5 Surprising Ingredients that Can be in Organic Food

1. Carrageenan Carageenan is probably the most controversial organic additive. Joanne K. Tobacman, an associate professor of medicine at University of Illinois at Chicago, claims that carrageenan causes intestinal inflammation, and petitioned the USDA not to approve it for organic food.

2. Synthetic DHA (a fatty acid) This omega-3 fatty acid supplement causes critics to argue that it's a dubious addition to organics because it's not essential to producing any product.

3. Acidified sodium chlorite This synthetic chemical, used as a disinfecting wash for poultry and other meats, hasn't been connected to any health problems, but it is made by chemical giant Dupont.

4. Tetrasodium pyrophosphate A mixture of phosphoric acid with sodium carbonate, this compound is used is soy-based meat alternatives.

5. Ethylene This fossil fuel derivative is used to speed ripening of tropical fruit and "degreen" citrus.

Read it at Mother Jones

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