Catherine Saxelby's Foodwatch | Glossary

Intense sweetener that supplies no kilojoules in diet drinks & yoghurts (code 950).

A bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus added to yoghurt to treat constipation and digestive problems. It helps restore the balance of intestinal bacteria disturbed by illness or antibiotics.

Any substance added to food during its manufacture to improve taste and appearance or extend its shelf life. Includes preservatives, emulsifiers, antioxidants, colours, flavours and vegetable gums. Additives are listed on the ingredient list specified by their full chemical name or code number.

Ethanol. More than two drinks a day (for men) and one drink a day (for women) is considered harmful in the long term as excess alcohol contributes to overweight, nutrient deficiencies, cancer and cirrhosis.

A substance that causes allergy. Milk, eggs, soy, shellfish, strawberries and peanuts are common allergens.

An abnormal reaction to a particular food or food component. Can show up as anaphylactic reaction (swelling of the mouth and throat), stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, asthma, migraines, hives or rash

Compounds that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which would otherwise cause ageing and predispose to illness. Examples are beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and zinc plus a number of plant compounds such as carotenoids and flavonoids.

Compounds that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which would otherwise cause ageing and predispose to illness. Examples are beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and zinc plus a number of plant compounds such as carotenoids and flavonoids.

No-kilojoule sweetener ('Equal' and 'Nutrasweet') used in diet soft drinks and chewing gum in place of sugar