Articles by Iris Myers
It’s all food safety delays at the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration has delayed a long list of food chemicals and food safety actions, both promised and legally required. In some cases, these actions have been overdue for more than 30...
Interactive map: Tracking state food safety laws at risk of federal override
In April, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) proposed a draft bill that would, if enacted, further hobble an already broken system that allows scores of food chemicals to come onto the market with little...
Two chemicals with safety concerns are still in your food. EWG is urging the FDA to act
Two additives, known as ADA and BHT, are found in cereal, baked goods and other processed food millions of Americans enjoy. They’re also linked to potential health harms such as cancer and hormone...
States, not the FDA, are now the front lines of food safety
Evidence keeps mounting about the health risks of common food chemicals. At the same time, Americans are waking up to the fact that the federal government not only doesn’t vet the chemicals used in...
Nearly three-quarters of U.S. baby foods are ultra-processed, new study finds
Most baby food sold in U.S. grocery stores is ultra-processed, a new study finds, raising fresh concerns about what many infants and toddlers are eating during a critical window of development. The...
Arsenic in brown rice: What you should know
Americans who regularly eat brown rice instead of white may be exposing themselves to higher levels of the heavy metal arsenic, a recent study from Michigan State University finds. The research also...
What is propyl gallate?
Propyl gallate is a preservative used in foods like chewing gum, meat products, vegetable oil and more. It helps prevent fat and oil from spoiling and is frequently used together with the food...
The fight for food reform
For decades, potentially harmful chemicals have been allowed for use in our food, often without proper oversight. EWG has long been working to change that. We’ve joined forces with the Center for...
No dyes, no problem: Your favorite snacks will still taste the same without synthetic colors
Processed food and drinks often use artificial dye to boost their appeal, especially if they’re marketed to children and teens. But these colorants have a range of health risks, so some states are...
Food chemical bans still languish at FDA
The food we eat should be nourishing and safe. But thousands of chemicals, some of which may be toxic, are allowed in a wide range of products, like snacks, bread and more.
Revealing the risks of synthetic dyes and titanium dioxide in holiday treats
The holiday season is when many indulge in seasonal treats, with peppermint-flavored candy, frosted cookies and brightly colored confections filling our tables and stomachs. But behind the festive...
Unwrapping the mystery behind peppermint-flavored treats
With the holiday season fast approaching, peppermint treats take center stage. From candy canes to lattes, this refreshing flavor seems to be everywhere. But while the aroma and taste of peppermint...
Unmasking the ingredients in fall’s favorite flavor: Pumpkin spice
Pumpkin spice season is officially here. As soon as the temperature drops and the first leaves start to change color, everything edible from lattes to muffins, cheeses and ice cream takes on this warm...
House trio urges FDA to end foot-dragging, ban toxic formaldehyde in hair straighteners
Three House lawmakers are calling out the Food and Drug Administration for its yearslong delay in banning hair-straightening treatments that contain or emit cancer-causing formaldehyde . They urge the...
Clean slate: Choosing better stain removers for a healthier home
Summer is officially here, and with it the joys of children playing outside, exploring and – inevitably – getting dirty. These outdoor activities are good for kids’ health and development, but they...
From baguettes to bombs: Surprising industrial uses of common food chemicals
What does bread have in common with explosives, industrial cleaners and photo-developing solution? You may be surprised to learn they’re all made with the same chemical ingredient.
Interactive map: Tracking state food chemical regulation in the U.S.
Thousands of chemicals are allowed for use in food sold in this country. And while most of these are likely safe to eat, some have been linked to serious health harms.
Why does EWG release its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ each year?
With its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™, released almost every year since 2004, EWG’s goal is to educate the public about pesticides on popular fruits and vegetables, so consumers can make...
What is sodium benzoate?
Sodium benzoate is a preservative found in fruit juices, fermented foods, sauces and some pancake syrups.
Heartbreaking: Harmful food dyes in Valentine’s Day candy
Heart-shaped candies, the ubiquitous Valentine’s Day sweet treats, may contain potentially problematic food dyes – likely at levels that are harmful to health.
