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Failsafe 116 (May - September 2026)
Artificial foods making kids hard to teach NDIS and food intolerance in ADHD and autism Dizziness and food additives BEWARE too much Vitamin B6 The Politics of Food Regulation: A System of "Unregulation"? 50 years and no ban on food colours Pear clafoutis At The Failsafe Table Success stories: [1702] – [1704] [1704] One-liners (May 2026) [1703] "I've always had a problem with food chemicals, but didn't realise" (May 2026) [1702] What doctors don’t know about salicylate sensitivity (April 2026) Frequently Asked Questions Nitrate-free bacon is no safer than ordinary cured bacon 'Ultra-processed foods are making us sick' - lawsuit against US manufacturers Two reasons to avoid palm oil (and choose canola) USA federal food regulation falling into disarray USFDA delays natural colour approval and is assessing BHA Sue Dengate's famous presentation “Fed Up with Children’s Behaviour” NOW in high definition and easy-watch chapters FREE Focus on artificial sweeteners Erythritol 968 CAUTION Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents Artificial Sweeteners May Harm Future Generations Omega-3 supplementation reduces aggressive behavior by up to 28% Tattoo inks increase blindness risk Tinned pears in syrup have disappeared from most supermarkets ***WARNING***Paracetamol pain relief changes in recommendations Handy magnifying failsafe card UPDATED with QR code for hidden additives Wein personal and room air purifiers Updated complete list of food additives, with those to avoid highlighted Food Intolerance Resources from RPAH; SPECIAL OFFER on Friendly Food Factsheets: NEW Factsheet on iodine and thyroid issues. See free plant-based Failsafe booklet for low to moderate salicylate whole-food plant-based (WFPB) eating. plus over 100 science-based information sheets on symptoms and additives. See also video resources. See also story collections You can view this newsletter in many languages other than English using the 'Translate page' function found on the application menu of your browser! For 35 years we have been saying that food affects attention, now there is even more evidence “A new international study identified a direct link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and a measurable decline in the brain’s ability to focus” And thanks to all who contributed to this latest Failsafe Newsletter 116 (May - September 2026), especially Sam Hood and Bronwyn Pollnitz. Other recent blogs In brief Popular new reader stories For 14 years I suffered from frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain … salicylates – Faly, Spain [1704] I struggle with fatigue … the failsafe diet definitely helps … I've always had a problem with food chemicals, but didn't realise. And stress made it worse – Vanessa,UK [1703] I am trying to understand why I am so sick all the time, especially when following diets that seem very healthy… salicylate sensitivity – Heather,U.S. [1702] Don't forget Now read on - Sue Dengate NDIS and food intolerance in ADHD and autism We highlight the critical, often overlooked link between food intolerance and the symptoms of ADHD and Autism, particularly as funding cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) loom. The Professional Gap Despite global research suggesting that diet can be a primary cause of ADHD, many medical professionals lack the nutritional training to incorporate this into diagnoses. Consequently, Australian clinical guidelines largely ignore dietary factors, leading to what we regard as flawed treatment approaches. Triggers and Identification Symptoms are frequently driven by: • Food Additives: Artificial colors, preservatives (such as sulphites and nitrates), and flavor enhancers (like MSG) Because these substances are often consumed daily, their adverse effects are masked. We recommend the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) elimination diet, a systematic process of removing and reintroducing chemicals under the supervision of a trained dietitian to identify specific triggers. Outcomes Evidence suggests that dietary management can lead to dramatic improvements in behavior and emotional regulation. In some cases, symptoms may decrease so significantly that a previous diagnosis is no longer applicable, offering individuals greater control and improved quality of life. Artificial foods making kids hard to teach Australian research! Ultra-Processed Foods Erodes Visual Attention A new international study identified a direct link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and a measurable decline in the brain’s ability to focus. The research followed over 2,100 middle-aged and older adults. The results reveal that even a minor daily increase in UPFs, such as adding a single packet of chips, is enough to significantly lower scores on standardized tests for attention and processing speed, regardless of how “healthy” the rest of the diet is. Surely it is time that Australia and NZ health ministers, and moribund regulatory agencies, sat up and took notice! - thank you to Sam Hood and Bronwyn Pollnitz for their efforts to make positive change in this area! Dizziness and food additives Dizziness is one of the most common health problems for adults. Causes of dizziness can include: But food intolerance is generally medically ignored as a cause of dizziness. As is usual with food intolerance, everyone is different. Our readers have reported numerous causes of dizziness: Dizziness due to MSG, flavour enhancers 627, 631, 635 “If I have 635 I get Tachycardia, feel weak and dizzy, and come down with flu like symptoms that last for around 2 to 3 days” - Peter from story [939] Dizziness due to salicylates “I had migraines, dizziness, nausea, dry eyes, swollen glands, arthritis, asthma, clogged ears, foggy headed feeling and fatigue. These symptoms would come n go. I knew I was allergic to aspirin for years n my dr told me to avoid wine. That's it. When I discovered that salicylates were in food, 30 years later, I gave up all foods with moderate to very high sals. 2 days later my symptoms went away …” – Joan, from facebook thread [1547] Dizziness due to amines “I have spent 10 plus years in and out of doctors, holistic practitioners, and have undergone over a thousand dollars’ worth of testing and examinations. Until Failsafe, I have had a permanent headache, brain fog, sinus problems, dizziness … (from amines) … all gone within a month ...” – from story [1413] Dizziness due to natural colour annatto 160b “Since I have attempted to avoid annatto 160b I have noticed improvements in my gastrointestinal, urinary tract, skin, headaches, dizziness, and even sinuses. I was suffering from exposure for over 40 years and on medication for 10 years before someone alerted me to this issue. I have not needed any medication (except on accidental exposure) since I have chosen to avoid it over a year ago” - Sylvia, USA – from story [1161] BEWARE too much Vitamin B6 I was shocked to find the multivitamin I was taking that the label claimed “once daily” for “daily nutritional support” actually contained 60.8mg of vitamin B6 when the RDI (recommended daily intake) is 1.3-1.7 mg/day. My doctor found my B6 level was considered too high – though with no symptoms – yet… Pharmacies recently started selling high-dose Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in products like multivitamins, B-complex supplements, magnesium supplements, protein powders and energy drinks, without warning consumers about the high daily dose. The Politics of Food Regulation: A System of "Unregulation"? After one of our talks in Canberra, an employee of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approached us after the room had cleared. They whispered something that stays with us to this day: “We would like to help you ... but we are all afraid for our jobs.” This admission is chilling when you consider the official objectives of FSANZ. According to the National Food Authority Act 1991, their priorities are clear: (a) The protection of public health and safety. (b) The provision of adequate information to enable consumers to make informed choices and to prevent fraud and deception. Yet, for those within the Food Intolerance Network, the reality is a persistent pattern of "food unregulation" where industry interests appear to supersede public health. The "Clean Label" deception and failure to engage with consumers are blatant examples, but there is also a philosophical blind-spot, a "Deficit Model" and evidence of regulatory capture. With the rise of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) and surveys showing up to 75% of consumers mistrust food labels we must continue to demand an independent authority that prioritizes public health over corporate profit. Until then, our most effective weapon is our "food dollar" - and our refusal to stay silent. 50 years and no ban on food colours Get up-to-date on the latest science by watching this accurate and entertaining video that looks at the side-effects of artificial food coloring and dyes: Cancer and ADHD by Dr Greger 2025 (4:28). It has been 50 years from the first credible report of the behavioural effects of food dyes in foods on children before they are finally being phased out by the end of 2026 in the USA. The trillion-dollar processed food industry convinced the medical establishment that it was all just one elaborate placebo effect for those fifty years. The EU and UK acted 16 years ago to require this warning on all food containing artificial colours, effectively removing them from most of their food supply: “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” Again, this is the power of the big food corporations and their lobbying. The USA food industry spends as much on lobbying as the tobacco and alcohol industries combined (see separate blog on food politics). What are food regulators doing in Australia and New Zealand? Nothing. As usual. Apparently our children (and adults) are immune to those nasty additives that have been proven to affect Europeans and Americans. Despite this body of scientific evidence which our food regulator FSANZ continues to ignore... READ MORE with references Pear Clafoutis An old favourite: pears are covered with a light, not-quite-cake topping in this remarkable dessert which is easy to make and looks stunning. 1 large can (800 gm) pears in syrup (or you can use fresh pears) Preheat oven to 180°C. Drain pears and reserve syrup. Arrange pears, cut side down, in a lightly greased 25cm flan dish. Sift flour into a bowl and make a well in the centre. Break eggs into the well, add sugar and milk and mix to form a smooth batter. Pour batter over pears. Bake for 45 minutes or until firm and golden. Serve hot or cold with pear syrup and yoghurt or icecream - Emma You can always find more recipe ideas at https://www.fedup.com.au/recipes or Failsafe Cookbook At The Failsafe Table continues as a fantastic resource but is no longer being updated – thanks again Rona at Domestic Diva Unleashed and her many other contacts! You can find more great recipes at Domestic Diva Unleashed, Cooking for Oscar, Failsafe Foodie, Real Meals and Failsafe Decorated Cakes. There's a recipe index of ANY Failsafe recipes on ANY blog. So far there are more than 1,000 recipes with great photos and ideas all categorised to make it easy to search http://pinterest.com/failsafetable/ Failsafe Thermomix group with recipes and a place to ask questions etc https://www.facebook.com/groups/139914166142279/ I bought a Thermomix a couple of months ago, and absolutely love it. These machines are totally awesome, so pure and clean, and I truly believe that if we’d had a Thermomix years ago when our son was at his worst, it would have saved us a lot of heartache, as well as time and money - Susan. And the very useful weekly meal plan website https://mealsplans.wordpress.com/ People tell us that stories are so useful and positive! [1704] One-liners (May 2026) Thank you soooo much for saving me from going round the bend, AGAIN!!! I have had food sensitivities for such a long time, but they still 'get me' every now and again! First it was the temper tantrums (luckily I live on my own!), then it's bursting into tears!! I have stopped all dairy and eggs about 1 week ago, I am ok for quite a while with them and then wham, watch out!! I am 82! - XXX Sarah I don't know what caused it, but for 14 years I suffered from frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain. Doctors ran expensive tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds. It wasn't until 14 years later that another doctor did a blood test and diagnosed me with lactose intolerance. Those were years of frequent stomach inflammation. After a very strict diet, I improved, but 20 years later I started losing weight again. I went from 136 pounds to almost 86 pounds. I visited several gastroenterologists, and none of them could give me a diagnosis. I received information about DNA allergy testing, and the results showed a salicylate allergy. I started an elimination diet, and little by little the abdominal pain disappeared, and I regained the weight – Faly (Spain) [1703] "I've always had a problem with food chemicals, but didn't realise" (May 2026) [1702] What doctors don’t know about salicylate sensitivity (April 2026) Don’t forget, you can search for stories/symptoms or scroll through all current stories. Frequently Asked Questions are the result of a lot of work by many people. Over 392,000 people have viewed them! You can search all or scroll through them all classified as follows: Here are graphics for the 9 most common questions Nitrate-free bacon is no safer than ordinary cured bacon Recent media (eg https://www.smh.com.au/goodfood/tips-and-advice/from-burrata-to-nitrate-free-bacon-donna-hay-takes-us-shopping-for-her-typical-weekend-haul-20260407-p5zluf.html) attempts to present nitrate-free bacon as safe. It is not. So-called "nitrate-free bacon" contains the identical chemical that is regarded as carcinogenic by WHO, EU and UK, but instead of adding it as an ADDITIVE 249-252 it is added as an unregulated INGREDIENT (eg celery powder) and so may be in even higher concentrations than is found in regulated bacon. This is how the food industry touts it to manufacturers! "Cultured celery powder is a natural curing agent made from fermented, concentrated celery juice, commonly used as a clean-label alternative to synthetic sodium nitrite in "uncured" meats. It converts celery's natural nitrates into nitrites, providing the same, safe preservative effects, pink color, and flavor, but is perceived as a more natural ingredient". This fully referenced video (7:40) addresses further effects on lung function and all-cause mortality from nitrites added in any form https://nutritionfacts.org/video/friday-favorites-the-effects-of-processed-meat-on-lung-function/ See more https://www.fedup.com.au/sues-blog/hidden-additives#nitrate and https://www.fedup.com.au/sues-blog/the-end-of-nitrate-nitrite-preservatives with further references. 'Ultra-processed foods are making us sick' - lawsuit against US manufacturers A US attorney is suing some of the biggest ultra-processed food manufacturers (Coca-Cola, Nestle, Kellogg and Craft Heinz), accusing them of deliberately designing products to be addictive - despite the harm they are known to cause. The suit argues the US government is picking up the bill for the serious health consequences from their products, such as obesity, diabetes and cancer. It also alleges the companies deliberately designed the foods to be addictive and marketed them to maximise profit, in full knowledge they make people sick. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/587808/ultra-processed-foods-are-making-us-sick-lawsuit-against-manufacturers Reasons to avoid palm oil (and choose canola) Palm oil is the most commonly used vegetable oil in the world today. Not only does it contain the primary cholesterol-raising saturated fat found mostly in meat and dairy, concerns have been raised about the safety of palm oil, given the finding that it may contain a potentially toxic chemical contaminant known as 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol, otherwise known as 3-MCPD, which is formed during the heat treatment involved in the refining of vegetable oils. The lowest levels of the toxic contaminants were found in canola oil, and the highest levels were found in palm oil. Based on the available data, just five palm-oil deep-fried chips could blow through the tolerable daily intake. https://nutritionfacts.org/video/friday-favorites-the-side-effects-of-3-mcpd-in-braggs-liquid-aminos-and-refined-cooking-oils/ SEE ALSO Seed oils are not poisonous USA federal food regulation falling into disarray Rather than take national responsibility, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, US Secretary of Health and Human Services, has encouraged states to regulate the ingredients food manufacturers use. More than 100 state bills were introduced last year, a fivefold increase from the previous year. There are some positives: the Californian government is introducing a bill requiring companies to publicly demonstrate food additive safety to state authorities, reversing the ability of industry to self-assess and declare additives as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS).Texas and Louisiana require more additive labelling. Arizona, Utah and West Virginia restricted food dyes in school lunches, nearly two dozen states have barred low-income people who rely on federal food aid from using their benefits to purchase soft drinks and candy, up from zero at the start of last year. But manufacturers have increased lobbying spending by 50% and complain that rules targeting ingredients “risk undermining the system (!)” https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/11/rfk-food-pharma-regulation-politico-poll-00866079 USFDA delays natural colour approval and is assessing BHA Approvals of beetroot red and spirulina as food colours have been suspended indefinitely following objections from advocacy groups. USFDA is reassessing the safety of BHA 320 (butylated hydroxy anisole), a widely-used synthetic antioxidant and potential human carcinogen. In Australia and NZ it is widely found in imported foods, particularly from Asia, and is in most catering oils and fats. AVOID BHA 320. Sue Dengate's famous presentation “Fed Up with Children’s Behaviour” view for free (1hr 12mins or in short chapters - see below) NOW IN 4K HIGH DEFINITION - thanks Marcus Arruzza. Irene says “ladies show your men the video as they will rarely read the book. Watching an hour of a DVD is more comprehensible to the male brain. That is how I got my husband to finally understand our son’s behaviour and to support what I am doing with him. He now has the book in his van and every spare moment he has, he reads it" - from story [717] NOW in HIGH DEFINITION in 12 separate easy-to-watch CHAPTERS: 1. Food has changed & so have our kids (8:31) https://youtu.be/nU9dMMhOtig 2. Food allergy OR food intolerance? (4:30) https://youtu.be/PrFwGNDOJvQ 3. How to do the elimination diet (6:42) https://youtu.be/PEDnW6Bdd4E 4. Symptoms: headaches and migraines (3:02) https://youtu.be/cE-bNPGy6gs 5. Eczema and itchy skin rashes (5:50) https://youtu.be/cV8QJ5S917s 6. Irritable bowel symptoms (3:11) https://youtu.be/YPcU4CurIAo 7. Asthma (4:09) https://youtu.be/LS2fTaAq8-c 8. Behaviour: the quiet ones – foggy brain, learning difficulties, anxiety, depression (5:05) https://youtu.be/GqCXkR5QAaQ 9. Behaviour: the restless ones - ADHD, irritability, restlessness, restless legs, inattention, sleep disturbance, ODD, violence (8:28) https://youtu.be/0yWcC2DsBPk 10. Behaviour: the autistic ones (5:46) https://youtu.be/Qel505065wg 11. How to read food labels (10:07) https://youtu.be/dBsz8rClYck 12. Natural food chemicals and what CAN we eat (7:16) https://youtu.be/icmGvDKKc68 Subtitled version in 6 languages (English HIGH DEFINITION, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish) can also be viewed for free. (The Bonus material of interviews with parents can only be seen in purchased version) Focus on artificial sweeteners Are artificial sweeteners OK for our health? This article looks broadly at evidence but fails to distinguish industry-funded research from independent research. More and more research as shown below says sweeteners are not safe, yet they are widely used and promoted. Here are our current recommendations: 950 Acesulphame potassium CAUTION 951 Aspartame, Nutrasweet, Equal CAUTION 952 Cyclamate or calcium cyclamate or sodium cyclamate CAUTION 953 Isomalt (excess consumption may have a laxative effect) 954 Saccharin CAUTION 955 Sucralose CAUTION 956 Alitame CAUTION 957 Thaumatin 960 Steviol glycosides 961 Neotame CAUTION 962 Aspartame-acesulphame salt CAUTION 965 Maltitol and maltitol syrup or hydrogenated glucose syrup (excess consumption may have a laxative effect) 966 Lactitol (excess consumption may have a laxative effect) 967 Xylitol (excess consumption may have a laxative effect) 968 Erythritol (excess consumption may have a laxative effect) CAUTION 969 Advantame CAUTION Erythritol 968 CAUTION This common non-nutritive sweetener is associated with increased risk of heart attack and strokes, as in a major study tracking thousands of participants which found that those with the highest blood levels of erythritol were roughly twice as likely to experience a major cardiac event. A new study demonstrates that erythritol - at a concentration typically contained in a standard-size commercially available artificially sweetened beverage - adversely affects brain microvascularity. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02223-9 and https://www.sciencealert.com/common-sweetener-may-damage-critical-brain-barrier-risking-stroke Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents The first systematic review to link sugar-sweetened beverage intake to adolescent anxiety disorders found 34% higher odds and persistent effects on mental health. But this is not evidence of causality, nor were other food chemicals and food additives taken into account. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jhn.70217 Artificial Sweeteners May Harm Future Generations A new (rat) study suggests that widely used zero-calorie sweeteners may subtly reshape the gut microbiome and alter gene activity linked to metabolism and inflammation. “Artificial and natural non-nutritive sweeteners drive divergent gut and genetic responses across generations” by Francisca Concha Celume, Francisco Pérez-Bravo, Fabien Magne, Ricardo Olivares and Martin Gotteland, 30 January 2026, Frontiers in Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1694149 and https://scitechdaily.com/artificial-sweeteners-may-harm-future-generations-study-suggests/ Omega-3 supplementation reduces aggressive behavior by up to 28% 29 randomized controlled trials on omega-3 supplementation to reduce aggression yielded 35 independent samples with a total of 3918 participants. Omega-3 reduced both reactive and proactive forms of aggression and concluded that there is evidence to begin to implement omega-3 supplementation to reduce aggression in children and adults - irrespective of whether the setting is the community, the clinic, or the criminal justice system. Food sources are often not very failsafe – eg sardines, mackerel, salmon, herring, oysters, cod liver oil (all high in amines which can also cause aggressive behaviour) and chia seeds and flaxseed. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359178924000466 and https://www.sciencealert.com/one-dietary-supplement-was-found-to-reduce-aggression-by-up-to-28 Tattoo inks increase blindness risk Forty cases of tattoo-associated uveitis were identified, indicating that this previously rare condition has become a regular entity in Australian uveitis clinics in a population where 25% of people have tattoos. Vision was commonly affected, and 63% required long-term immunosuppression, including with biological DMARDs in 42%, making this a public eye health issue of concern. https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2026-02-14/tattoo-eye-inflammation/106315444 and https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41122939/ We also reported in 2024 that colours in tattoos increase risk of lymphoma cancer 21%. The body perceives tattoo ink as something foreign that needs to be removed, and tattooing causes an immune response that results in a large fraction of ink particles ending up in the lymph nodes, with knock-on health effects. Aren’t you glad failsafers avoid these unnecessary colours in failsafe diets! https://theconversation.com/tattoos-associated-with-a-21-greater-risk-of-lymphoma-new-study-230826 Tinned pears in syrup have disappeared from most supermarkets We often joke that failsafe should be called the "pear diet" but Coles and Woolworths now no longer sell them. You may find diced pears in syrup inplastic packs in Coles, and Black & Gold canned pears in some IGA supermarkets. Canned versions are still widely available in NZ - thanks to all those across Australia and NZ who helped with this survey. We will write to the supermarkets.... ***WARNING*** Paracetamol is the pain relief of choice for failsafers but popular Herron Gold has been discontinued. Here is an update: Paracetamol date of update 1 May 2024 Download this full list as pdf AVOID products which contain flavours and/or colours (as do many for children). If you want to avoid preservatives in products, ask your dietitian or search for ‘paracetamol’ at https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/artg Be careful as preservatives used in medications and cosmetics may be different from those used in food (eg hydoxybenzoates are not used in foods but are permitted in pharmaceutical items). No preservative APOHEALTH PARACETAMOL LIQUID CAPSULES paracetamol 500 mg soft capsule blister pack APOHEALTH Paracetamol Pain Relief paracetamol 500 mg film coated tablet bottle NOUMED PARACETAMOL 500 mg tablet bottle and blister pack PHARMACY HEALTH PARACETAMOL SOLUBLE paracetamol 500 mg tablet strip pack (BUT aspartame 951 and saccharin 954) PRICELINE PHARMACY PARACETAMOL SOLUBLE paracetamol 500 mg tablet strip pack (BUT aspartame 951 and saccharin 954) TERRYWHITE CHEMMART PARACETAMOL 500 MG LIQUID CAPSULES soft capsule blister pack (BUT capsule shaped tablet blister pack contains sorbate 202 AND 500 mg tablet strip pack contains aspartame 951 and saccharin 954) These below without preservatives all appear to be provided by the same manufacturer BUT contain a lot of other unnecessary chemicals (*shown below), some even caffeine. ANODYNE PARACETAMOL CAPLETS 500 mg tablet bottle and blister pack * COLES PARACETAMOL 500mg soft capsule blister pack * HELP@HAND FOR PAIN RELIEF PARACETAMOL 500 mg soft gel capsule blister pack * MEDICHOICE PARACETAMOL EXTRA soft gelatin capsule blister pack (caffeine!)* MEDIX PARACETAMOL 500 mg soft gel capsule blister pack * PANADOL EXTRA film-coated tablet blister pack (caffeine!) PHARMACY CHOICE PARACETAMOL 500 MG LIQUID CAPSULES soft capsule blister pack * PRICELINE PARACETAMOL 500 MG LIQUID CAPSULES soft capsule blister pack * * other unnecessary chemicals: butan-1-ol ethanol Gelatin glycerol iron oxide black isopropyl alcohol macrogol 400 partially dehydrated liquid sorbitol propylene glycol purified water Shellac simethicone sorbitan mono-oleate strong ammonia solution sulfuric acid titanium dioxide Contain preservative as shown AMCAL PARACETAMOL INFANT DROPS paracetamol 100 mg/mL oral liquid bottle (477768) (hydroxybenzoates) AMCAL PARACETAMOL paracetamol 500 mg caplet shaped tablets bottle (metabisulphite) APOHEALTH PARACETAMOL GELTABS paracetamol 500 mg gelatin coated tablet blister pack (Allura Red AC 129 AVOID) ASSISTPRO PARACETAMOL paracetamol 500 mg tablet blister pack (metabisulphite) CHEMISTS' OWN PARACETAMOL CAPLETS paracetamol 500 mg tablet blister pack (sorbate) GUARDIAN PARACETAMOL paracetamol 500 mg caplet shaped tablets blister pack (metabisulphite) NEO-EFF paracetamol 500 mg effervescent tablet strip pack (benzoate) PANADOL TABLETS (sorbate) SLADE'S PANADOL paracetamol 500mg tablet blister pack (sorbate) **Warning** Naturis has changed its bread ingredients, adding maize flour and olive oil at the very least :( - thanks Melissa The complete list of food additives, with those to avoid highlighted, is kept up-to-date. We stocked the Wein personal and room air purifiers to help Network members with fragrance sensitivity and to help them to avoid catching respiratory infections when flying or shopping and have had a lot of positive feedback. But when present stocks are exhausted we will stop selling them because we appear to have satisfied demand. You can see more details about the Weins https://store16061019.ecwid.com/Wein-ionizer-air-purifiers-personal-and-room-models-p128364942 “Your little portable purifiers were a life saver when I had to go in for surgery following a bicycle accident. The ward was 'fragranced' of course, they did try to accommodate by letting me pull curtains right round! But these wee purifiers made all the difference really helped - had them running nearly all the time!” – Annie from Scotland who supports https://www.detoxmeandmyhome.com/ Food Intolerance Resources from RPAH now at https://slhd.health.nsw.gov.au/rpa/services/clinical-immunology-and-allergy/supporting-our-patients/books NOTE the failsafe shopping lists on www.fedup.com.au is being regularly updated to reflect changes. If using the shopping lists, check for a current date at the bottom of the list. The failsafe sausages list has been updated again. Please email directly with changes, preferably in the format in the list, . People continue to rave about the real flavour of these sausages! The completely revised and updated Friendly Food from RPAH is now available at $38.00 including post and GST from the Food Intolerance Network store If you want some inspiration, try the COURAGE AWARD story collection - 40 pages of brilliance! Free plant-based Failsafe booklet (or PDF) offers hints for low to moderate salicylate whole food plant-based (WFPB) eating. NEW factsheet on Iodine deficiency, underactive thyroid, goitrogenic foods and food intolerance Most recent story collection: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (14 pages). Other recent collection doctors and food intolerance and violence and aggression – if anyone wants to help update a story collection (all you need is time and some word processing skills) please email Factsheets provide science-based access to information on added and natural chemicals, on symptoms and support. See full list of over 100 factsheets and remember that you can use the search function to search all factsheets (Information>Factsheets>Search all factsheets) Don't forget that there is great collection of short videos to help answer your questions and understand food intolerance. Dietitian NEW FAID (Food Allergy and Intolerance Dietitians) at https://www.faid.com.au/ are a highly experienced Sydney network of qualified APDs focusing on adverse food reactions, available for online consultations Australia wide and internationally. See https://www.faid.com.au/our-team Diet not working as well as you'd hoped? One tiny mistake can make a huge difference. For fine-tuning, see the Checklist of common mistakes. Readers tell us this list is very useful. You can also ask for our Salicylate, Amine and Glutamate mistakes sheets . Online support DVD "Fed Up with Children’s Behaviour” Brochures Newsletters Success story collections Reintroduction guidelines "Thank you so much for the new RPAH reintroduction recommendations. I now understand why when I tried to ascertain my tolerance levels and did as my dietician recommended (try 1/2 a cup of salicylates) that my symptoms returned very quickly. ½ a cup is 100 times ¼ of a teaspoon, and given my scent problems I’m probably highly sensitive. Now I can try again" - failsafer, NZ **WARNING** www.food-intolerance-network.com is a spam website funded by the shadowy “Society for Public Health” about which no information is available. We think it is a food industry spam site and complaints about stealing our name have been unanswered. Use www.realfoodintolerancenetwork.com to find us directly. A video-graphic introduction to food intolerance from one of our Network members (2 mins): Food intolerances, what are they? Thanks to Steph Aromataris www.stepharomataris.com The FAILSAFE Newsletter is available free by email. You can subscribe or unsubscribe here https://www.fedup.com.au/join-failsafe-newsletter-subscriber-list-3 Sue Dengate’s books and DVD, failsafe magnifying card sulphite test strips and ionizing air purifiers are available through the shop on www.fedup.com.au Special offer for USA and Canada: Fed Up With Children' Behaviour (NTSC format) - DVD at $US14.50 - go to http://www.bookch.com and search for "Sue Dengate" Fed Up and the Failsafe Cookbook are now available as an ebook: www.amazon.com for Kindle, www.dymocks.com.au in ePub version suitable for Tablet PCs, PCs, Macs, Laptops, www.ebooks.com in ePub for digital and iPhone/iPad. Sue Dengate’s Fed Up with Food Intolerance - a personal story (Australia USA and many other countries) "Of all your books, your book Fed Up with Food Intolerance is my favourite I just couldn’t put it down" - from Fed Up Roadshow 2015 Look inside
The Food Intolerance Network provides information and support for people worldwide using a low-chemical elimination diet free of additives, low in salicylates, amines and flavour enhancers (FAILSAFE) for health, behaviour and learning problems.
Support community: Failsafers talking to each other. New and updated dietitians.
– see our blog Artificial foods making kids hard to teach:
NDIS and food intolerance in ADHD and autism; Dizziness and food additives; WARNING: Beware too much Vitamin B6; The Politics of Food Regulation: A System of "Unregulation"?; 50 years and no ban on food colours
Nitrate-free bacon is no safer than ordinary cured bacon; Ultra-processed foods lawsuit; Two reasons to avoid palm oil (and choose canola); USA federal food regulation in disarray; USFDA delays natural colour approval and is assessing BHA … and more
Thank you soooo much for saving me from going round the bend, AGAIN!!!…First the temper tantrums (luckily I live on my own!), then it's bursting into tears!! …I am 82! - XXX Sarah [1704]
Sue Dengate's famous presentation “Fed Up with Children’s Behaviour” NOW in high definition and easy-watch chapters FREE
• Natural Chemicals: Salicylates and amines found in "healthy" foods like avocados, berries, and tomatoes.
1 cup self raising flour (gluten-free works too)
3 eggs
½ cup caster sugar
½ cup milk, soymilk, or ricemilk
1 tbsp sifted icing sugar
Testimonial
You can scroll through the full text of all stories: for every story we report, there are probably another 10 that cover similar issues. And these are just the ones we get to hear about. Names have been changed to protect privacy.
Success story collections: organised by symptom or by additive keywords are proving the most popular downloads from the website. They'll be added to as time permits.
I would like to thank you for your website. I found you a few years ago when I had a burning mouth reaction to potassium sorbate (E202). I wondered whether it was just me, and apparently not. I live in the UK and potassium sorbate seems to be in everything. At the time, the whole failsafe diet seemed unnecessary to me. But since then I have had to eat my words. It would seem to be very necessary indeed.
I come from a family who can and do eat everything and seem to do just fine on it. My main problem is fatigue. I have struggled with this my whole life. Even as a child I tired more easily and needed more sleep than everyone else my age. I have always been sensitive to strong smells, and the smell of perfume makes me feel quite sick. Since my early teens, I have also been prone to eczema.
I got very stressed at work around 2005 and that caused my once beautiful complexion to go spotty. I have been a bit spotty ever since. I was getting by until 2010. Then I got very stressed at work (again) and that broke me - I never recovered. I wish I'd known how damaging stress is because I would have been a lot more careful. But I come from a generation where we were expected to put up and shut up, because everyone gets tired and stressed and we should just get on with it!
I had some genetic testing done a few years ago, and it would seem that I am genetically unable to clear food chemicals efficiently. And of course, age doesn't help .I am 59.
I struggle with fatigue and my intolerance to food chemicals seems to be part of the puzzle. The failsafe diet definitely helps.
So in short, I've always had a problem with food chemicals, but didn't realise. And stress made it worse. So going forward, the failsafe diet is going to have to be a way of life for me if I want any chance of recovery - Vanessa
(Sue’s comment: this is a classic story from a person who has lived for so many years without understanding the effects of food intolerance – like so many of us. Plus the major contribution of stress - it is one of the 5 non-food factors contributing to food intolerance reactions - the others are illness, chemical exposure including medications, hormones and age)
I am trying to understand why I am so sick all the time, especially when following diets that seem very healthy. I found your video after joining a Salicylate Sensitivity support group on Facebook and going through their guides. They recommended going through the information on www.fedup.com.au and so I am starting there.
So far, my doctors have not been helpful in finding out what is wrong with me and I feel my primary care physician thinks I am a hypochondriac. I have had allergy blood testing done on over 50 allergens … and reacted to none of them. That was as far as things have gone with my allergist. However, I know I react to medications with aspirin in them due to taking "quick reacting" headache powders for migraines and eventually linking my symptoms (blisters in mouth and throat, terrible stomach burning, even more migraines) back to certain pain medications. I had known since a teenager that I couldn't use acne medications with salicylic acid in them after hives and a red, raw, itchy face. My mother helped me link that ingredient as she has the same reaction. I have grown up mostly avoiding "acidic" foods dues to painful stomach burning. Much of these same foods (tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, garlic, onions, spices, vinegar) are high in salicylates … I have had several tests for immune disorders and nothing has been resolved yet … so I am attempting to figure things out on my own. – Heather, U.S.
(Note from Sue: See similar story [559] ‘Ultra-healthy’ diet led to asthma and debilitating health issues and in our blog Life-threatening reaction to anti-inflammatory drugs plus blackberries: "A&E seemed totally unaware of the salicylate link". We recommended an RPAH-trained dietitian from our list who will do international consultations )
APOHEALTH PARACETAMOL Children’s versions (flavour, menthol, methyl hydroxybenzoate and propyl hydroxybenzoate, saccharin)
Handy magnifying failsafe card UPDATED with QR code for hidden additives
This rechargeable 'electronic mask' is still in stock 
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Disclaimer: the information given is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor for possible underlying illness. Before beginning dietary investigation, consult a dietician with an interest in food intolerance. Information is drawn from the scientific literature, web research, group members and personal enquiry; while all care is taken, information is not warranted as accurate and the Food Intolerance Network and Sue Dengate cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions.
© Sue Dengate 2026 (text) PO Box 718 WOOLGOOLGA NSW 2456, Australia but material can be reproduced with acknowledgement. Thanks to the many members who have written, phoned and contributed to this newsletter and particularly to Rona, Teresa and Tracy for their help with recipes, facebook and story collections. Particular thanks to Leah G for using her graphic skills to help update the popular failsafe magnifying card! Further reading and viewing: Fed Up and The Failsafe Cookbook by Sue Dengate (Random House Australia), Fed Up with Children’s Behaviour (DVD) by Sue Dengate
