Food additives are substances, natural and otherwise, which are added to food to preserve the food, or enhance taste or appearance. Some are associated with problems such as allergies, others have no known problems and we would really struggle without them.

MSG is a food additive (E621). It is produced from sugar and used as a flavour enhancer in snack foods, and Chinese cooking.

There have long been concerns over its safety, with reports of burning sensations, numbness, headache, nausea and many other symptoms.

Pesticides have been used for many years to rid our houses and gardens of unwanted pests. By their very nature pesticides contain toxins, which can damage humans as well as insects. Residues can travel through the air, or on shoes and clothing into the house where they can be absorbed by humans. They can also remain on fruit and vegetables and be directly eaten.