Hi again everyone!

Just read a very interesting article in relation to food additives.  It was written by Bill Statham, the author of the international best seller, “The Chemical Maze - Your Guide to Food Additives and Cosmetic Ingredients”.  In this article which focusses on additives to food for the purpose of altering the color of food (and thereby, apparently making it more alluring to the consumer), Bill refers to a study completed earlier this year in the UK.

This study by the UK Food Standards Authority (FSA) called on food manufacturers to voluntarily remove six synthetic colors from processed foods and beverages.  These colors include:

102 - Tartrazine

104 - Quinoline yellow

110 - Sunset yellow

122 - Azorubine or Carmoise

124 - Ponceau 4R

129 - Allura red AC

We haven’t seen anything in the research that states categorically that food color additives can cause pancreatitis but we’re certain that for some people these could be a trigger to a flare up.  The Australian and New Zealand Food Standards authority certainly found some very interesting reactions for some people.  These include: rashes and swelling of the skin, irritable bowel symptoms, behavioural changes in children and headaches.

If anyone has any personal experiences in relation to food color additives and pancreatitis we’d certainly like to hear from you.

By the way, some sites that might be worth referring to if you are interested include:

http:www.feingold.org/Research/lancet.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/apr/10/foodanddrink

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/newsroom/factsheets/factsheets2008/effectsofartificialc3893.cfm

You may need to cut and paste these addresses into your web-browser

Regards

Jenny & Bill

Hi everyone

Firstly, our apologies for not posting for awhile.  We’ve had some technical problems!  Should be sorted out now.

Some people would remember an item we posted advising of the wonderful spirit of pancreatic sufferer Randy Pausch.  Randy, a Professor at Carnegie-Mellon University had become quite famous for his ‘Last Lecture’.  This featured in a series of You Tube video clips.  We watched the whole lot in one sitting - it was very moving and inspirational.  You can see the first of these at http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

Unfortunately, Randy has now passed on, but not before passing on his wonderful wisdom on the important things in life.  Our deepest sympathies go out to Randy’s wife, kids and larger family.  He will undoubtedly be sorely missed.

Closer to home we have also been touched by the recent passing of friend Anne Kassulke, who was also claimed by pancreatic cancer.  Anne will be greatly missed by husband Trevor and family.  You have our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies Trev.

Once again, our apologies on being ’silent’ for awhile.  More news to come soon.  Hope everyone is keeping well.  Please don’t hesitate to sign up and make comments on this blog.

Best wishes and best of health to you all.

Jenny and Bil