I wrote this post way back in the early 2000's. It seems PUR has now thankfully gone out of business. They even had a water filter that would inject their toxic flavoring into your fresh glass of filtered water. Why even filter it in the first place?
Unfortunately now there are other liquid flavor additives and powdered drink mixes currently available which are just as bad. Before you buy such a product, read up on it. Don't trust because it is on the shelf it must be safe to consume. A lot of these products have nasty chemicals in them but since the amount is so low the FDA allows it because it falls under the exposure limit. Well recent studies show micro dosing of almost anything including vitamins and spices show an effect on the body.
Although this original post is dated, it is still a fun read and still poignant. Remember you are what you eat!
Original Post
This is a little off topic for this blog, however there are a few things that burn my bottom that I must write about.
A company named PUR introduced a new water flavoring product to market. It comes in a small plastic bottle similar to eye drops. They state you simply add the flavoring to your tap water. Well, I figured unless you take fresh fruit and squeeze the juice into your water, the PUR system must be 100% artificial, full of chemicals. I instantly went to the PUR website to investigate.
Well, it was no surprise that when I found the ingredients, I almost choked. The first ingredient listed (besides TAP water) is PROPYLENE GLYCOL -15%. Propylene Glycol is used in Antifreeze, you know...the stuff used in your cars....the stuff that can kill your dog if they drink it...... Most Common Uses For Propylene Glycol Antifreezing Agents De-icing agents Heat Transferring Agents Liquid-phase Transfer Media (Temps 0-300C) Heat Transferring Agents Secondary Coolants Softeners in Cosmetic Emollient Moisturizers
Let's look at all of the ingredients listed. 1. Propylene Glycol 15% 2. Citric Acid 3. Raspberry/Peach/Strawberry Flavor 4. Alcohol 3% 5. Sodium Citrate 6. Malic Acid 7. Acesulfame K 8. Sucralose 9. Benzoic Acid 10. Sorbic Acid 11. Sodium Chloride
Now let's examine each ingredient:
1. Propylene Glycol - (see above)
2. Citric Acid - Citric acid is recognized as safe for use in food by all major national and international food regulatory agencies. However, what is the source/quality of the citric acid?
3. Raspberry/Peach/Strawberry Flavor - What is this? Well, is it from real fruit or is it artificial? Find out more about "natural" flavors at http://www.russellblaylockmd.com/
4. Alcohol 3% - Another vague ingredient, let's hope it's not Isopropyl.
5. Sodium Citrate - Sodium Citrate is used in ice cream to keep the fat globules from sticking together. It is also an anti-coagulant.
6. Malic Acid - Malic acid is the source of extreme tartness. It is also used with or in place of the less sour citric acid in sour candies such as Jolly Ranchers and SweeTarts. These candies are sometimes labeled with a warning that excessive consumption can cause irritation of the mouth.
7. Acesulfame K - READ THIS! From CSPI's web page: ... acetoacetamide, a breakdown product, has been shown to affect the thyroid in rats, rabbits, and dogs. Administration of 1% and 5% acetoacetamide in the diet for three months caused benign thyroid tumors in rats. The rapid appearance of tumors raises serious questions about the chemicalÕs carcinogenic potency."
8. Sucralose - (Splenda) I could dedicate an entire website on the dangers of this ingredient. Do yourself a favor and just perform an Internet search, you will be sickened. Check out Dr. Mercola's website for more info. http://www.mercola.com/2000/dec/3/sucralose_dangers.htm
9. Benzoic Acid (Carboxybenzene) -Benzoic acid is used as an anti-microbial agent.
10. Sorbic Acid - Sorbic acid is used to inhibit molds, yeasts, and fungi in many foods, such as cheese, wine, and baked goods. Sometimes confused with ascorbic acid, (Vitamin C)
11. Sodium Chloride - Known as salt, table salt, sea salt, rock salt, common salt.
Sounds PUR to me! Anyone up for a nice glass of chemicals?
Boston-Biosafety / Eco3 Cares
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