Those long, unpronounceable ingredients at the bottom of food labels—what are they really doing to your health?In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Marion Nestle, a world-leading nutrition expert and author of the groundbreaking book ‘Food Politics’. Marion has spent decades exposing how powerful food companies influence what ends up on our plates — and how little regulation may stand in their way.We dive into the hidden world of food additives and the regulatory systems meant to protect us. While the U.S. allows companies to self-certify ingredients as “safe” without independent FDA approval, Europe and the UK take a stricter approach. But does stricter always mean safer?Marion unpacks how these systems differ, which substances might be harming our health, and what consumers can do to reduce their risk. We explore what the science says about additives, inflammation, gut health, and more.Unwrap the truth about your food 👉 ⁠Get the ZOE app  (US Only)🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune systemFollow ZOE on Instagram.Timecodes:📚Books by our ZOE ScientistsThe Food For Life CookbookEvery Body Should Know This by Dr Federica AmatiFood For Life by Prof. Tim SpectorFree resources from ZOELive Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & NutritionGut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks Mentioned in today's episodeNavigating the U.S. Food Additive Regulatory Program Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety (2011)Oral administration of potassium bromate induces neurobehavioral changes, alters cerebral neurotransmitters level and impairs brain tissue of swiss mice Behavioural and Brain Functions (2016)Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive EFSA Journal (2021)Food Dyes a Rainbow of Risks Center For Science in the Public Intrest (2010)Health risk assessment of exposure to ractopamine through consumption of meat products International Journal of Advanced Research (2014)Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.Episode transcripts are available here.