.jpg)
Limelizard are proud to provide you with the very best resources when it comes to Food Additives and Intolerances. We have guides, cookbooks, and informational resources all researched so that you have access to the latest and most informative information. We also rely on our amazing customers and fans to suggest resources that they have found useful.
One of our favourites is 'Low to No Additives' by Olivia Dyer and Bridy Fulvio. Not only are there beautiful, achievable, and family favourite recipes, there is a shopping guide and additive guide at the back.
It was armed with this book that I went to the school canteen of my 8 year old this morning. You see after the second sleepless night in a row I needed some information. Unfortunately my 8 year had made what she called a 'best of the worst food choice' 2 days ago. Usually very sensible and knowing what not to have (there are very few choices she can have) she went with her 50c to the canteen and as she was hot wanted an ice block like her friends. She chose the one that was least colourful (orange) thinking she was doing the right thing.
That night we had insomnia, mood swings, aggression and unhappiness - all which are pretty much opposite her usual behaviour. This had happened once in the last couple of months when staying at a relatives house, where she was given a brand name ice/ice cream block.
So with my book in hand, the canteen ladies were happy to show me the ice block in question. Here is a list of the 'ingredients'. The usual, sugar, water etc were listed and THEN
330
211
202
223
110
After looking up the list, I realised that instead of asking for an 'orange ice block' she should have said can I please have some 'MSG reaction, asthma, skin conditions, hay fever, mouth and skin irritation, hyperactivity, anaphylaxis, behavioural problems, headaches, allergic reactions, intestine upset - and can you add some colours that are banned in other countries please!??!!
At the end of this blog,I have relisted the numbers and their possible reactions (as taken from Low to No Additives).
It certainly makes you think when you hear other parents concerned about their child's behaviour at school that what they are being offered for consumption from school could be contributing. It also makes it very difficult for parents who have children with food allergies, intolerences etc to explain why they can only have 2 or 3 choices from the canteen when their friends have 20+.
I would love to hear any thoughts from you on this subject, and anyone that may have been able to assist their school canteen to include more 'additive free' choices for the children. The ladies working in the canteens do an amazing job, and there is fresh fruit and salads available, but it is sad that the more convenient foods that children love are laced with these additives and preservatives.
It is certainly eye opening when reading through an additive guide to see how many are listed as 'UNSAFE FOR CHILDREN' and 'BANNED IN OTHER COUNTRIES' - yet they are readily available for our precious little people.
Come on Jamie Oliver - please help out our children with their school choices!! :)
Have an Inspirational - and healthy day!
Naomi
DEFINITIONS FOR ADDITIVES LISTED ABOVE (taken from Low to No Additives)
330 - Citric Acid - Regarded as safe in food use; has a number of health benefits; may provoke symptoms in those who react to MSG; may aggravate the herpes simplex virus.
211 - Sodium benzoate - Asthma; skin conditions; hay fever; mouth and skin irritation; hyperactivity; anaphylaxis; aspirin sensitive people may wish to avoid; behavioural problems; those with allergies and intolerances should beware; headaches.
202 - Potassium sorbate - Allergic reactions; asthma; skin irritation; behavioural problems; possible liver damage; avoid if kidney or heart problems; headaches; intestine upset.
223 - Sodium Metabisulphite - Asthma (life threatening attacks); hay fever; chronic skin conditions; gastric irritation; nausea; skin swelling; behavioural problems; hypersensitivity; anxiety.
110 - Sunset Yellow FCF - Asthma; skin conditions, hay fever; abdominal pain; hives; hyperactivity; aspirin sensitive people may wish to avoid; cancer causing; stomach upset; kidney tumours; chromosomal damage; runny nose; nasal congestion; BANNED IN SOME COUNTRIES.
