Why healthy conscious families should avoid foods with preservatives

Dear Orchard Lane Family,

Foremost, thank you for being a part of the Orchard Lane family. 

I feel very fortunate that from generations my family has passionately believed in the values of healthy and natural eating. My parents have long since believed that the gift of healthy and wholesome eating is the most valuable heritage to be passed down the generations. I grew up hearing often that “Diet is the only true cure and Diet itself is the source of all illness”. 

Orchard Lane’s origins lie in my passion for a healthy diet and happy families. I decided therefore to write this twice-a-month newsletter with the idea of educating health conscious families on important dietary facts. I assure you that I will keep it short and do my best to pick up high impact subjects.

Today’s Newsletter Topic: “Why healthy families should do their best to limit in their kitchens, all food and beverage products that contain “Sodium Benzoate” / “E211 / Class II Preservatives” ”?

Sodium Benzoate or E211, also referred to as Class II preservative, is one of the cheapest preservative options in India. Its usage is therefore quite common not only in food and beverage products but also in cosmetics, shampoos and toothpaste.

E211 though is a controversial preservative and its best if health conscious families stay away from products that have it. It is scientifically acknowledged that in combination with ascorbic acid (vitamin C, E300), sodium benzoate may form benzene. Benzene is a known carcinogenic i.e.  it’s a cancer causing chemical.

A study was conducted in 2007 in the UK by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). It became known as “the Southampton Study”. Following the study the FSA decided to call a voluntary ban on sodium benzoate. The European parliament suggested that all food products in the European Union that contain any of the offending additives should carry a warning label on the packaging of the harmful side effects that may occur if consumed. Also they banned the use of E211 and E212 in food products and energy drinks that contains ascorbic acid or citric acid.

At Orchard Lane we take immense care in ensuring that only the best fruits and Veggies are used in making our Jams, Ketchups and Sauces. There is zero usage of preservatives, colours or flavours. Even the pectin (for making the jelly in jams) and vinegar (used in ketchup and sauces) is naturally derived. Furthermore, the quantity of fruit that we put is of the highest level globally - 80% fruit content in our Jams and 85% tomatoes in our Ketchup. 

Wishing you loads fun in the daily pursuit of keeping your family healthy and happy!

And to celebrate the oncoming festive season, here is a discount code for your December purchases. Use coupon code OLDEC19 to get 15% off any product, valid till December 31st 2019.

Best wishes,

Gagandeep Kaur Gill

Founder - Orchard Lane