N05: Artificial Ingredients – Above Green

(1 point)

INTENT

Help individuals avoid artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives in foods and beverages.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to label and phase out or restrict artificial ingredients.

ISSUE

Numerous artificial ingredients are typically added to highly processed foods to improve taste and extend shelf life. However, since these additives do not add nutritional value to a food and tend to appear in foods with low nutritional quality, they should be avoided as often as possible. While some artificial ingredients do not carry immediate health risks, they may become toxic when consumed in large quantities and many have not been evaluated for their effects on metabolic regulation or potential contributions to obesity. Additionally, certain artificial dyes that are approved for use in the U.S. may be carcinogenic, cause hypersensitivity reactions and behavioral problems or be inadequately tested. In the EU, for example, foods that contain artificial dyes are required to carry label warnings that they may cause hyperactivity in children.

SOLUTIONS

Sourcing packaged foods and beverages without harmful artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives can help limit artificial ingredient consumption as well as promote a diet of whole, natural foods. Labeling and phasing out the use of artificial ingredients that have been deemed ingredients of concern is an additional way to help individuals avoid consumption of potentially harmful additives. Fortunately, many food companies are phasing out artificial ingredients or reformulating recipes to remove them, a trend partly driven by growing consumer demand and an increased desire for nutritional transparency.

IMPACT

Reducing or restricting artificial ingredients can help individuals avoid potentially harmful ingredients.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Restrict Artificial Ingredients (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document, Photographic evidence

For All Spaces

One of the following requirements is met:

Projects phase out (over a maximum of three years) the use, sale and provision of foods and beverages containing artificial ingredients listed in the table below. Additionally, all foods and beverages sold or provided within the project boundary are clearly labeled on packaging, nearby menus or signage to indicate whether they contain artificial ingredients listed in the table below.

All foods and beverages sold or provided on a daily basis within the project boundary do not contain artificial ingredients listed in the table below:

Colorings	Blue 1 (E133), Blue 2 (E132), Green 3, Orange B, Citrus Red 2, Red 3 (E127), Red 40 (E129), Yellow 5 (E102), Yellow 6 (E110), carmine, cochineal extract, caramel coloring
Sweeteners	acesulfame-potassium (acesulfame-k), aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, cyclamate
Preservatives	sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, potassium bromate, potassium iodate, propyl gallate, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), BVO (brominated vegetable oil)

Note: These artificial ingredients and additives have been deemed “unsafe in amounts consumed or very poorly tested and not worth any risk” by the Center for Science in the Public Interest.