One billion people are a lot of mouths to feed. So the food industry has developed dependence on a number of chemicals for food preservation and strengthening.

To give you an idea, some chemicals are used both in food and to make things like yoga mats and chappals.

This week, the Centre for Science and Environment found dangerous chemicals in breads sold in Delhi. The findings have sparked a conversation about what we’re putting in our stomachs, and what it can mean for our health.

Also Read: If You Thought Multigrain Bread Was Healthy, Think Again

Here’s what you need to know about chemicals in your food:

Why Are Chemicals Bad?

The problem isn’t so much chemicals (because everything is a chemical – even water), as it is certain chemicals.

Some chemicals are carcinogenic, meaning they have cancer-causing agents. Others mimic human hormones and can cause an imbalance in our systems.

The chemicals found in Delhi’s top bread brands – namely potassium bromate and potassium iodate – can trigger thyroid problems and are banned in Europe.

This doesn’t mean that because a food has chemicals in it, you will get cancer. In small quantities, some chemicals are deemed safe by food regulators and governments. When there are large doses of certain chemicals or additives in food, that’s when you should start to worry.

Which Foods Should I Watch Out For?

Anything that needs to stay packaged for an extended period of time probably has chemicals in it to keep it from going to stale. That includes chips, namkeen, biscuits, sweets and beverages.

It also means soup packs, meats, and sauces like mayonnaise. Food colouring is a big red flag. Basically, it’s really hard to find food that doesn’t have harmful chemicals in it.

Europe has a good track record of banning chemicals in food, so you could take a look at some of their banned stuff.

What Are Some Alternatives?

Opting for fresh foods tends to be a safer alternative to packaged food. When you make things from scratch, you know exactly what you’re eating.

Of course, this doesn’t mean there won’t be harmful substances in your food. Agricultural pesticides still find their way into vegetables and contaminate food. And regulating pesticides takes time. A Pesticide Management Bill has been pending in Parliament since 2008. It could be years before the Bill is addressed.

Some people choose to eat organic food to avoid pesticides, but a study conducted by Stanford University suggests that organic foods aren’t fully pesticide-free.

If you live in a big city, you won’t be able to avoid chemicals. But if you’re worried, you can definitely minimise how much you’re ingesting.