What's Really in Your Basket?
It is becoming increasingly important to be aware of the potential health effects of food additives and ingredients hidden in everyday cosmetics & personal care products.
Quick Review
- Comprehensive and 'easy to read' layout
- Convenient to take when going shopping
- Well indexed.
Detailed Review
First published in Australia as 'The Chemical Maze Shopping Companion (Your Guide to Food Additives and Cosmetic Ingredients)', Bill Statham's excellent guide to food additives and cosmetic ingredients is now available in this United Kingdom edition: 'What's Really in Your Basket?: An Easy to Use Guide to Food Additives and Cosmetic Ingredients'. With over 87,000 copies in circulation, three editions, and countless re-prints, consumers simply have no excuse (and can't claim ignorance) when it comes to knowing the potential health effects of food additives and ingredients in their daily cosmetics and personal care products.
As Statham states on his website, "My book outlines some of the reasons why the maze of chemicals in our foods, cosmetics and personal care is so confusing and difficult to negotiate."
With chapters on a brief history of food additives, genetic engineering, hidden additives, environmental impact of cosmetics and personal care, additives and common ailments etc, the book reveals the truth behind the veil of mystery, myth and deception woven by those who would seek to profit from consumer ignorance.
The first section of the book lists all the common (and not so common) food additives, and their corresponding INS Code numbers. The following tables then identify each INS number, with it's name, claimed function & common food uses, along with a list of potential side effects, finishing off with a clever 'smiley icon'; A double happy face indicating safe and/or beneficial usage, right down to a double sad face, warning shoppers of potential hazards and best to avoid. As Bill quotes himself: "The Shopping Companion will make finding your way through the maze of chemicals in consumer products like a walk in the park."
As so many readers have testified, this comprehensive guide will help safeguard you and your family's health by providing the right information right when you need it most - at the supermarket or drugstore shelf.
Food Additives and ADD
Over the years, numerous studies and research have been undertaken globally that show a link between food additives and learning & behaviour disorders. In 1973, Benjamin Feingold MD undertook extensive research over 1200 individual cases and included over 3,000 different food additives. The American Medical Association (AMA) subsequently commissioned their own 'independent' study, individually selecting only a handful of additives, in an brazen attempt to undermine Feingold's conclusions.
Over the years, many others have added to the growing evidence as to the dangers of many of our 'common food additives', including Randall Fitzgerald's book, The Hundred Year Lie.
Conclusion
As concerned citizens, responsible adults or as caring parents I believe that each and every one of us should empower ourselves with knowledge. To quote the author: "Do not be fooled by all the glitzy advertising, the glamorous facades and the unfulfilled promises. Instead, read the labels on products before you buy and find out whether the additives and ingredients are safe to consume or use."
The price of ignorance and apathy can be very high indeed. You do not have to pay that price.
For non-UK visitors, visit The Chemical Maze website.
Note: North American, Australian, Russian, Polish, Latvian and Finnish published editions also available. Norwegian edition published shortly.
