1. Conclusion First: It is more realistic to determine "what to avoid" rather than "eliminate completely"

Food additives are strictly regulated by each country or region regarding "types that can be used," "foods they can be used in," and "maximum allowable amounts (standards)." In other words, the reality is that "legal ≠ harmless" and "dangerous ≠ immediately banned".

On the other hand, in recent years, the consumption of "ultra-processed foods" has increased, and there is a growing perspective that the habit of consuming multiple additives simultaneously and over the long term is more problematic (the "daily dietary pattern" has more impact than "single-use additives").Nature

Therefore, this article is based on the 10 items listed by L’Est Républicainestrepublicain.fr, and

• divides them into those with relatively clear risks (well-supported)

• those that can easily cause trouble depending on individual constitution

• those with divided data/many misunderstandings
  , and breaks it down to **how to avoid them when shopping in Japan**.

2. List of "10 Additives to Avoid" (Original Article List)

The 10 items listed in the L’Est Républicain article are as follows.estrepublicain.fr

1. Nitrites and Nitrates (E249, E250, E251, E252)

2. Monosodium Glutamate (E621)

3. Titanium Dioxide (E171)

4. Azo Dyes (E102, E104, E110, E122, E124, E129)

5. Caramel Color (E150c, E150d)

6. Parabens (E214, E216, E217)

7. Phosphates (original article lists E300, E400)

8. Carrageenan (E407)

9. Sulfites (E220, E221, E222)

10. Sodium Benzoate (E211)

Note: The E numbers in item 7) appear unnatural in the original article (E300 is typically vitamin C-related, E400 is typically alginate-related). Representative phosphate food additives include E338–341, E343, E450–452.European Food Safety Authority+1

3. Explanation of Each Additive for Japan (Where is it found, and how to avoid it?)

1) Nitrites and Nitrates (Color Fixatives)

What is it used for?
Mainly for **color fixing (pink color)** and preservation in ham, bacon, sausages, etc.

What is the concern?
There is a debate about the potential formation of nitroso compounds under certain conditions in the body, and the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has classified "nitrates and nitrites ingested under conditions where nitrosation occurs in the body" as **Group 2A (probably carcinogenic)**.NCBI+2publications.iarc.who.int+2
Additionally, excessive consumption of "processed meat" is often discussed in relation to colorectal cancer risk (it tends to be discussed as a food category rather than "just additives").

How to find it on Japanese labels

• "Color Fixative (Sodium Nitrite)"

• "Potassium Nitrate"

How to reduce (practical steps)

• Stop eating "ham and bacon every day": Set a limit, such as a few times a week

• Alternatives: Roast pork (unsalted), steamed chicken, canned tuna, eggs, natto

• If you must eat them: Eat with vegetables and fruits (vitamin C, etc.) to reduce bias (be conscious of removing conditions for body reactions)

2) Monosodium Glutamate (MSG/Umami Seasoning)

What is it used for?
Enhancing flavor (umami).

What is the concern?
Rather than being definitively "harmful," it often becomes a discussion about **intake amount and individual differences (some people report headaches, flushing, etc.)**. EFSA has re-evaluated glutamic acid and glutamates (E620–625) and set a **group ADI (acceptable daily intake) of 30 mg/kg body weight/day (as glutamic acid)**.European Food Safety Authority+1

How to find it on Japanese labels

• "Seasoning (Amino Acids, etc.)"

• "Sodium Glutamate"
  (Note: Naturally occurring "glutamic acid" in kelp broth, etc., is also present. The focus is on "added" content.)

How to reduce (practical steps)

• Do not regularly consume "strongly flavored processed foods" (cup noodles, snacks, frozen fried foods, etc.)

• Change the "umami direction" with broth (kelp, bonito) + reduced salt

3) Titanium Dioxide (E171: White Coloring)

What is it used for?
"Whiteness and opacity" in gum, candy, coated sweets, etc.

What is the concern?
In the EU, there is a move to not recognize titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive, and the European Commission has explained it as "banned as a food additive."European Commission+1
The original article states "banned in food from 2026," butestrepublicain.fr, at least in the EU, the **2022 regulation indicates "not permitted as a food additive"** (differences in countries and transitional measures may exist).EUR-Lex+1

How to find it on Japanese labels

• "Coloring (Titanium Dioxide)"

• "Titanium Oxide"

How to reduce (practical steps)

• Do not make "white-coated sweets" or "pure white sugar-coated items" a habit

• For children's snacks, check the ingredient list once and create a "standard list"

4) Azo Synthetic Dyes (E102, etc.)

What is it used for?
Brightly colored gummies, candies, soft drinks, etc.

What is the concern?
In the EU, there is a framework requiring a warning that some synthetic dyes may have **"adverse effects on children's activity and attention."**Food Standards Agency+1

How to find it on Japanese labels

• "Coloring (Tar Dyes)"

• "Yellow No. ○, Red No. ○" and similar notations

How to reduce (practical steps)

• Do not make "brightly colored sweets and drinks" a daily habit

• For children, rules like "only on weekends" or "only at events" can be effective

5) Caramel Color (E150c / E150d) and 4-MEI

What is it used for?
"Brown color" in cola, sauces, and dark-colored processed foods.

What is the concern?
Caramel color made by certain methods (such as