Viral Claims About Harmful Ingredients in Arnott’s Shapes Snacks Are Misleading.

A viral social media video has raised concerns about the ingredients used in Arnott’s Shapes snacks, claiming that ingredients such as E 370b, flavor enhancers (E 621, E 635), Maltodextrine, E 300 and Soy Lecithin are harmful to human health. 

However, Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. All the ingredients used in the Arnott’s Shapes products are safe and approved for use in food within the established limits. 

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Fact Check-

The viral video showed that the rating of the Arnott’s Shape products is quite low, based on a scan performed using a mobile app, showing that the product is not fit for consumption. As the video did not mention any ingredients, we checked the ingredients list for possible harmful additives in the product.

We found that the product contains some of the ingredients like E 370b, flavor enhancers (E 621, E 635), Maltodextrine, E 300 and Soy Lecithin. 

Lets check the facts about the safety of each of the ingredients. 

Monosodium Glutamate (E621): MSG consists of sodium and L-glutamate, which enhance the umami flavor without altering salt perception. According to regulatory authorities like the U.S. FDA, MSG is classified as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS). The FDA recommends keeping MSG intake below 0.5 grams per meal, as larger amounts (over 3 grams) may cause mild, transient symptoms in some individuals, such as headaches or flushing. However, most foods with added MSG contain less than 0.5 grams per serving, making overconsumption unlikely. Similarly, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) affirm MSG’s safety within regulated limits. FDA recommendations can be referred here, and European Union guidance can be found here.

Disodium 5′-ribonucleotide (E635): Disodium 5′-ribonucleotide (E635) is an approved flavour enhancer used in many foods to improve savoury or umami taste. The EFSA stated that it had previously evaluated the safety of E635 and considered it safe to be used in foods. The panel classified this additive’s Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value as ‘Not Specified.’ It means that the substance is completely safe and does not need an upper limit for its use. 

Another article mentioned that this additive has been approved by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) and European Union and categorised it as a low concern additive. For most healthy adults, E 635 metabolism in the body is safe and does not create issues. However, people with gout, hyperuricemia, impaired kidney function may show some issues during metabolism of the additive. 

Maltodextrine: Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from starches like corn, rice, or potatoes, and is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as generally safe for use in food products. It is produced by partially breaking down starches using acids or enzymes, resulting in a substance with a dextrose equivalent (D.E) of less than 20, meaning it is not sweet. Maltodextrin must meet specific purity standards, especially if sourced from potatoes or rice, as per guidelines in the Food Chemicals Codex. The FDA allows its use in food without specific limitations, as long as it follows good manufacturing practices.

According to Healthline, maltodextrin is often used as a low-cost thickener or filler in processed foods. It is commonly made from genetically modified (GMO) corn. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), GMO corn is considered safe and meets the same safety standards as non-GMO crops.

Ascorbic Acid (E 300): According to the National Institute Health, Ascorbic acid is considered safe for use in foods and dietary supplements. It plays important roles in immune function, collagen production, wound healing, and antioxidant protection. Studies have shown that this additive does not cause cancer, genetic damage, birth defect or reproductive toxicity at normal dietary or supplemental intakes. However, high doses of ascorbic acid may lead to mild side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, and abdominal cramps. 

It is also an approved food ingredient by the FDA. It has been approved to be used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial agent, nutrient supplement, flavor enhancer, pH control agent, stabilizer, and color-protecting agent. Ascorbic acid helps preserve freshness, prevent discoloration, and maintain the quality of food products. 

Soy Lecithin: Lecithin is a naturally occurring mixture of the phosphatides of choline, ethanolamine, and inositol, with smaller amounts of other lipids. It is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) under FDA regulation. According to this regulation, lecithin can be used in food with no limitations other than adhering to the current good manufacturing practices.

The EFSA re-evaluated lechitins (E 322) and concluded that it is safe for consumption. Further, it stated that Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value is not required for lechitins as exposure levels from food consumption do not pose a safety concern for the general population, including infants and young children.

Conclusion: 

Fact Crescendo found the claim to be misleading. All the ingredients used in Arnott’s Shape meet safety standards and have been approved by the regulatory bodies for use in food products.