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Most foods that are purchased these days in small stores
and supermarkets have chemicals in them as these are used to improve production
and ensure the food lasts for longer. However, there are concerns that these
have harmful effects. In my opinion, the potential dangers from this are
greater than the benefits we receive.
There are several reasons why chemicals
are placed in food. Firstly, it is to improve the product to the eye, and this
is achieved via the use of colourings which encourage people to purchase food
that may otherwise not look tempting to eat. Another reason is to preserve the
food. Much of the food we eat would not actually last that long if it were not
for chemicals they contain, so again this is an advantage to the companies that
sell food as their products have a longer shelf life.
From this evidence, it is clear to me that
the main benefits are, therefore, to the companies and not to the customer.
Although companies claim these food additives are safe and they have research
to support this, the research is quite possibly biased as it comes from their
own companies or people with connections to these companies. It is common to
read reports these days in the press about possible links to various health
issues such as cancer. Food additives have also been linked to problems such as
hyperactivity in children.
To conclude, despite the fact that there
are benefits to placing chemicals in food, I believe that these principally
help the companies but could be a danger to the public. It is unlikely that
this practice can be stopped, so food must be clearly labeled and it is my hope
that organic products will become more readily available at reasonable prices
to all.
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