Our standards for analyzing additives are based on:
1) Collective assessment reports from EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer).
2) Relevant independent scientific studies, classified by level of evidence: systematic reviews and meta-analyses are prioritized, followed by cohort studies, case-control studies, animal studies, and expert opinions. Only the most reliable studies are selected. Yuka uses, among other tools, the Klimisch rating system, a reference in toxicology, to assess the quality of experimental studies.
The list of main reports and scientific studies is available here.
Based on the various elements that exist in each additive, they each receive a rating:
- No risk (green dot): no impact on the score;
- limited risk (yellow dot): -6 points/additive;
- moderate risk (orange dot): -15 points/additive;
- high risk (red dot): -30 points (with a maximum score of 49/100).
Although additives may be present in foods at levels that comply with current standards, and therefore considered safe by health authorities, Yuka applies the precautionary principle and alerts consumers about potential health risks, even if they are still under suspicion.
Yuka makes its best efforts to provide an analysis based on the state of the science to date and to take into account the most recent scientific studies and regulatory changes.
👉The description of the potential risk associated with each additive, as well as the corresponding scientific sources, are available in the application.
