

Chandler Burgess, RD, Clinical Dietitian

On busy days — and what days aren’t busy — getting three square meals into kids’ growing bodies can be challenging enough. Of course, what we include in those meals is also something we need to keep in mind.

As a dietitian, I discuss not only the food we put into our bodies, but also the compounds that are added to some foods and food packaging that should be avoided based on recent recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

There are more than 10,000 additives approved for use in the United States that help preserve, package or change the taste, color or texture of foods. Growing evidence shows that some of these additives can have potentially harmful effects, including interfering with hormones and normal growth and development in children. They may even contribute to disease and disability. Children are often more susceptible to the effect of these chemicals given that they have a greater dietary intake per pound of body weight compared to adults.

Choose fresh over processed

Processed and cured meats often contain nitrates and nitrites. These ingredients can affect the thyroid gland’s ability to produce hormones and the ability of the blood to circulate oxygen throughout the body.

From cereals to cookies to yogurt, many foods marketed for kids contain artificial colors. These additives may be associated with worsened ADHD symptoms and are common in kid’s food products.

It’s important to pay attention to the food’s packaging, as well. Grease-proof paper and cardboard food packaging use perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) that may decrease our ability to fight off illness, as well as reduce birth weight and fertility. Chemical added to some dry food packaging, such as PFC and perchlorate, have been shown to alter thyroid function. This affects the normal functioning and development of several organs, including the brain, and strengthening of the bones.

Be careful with plastics

Avoid plastic products with recycling codes 3 (phthalates), 6 (styrene) and 7 (bisphenols, like BPA). These plastics have been shown to release potentially harmful byproducts into foods and beverages. Plastics labeled “biobased” or “greenware” are safe to use. Additionally, BPA has been banned in baby bottles and sippy cups, so these products are safe to use.

Heat can cause plastics to leak BPA and phthalates into our food, so avoid microwaving food in plastic containers. When consumed, these ingredients can cause insulin resistance, lead to an increase in body fat, affect the onset of puberty, reduce fertility and affect the nervous and immune systems. Instead of using plastic plates, bowls, and containers, microwave food in glass containers or cook on the stove or in the oven. Also, avoid putting plastics in the dishwasher.

As with most things food-related, moderation is key. Should parents worry if they don’t follow these guidelines every time? No. But keeping these recommendations in mind and being aware of ingredients in foods and containers is important as we continue to improve food safety for our kids.

If you have questions about healthy eating or food additives, talk to your pediatrician or a registered dietitian.

Children's Wisconsin knows that a nutritious diet and active lifestyle have a major impact on the health and well-being of children. 

 

 

View more articles from Chandler Burgess, RD

Related stories

How to protect your family this flu season Children's Wisconsin
Tips Aug 26, 2025

Protecting Your Family This Flu Season

Sarah Mooney, MD Pediatrician

Vaccines are a safe, simple and effective way to protect your children and family from the flu.

How kids can safely use artificial intelligence Children's Wisconsin
Tips Aug 20, 2025

Rise of the Machines: What Parents Should Know About AI and Kids

Kate Bennett, DSW, LCSW Behavioral Health Consultant

What parents can do to help their kids use AI in safe and healthy ways.

How to identify and treat head lice in children Children's Wisconsin
Tips Aug 15, 2025

How To Identify and Treat Head Lice in Children

Sarah Mooney, MD Pediatrician

Lice are annoying, but they are harmless and do not spread disease.

Top 5 things parents should know about hand, foot and mouth disease Children's Wisconsin
Tips Aug 11, 2025

What Parents Should Know About Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Cheryl Cameron, MD Pediatrician

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a mild but highly contagious viral infection that is common in young children.

Measles outbreak United States 2025 Children's Wisconsin
Tips Aug 08, 2025

Measles Outbreak Shows Importance of Getting Your Kids Vaccinated

Frank Zhu, MD Medical Director

The recent measles outbreak is a regrettable reminder to all of us of just how preventable this disease truly is when your child is vaccinated.

How to get kids to talk about the feelings Children's Wisconsin mental and behavioral health
Tips Aug 07, 2025

How To Help Your Young Child Talk About Their Feelings

Janelle Clark, LPC Behavioral Health Consultant

Children who find healthy ways to express their feelings are more likely to develop positive relationships with others, feel more confident and perform better in school.

Common newborn skin ailments Children's Wisconsin
Tips Jul 18, 2025

Baby Blemishes: Seven Common Skin Conditions in Newborns

Stephen Humphrey, MD Pediatric Dermatologist

Seven common skin conditions that affect newborns, how to treat them and when to see a doctor.