Gross Ingredients in Processed Food
Fertilizer in Sandwich Rolls
You would not expect it to be a common food additive. However , ammonium sulfate can be found inside many brands of sandwich rolls , including Subway’s.
The chemical provides nitrogen for the yeast , creating a more consistent product.
Beaver Anal Glands in Raspberry Candy
The anal glands of a beaver, conveniently euphemized as castoreum , are a common ingredient in perfumes and colognes
But are also sometimes used to — believe it or not — enhance the flavor of raspberry candies and sweets.
Crushed Bugs as Red Food Coloring
After killing thousands at a time , the dried insects are boiled to produce a liquid solution that can be turned to a dye using a variety of treatments.
Some people worry that the coloring — often called carmine or carminic acid — could be listed as a “ natural color ,” disguising the fact that there are bugs in the product.
Beetle Juice in Sprinkles and Candies
You know that shiny coating on candies like Skittles ? Or the sprinkles on cupcakes and ice cream sundaes ?
Well , they get that glaze from the secretions of the female lac beetle.
The substance is also known as shellac and commonly used as a wood varnish.
Sheep Secretions in Bubble Gum
The oils inside sheep’s wool are collected to create the goopy substance called lanolin.
From there , it ends up in chewing gum ( sometimes under the disguise of “ gum base ” ) , but also is used to create vitamin D3 supplements.
Human Hair or Duck Feathers in Bread
contains either human hair or duck feathers , and it’s your guess as to which. The substance , called L -cysteine or cystine , is used as a dough conditioner to produce a specific consistency.
While artificial cysteine is available , it is cost prohibitive and mostly used to create kosher and halal products.
Coal Tar in Red - Colored Candy
Coal tar is listed as number 199 on the United Nations list of “ dangerous goods ,” but that doesn’t stop people from using it in food.
The coloring Allura Red AC is derived from coal tar and is commonly found in red - colored candies, sodas and other sweets.
Calf Stomach in Many Cheeses
All cheeses are labeled as either suitable or not suitable for vegetarians because in Britain and everywhere else.
Many cheeses are made using rennet , which is the fourth stomach of a young cow.
In the United States and most other countries , people are left to guess about the stomach - content of their cheese.