STORIES & OPINIONS 7
Readers are invited to
contribute to this section. Please send your stories and opinions to suedengate@ozemail.com.au. State
whether you would like your name or email address used, or to remain anonymous.
Some names have been changed to protect privacy. My mailing address is PO Box
718 WOOLGOOLGA NSW 2456
NOTE THAT
STORIES ABOUT ADDITIVE 635 APPEAR FROM [475] – [524A]. THE LATEST STORIES
(November 2006) ARE [459] – [474].
[524A] 635:
Country Ladle soup (January 2006)
I have experienced a very severe reaction to Country
Ladle soup a couple of weeks ago. I started taking Livatone and the rash
started the next day, so naturally I thought it was the tablets. I contacted Dr
Cabot's website and informed them of my symptoms. I ended up in hospital as I
could not breathe and was administered an IV line. I had the same soup a week
ago and had exactly the same symptoms and that was when I thought that it could
be the soup, as I stopped taking the Livatone after the first rash appeared.
Being diagnosed with Chronic Dermatitis, I was used to a bit of a rash when I
come in contact with deodorants, but have never experienced anything like this
before. Needless to say I was off work for a week and was given steroids and
cortisone cream. I will definitely read ALL labels from now on. – Zonja,
[523] 635:
No history of allergies (January 2006)
I am a 25 yo man from
Thank you for your exposé on this
"poison". I believe many people out there are suffering - but
are just taking antihistamines and living with the problem. If there's anything
we can do to help your cause in getting this rubbish off the shelves - be sure
to let us know!!!!!!! –
[522] 635: Poisoned
by a Coles hot chicken (January 2006)
I have just been "poisoned" by a Coles Hot
chicken. After eating it for lunch and dinner I got a terrible migraine with
vomiting and nausea. The migraine was terrible and lasted for 5 days. I
read the bag and found that it had it had at least 4 lots of flavour enhancers
in it, including the stuffing, marinade and seasoning. Just another
thing I can't eat out in case it came from Coles. Also Devondale
now has flavour enhancer in their soft spread. Of course I wouldn't buy
it but who knows what you get when you buy a sandwich out. Where will it
end? Everyone is trying to poison me.
I was very angry at the time (and still am) that some
people can poison my food and not care that I'm extremely sick and lose 5 days
out of my life having to cancel all arrangements etc. I wrote to Coles
…(and) Safeway…(and) Devondale… I will purposely avoid all their products. I
also spoke to KFC and found there is nothing I can eat there except a dinner
roll as everything has flavour enhancer in it. It is so difficult
now going out to people homes or functions where you get served chicken
and feel it's rude to ask where they bought it from but too scared to eat
it. With the Devondale spread it's even worse; it could end up in cakes,
scones, sandwiches from anywhere.
Now I have to ask “What brand of butter do you use in
your cakes, sandwich etc" before I buy it or eat it. Life is
getter harder with these additives. The food must be pretty tasteless if
they have to use enhancers all the time. – Wendy.
[521] 635:
Incredible rash with itching (January 2006)
Just a quick note to say that after catching a small
piece on ACA last night I think I'm also a victim. In the last year and a half
on about 4 occasions I have broken out in an incredible rash with itching that
almost drives me mad. The red lumps end up turning into sores before they
finally heal and slowly get better, it takes weeks for it to go away. I get
them all over including the palms of my hands, soles of my feet, inside my
mouth, (therefore was told I had foot and mouth disease) I get a fever, filthy
headaches and have no energy whatsoever. I actually have a mild case right now.
The last 2 times I had it I was out of action, not able to work for a week at a
time. Hope this will add to your effort to have something done about these
shonky chemicals and the shonkier people who are responsible for their use –
reader by email.
[520] 635:
My throat feels 'thick' (January 2006)
This afternoon I discovered the effects of 635.
When I eat foods like chips and things that are very processed I find my throat
feels 'thick'. It feels a bit lumpy and like I am getting a
cold. Most times after friends parties I get this throat thing... after
reading about the 635 I figured it could be related to the CC's etc I eat
occasionally. Also I always get it after eating 'Arnotts
Shapes' and '2 min noodles' – 14 yo girl, by email.
[519] 635:
He said food additives do not produce a long lasting reaction like this… (January 2006)
I am writing to share my daughter Freda’s experience.
I suspect she is currently recovering from an allergic reaction to 635. She is
turning 2 next Saturday and we are hoping she will have recovered sufficiently
to celebrate. I have a history of
allergies and asthma in my family, so have always been careful when introducing
Freda to new foods. However, until now she has appeared to have escaped the
food (and other) allergies which were a problem throughout my childhood, but
does have a Penicillin allergy (it gives her a rash).
Ten days ago (Friday) Freda woke with a rash all over
her torso. By that evening it had spread all over her body, including face,
hands and feet, and she had developed a fever. We took her to
The next morning I took her to our GP and he was
perplexed. He was trying to find some sign of infection to explain why her
temperature was still up. He advised we switch to using Phenergan to try to
control the itch. I gave her three doses of Phenergan - the maximum available -
that day, and yet the itching continued. That evening we had a repeat of the
screaming and scratching frenzy. We ended up calling an ambulance. By the time the paramedics arrived, Freda had
stopped screaming and was quiet. They were very helpful; one paramedic raised
the issue of this possibly being an allergic reaction but was wondering if it
was something to do with clothes detergent.
They took us to
The following morning we took Freda to see an allergy
specialist. He advised us the rash was urticaria, and his belief was that she
did initially have a virus and her body had an allergic reaction in response.
He advised it could take up to 2 weeks for the rash/itch to clear up
completely. He said the only other explanation would be a food allergy and that
if there was no improvement over the weekend we should bring her back this week
and make changes to her diet. We are continuing to give Freda Phenergan to help
ease the itch. The allergy specialist called me today to ask how Freda was, and
I was happy to report that although she is still itchy, her mood has improved
and the irritation seems to have decreased. He discounted Flavour Enhancer 635
as a possible cause for Freda’s reaction!!! He said food additives do not
produce a long lasting reaction like this… Well, I am not taking any chances.
My mother (a very devoted grandmother) has already
been to the supermarket today and spent some time compiling a list of
biscuit/chip products that contain 635 so we will know what to avoid. Now aware
that 635 can cause the exact symptoms I have seen my daughter suffer during the
past few days, I have reflected on her diet. The day before Freda’s rash first
appeared, she ate something she had never eaten before: flavoured chips. My apologies for such a long-winded letter,
but these details are all too fresh in my mind and it has been an exhausting
and distressing ten days for my family! –
[518] 635:
Flavoured cornchips (January 2006)
Over a month ago I developed an itchy skin rash which
gradually got worse. The doctor could not say what it was even after blood
tests. Approximately two years ago I told my husband that I would no longer eat
flavoured cornchips (cheese or nacho cheese) because I felt strange after eating
them an often woke the next morning with a "hangover" type
feeling. Five weeks ago my daughter and I bought a large packet of nacho
cheese cornchips and scoffed the lot, me eating the most. Almost immediately I
regretted eating them.
Three days later my rash appeared and got
progressively worse. I can only link it to 635. I feel I have it under
control by taking Telfast and using Amcal 1 per cent cortisone cream however it
is not yet gone and at times still drives me crazy. Previous to this I
have been healthy and fit and my only other known allergy is to Penicillin.
It’s getting on for 6 weeks now and if it is 635 afflicting me with this
problem it makes me very angry to think that manufacturers knowingly subject us
to these health risks –
[517] 635:
Scratching myself to bits (January 2006)
One of the pictures Today Tonight aired was of a
person with a red rash on the body. I have been getting a rash like that, as
well as swelling on the eyes and mouth for the past three years and doctors,
allergists and skin doctors can not find the problem.
Could you please tell me what flavours are most likely
to cause this reaction. I will be so thankful if you can help me stop
scratching myself to bits – reader, email.
[516] 635: Sitting in my loungeroom sobbing (January 2006)
Although an eczema sufferer most of my early life (now 50 years old) in the past 12 months I have on different occasions developed a rash worse than anything I have ever experienced with eczema. I have been to dermatologists and allergists and found that I was severely allergic to the dust mite. In the past couple of months I changed all my bedding etc and have been free of rash.
On Saturday night I cooked
apricot chicken. The welts on my body stated to appear again on
Sunday night. I finished the chicken for dinner on Monday evening not
associating it with the rash. Last night I woke tearing my body to
pieces. There were huge welts all over my torso, arms and upper
legs. I was in a terrible state. It was 2 in the morning and I was
sitting in my loungeroom sobbing and distressed. I thought I had found
the problem with the dust mite. This was however was something far worse.
I went into the kitchen and
checked what I had eaten. I had read the article a few months previously
on food enhancer 635. I checked the Continental french onion soup packet
that I had used in the casserole. There was no mention of 635. I
was totally distressed and at my wit's end. I went back to the soup
packet and checked again and saw - food enhancer - ribonucleotides.
I had kept the article on 635. I rushed to my purse and took out the
article. There was the chemical name for 635 - the same as on the soup
packet.
This is nothing short of
criminal that the Food and Health departments will not ban this additive.
To tear yourself to pieces, with huge welts on your body is the most demoralising
thing I have ever experienced. Obviously this had caused problems for me
previously and had gone undetected. Not only do I now have to wait for
the welts to die down, I have scratched up my skin so badly it will take weeks
for that to heal.
I am writing this in the hope
that it may help in having this additive banned. Surely big business
should not come first over the health and well being of Australians –
[515] 635: Lasted two weeks and was agony (January 2006)
Recently I suffered an extremely itchy
rash that kept me up at night and became very inflamed and sore from
scratching. I consulted the doctor and all he could tell me was that it
was a rash, and it could be a virus. That was all he could tell me. That and he
asked if I'd ever had chicken pox ... this rash was nothing like a chicken pox
rash. The rash itself lasted two weeks and was agony, to say the
least. I still bear marks on my arms from scratching. I went
through the usual what did you eat routine and nothing out of the ordinary -
although I did have Hungry Jack’s in the 30 hour time frame.
(Later) As I tend to avoid most overprocessed foods, I
can honestly say that my rash
after 3 weeks is much better. The rash I developed was
small, intensely itchy bumps over my stomach and back, and my arms. These
bumps were constantly itchy, antihistamines helped but did not alleviate
much. I couldn't sleep and felt irritable – although that had a lot to do
with no sleep. However I still have some marks on my arms where I
scratched too hard – reader by email.
[514] 635:
Uncle Tobys salt and vinegar popcorn (January 2006)
I don’t suffer from rashes or food allergies normally,
but tonight I made myself some popcorn, in the box was a smaller packet of salt
and vinegar flavouring, I sprinkled this over the popcorn and ate it (Uncle
Tobys salt and vinegar popcorn. It had a sachet of 635 in it to sprinkle
on the popcorn after you had cooked it in its bag). Within minutes I started to
get a prickly rash under my arm, near my bosom.
The rash got worse and escalated to around my neck up my arms and right
around my right bosom. Within 1 hour of
eating the popcorn I have the rash up the inside of my arms, down my back and
around the back of my neck, up into my hairline and into my ears.
Attached are some photos taken with my digital camera,
due to the lighting it doesn’t show the rash in all its redness. As I am typing
this it is slowly moving all over my torso and arms. I hadn’t eaten anything
else that I don’t normally eat this evening. – reader, Victoria.
[513]
635: The itch is unbearable at times (January 2006)
It started out as what I thought was a
cold sore on my lower abdomen…It wasn't until the size of the rashes grew that
I knew I wasn't dealing with cold sores. I now have three areas on my lower torso
with a fourth area trying hard which are covered with this rash. The itch
is unbearable at times. I try not to itch but sometimes I catch myself out and
it's too late.
By this stage I was getting a bit worried
as to what was the cause for the rash. I ruled out shingles because there was
no pain as such just the itch. It wasn't until I saw the report on 635 on the
website that I thought it was a food allergy. The description of the rash on
the website was very close to my rash so I decided to look into
any foods that had been eating and sure enough there they were.
In Lays Sour Cream and Chives and the new
Spicy BBQ Kettle Chips I found they had the additive and it just so happened
that there was a special on Kettle Chips so I purchased a couple of the large
packets (200 or 250gm) and polished them off over the period of about 3 or
4 days. That was when the huge break out occurred. The initial outbreaks
would have coincided with me trying the new Kettle Chips which would have been
one packet a week which would account for them seeming to go away.
I now check every label when I purchase
them because this rash has severely affected my quality of living. I am an
aerobics instructor and the rash sits just under my leggings waistband and my
microphone belt. I am extremely embarrassed and hanging out for the day I don't
have this hideous itch.
(later) Since my initial e-mail I have
discovered it was probably not just the chips which caused the rash. It
was more likely the combination of a lot more foods than I
thought. I went through my cupboards this evening and was horrified to find
that most of the packaged pastas had either 635 or 627. The new Pasta stops
which are heavily advertised on television at the moment, the macaroni and
cheese has 635 and I was eating these at the time I was eating the chips.
Are you aware that 635 is in Greenseas
Salsa Tuna. That really blew my mind. I was actually eating it when I read the
label. I honestly did not expect it to be in Tuna but there it was.
It's quite disturbing to think we have to
check every label when shopping. What is this world coming too? Here’s hoping
for a 635 free world – Sharon, Melbourne.
[512] 635:
Rash all over arms and legs (January 2006)
My son had been covered in a skin rash all over arms
and legs for several weeks and I couldn’t seem to get rid of it. It seemed
to be getting worse and more severe. He is susceptible to asthma,
allergies and has had mild cases of eczemas - so after all attempts to clear it
took him to doctor. She said it wasn’t any skin allergy and could
possible be a viral or staph infection and gave him antibiotics. It
really didn’t improve after medication.
My sister heard a radio interview on
He loves flavoured chips and 2 minute noodles.
So since hearing about 635 I have been religious about reading labels and have
kept him off 635 to best of my ability. The skin irritation has gone and
has not reoccurred again – Sally by email.
[511] 635:
My hands burn, then I get a rash all over (January 2006)
I have had this allergy for three years and a month
ago I found out why I get it, it’s the food additive 635. My hands burn, then I
get a rash all over, very big welts that itch sometimes. I have swollen lips,
even had it in the throat, on the ears, in the hair everywhere, what can I do
about it. Thanks for letting us know all
about 635 I have been worried what has caused it. Thank you – Ruby by email.
[510] 635:
Not to let her eat anything like that more than 5mins from a hospital (January
2006)
I have recently had my 2 year old daughter at the
hospital for an ear and throat infection, while waiting for the doctor she had
a packet of Smiths BBQ chips. Within 10mins the left half of her face started
to swell then her right, within 7 mins her whole face was swollen. Luckily I
was at the hospital when this happened as they thought they would have to give
her adrenalin to help her breath, but because they were able to administer
antihistamine and Ventolin straight away she was fine and we could take her
home after a few hours. I think a warning of some kind would help, so if it
happens to someone's child they may know what it is, or better still maybe they
could change the additives to something else that can not harm or kill. If I
had not been at the hospital it may have killed my daughter.
I would not like anyone to have to go through that, I
was lucky to be in the hospital and have been told not to let her eat anything
like that more than 5mins from a hospital – Rebecca, ACT.
[509] 635:
So swollen I couldn't talk or breathe properly (January 2006)
I believe I had a very real dangerous reaction last
year to chips whilst I was in early stages of pregnancy. I was admitted to
emergency and due to difficulty breathing a nurse had to stay in with me. They
asked me had I taken any unusual drugs etc and were baffled when the only
different thing I had eaten was flavoured chips. I even took the packet with
me, the reaction started almost immediately. Previously I had only ever eaten
plain, but due to a craving I got a flavoured variety. I thought I was going to
die.
By the time I got to hospital (luckily it wasn't far
from home) my mouth and throat was so swollen I couldn't talk or breath
properly, of course because of this I was treated as high priority and treated
straight away. Thank God I had realised straight away when I got a tingling
burning sensation and felt like I had been to the dentist and had a local
anaesthetic. My mother had said something about these chemicals recently in our
diets (I had actually dismissed this at the time) but thank goodness she did -
Raechel (lucky I think to still be here)
[508]
635: Anything with 635 is an absolute no, no (January 2006)
The rash is finally on its way out, I've
had to eliminate lots of things, tomatoes, red wine amongst them and one that I
only started to appreciate much later in life, garlic (sob, sob). Anything with
635 is an absolute no, no. Keep up the good work – Phil by email.
[507]
635: Allergic to the sun! (January 2006)
Recently I had my 13 year old son at the doctors for a
facial rash that was preventing him from going to school. The rash was
only on the face and neck and was beetroot red. The doctors told him that
he was allergic to the sun. This is a child that you cannot keep
inside. I have since found out about 635 and have taken him off all of
the known products. (Which is difficult considering how a 13 year old
growing boy eats.) His skin could not be better. We now watch
everything that he eats. Thank you for all of your information. It
is great to know that we are not alone – Jacqui by email
[506] 635:
Symptoms lasted for about 5 days (January 2006)
I believe that I am yet another victim of flavour
enhancer E635.
I had a strong allergic reaction to
"something" in Early February of this year. At first I thought
it was a prescription medicine that I have just started taking (again). I
stopped taking my medicine but nothing improved. I was confused because this
medicine had never caused a reaction before. My Doctor suspected food or
some kind of virus.
I suffered the following reactions: (in order of
appearance)
* Burning
sensation to the skin
* Rash on my
feet
* Raised rash
on my chest and then sides
* Severe,
raised, rash on my back and very itchy legs and arms
* Mild
stomach upset
* Heavily
swollen face and lips ( 3 occasions)
* Mild
anxiety
The symptoms lasted for about 5 days and required 3
trips to the Emergency ward of the
[505] 635:
He comes up in welts (January 2006)
My son is 14 and has been diagnosed with having severe
allergy reactions to 621 and 627 flavour enhancer. All the foods you list are
foods that he also can’t eat. He can have very severe reactions to these where
his throat swells and he can’t breath and other times where he comes up in
welts all over his body and lips and eyes swell quite severely. I have four
boys and it becomes very difficult to feed them with one being allergic to so
much food – mother, Victoria.
[504] 635: Just another itchy victim
(January 2006)
I started to react about 18 months ago. My
skin felt like it was on fire and the itch was unbearable. The 'welts' that raised
on my body, where any restrictive clothing touched my skin, including bras,
panties, shirt stitching etc... would remain for days, even weeks depending on
how severe the attack was. I tried everything to find the cause and find a
cure. It was only when reading an article in the Herald Sun that I realised the
woman was recanting exactly how I reacted. She told of her allergic reaction to
635. I used to have Continental chicken noodle soup every single day, at work.
(Summer or winter). I loved the stuff. I also ate Lays flavoured chips, packet
gravy.
I have since eliminated everything with
635 in it out of my diet. Although I still have 'flare' ups I can actually work
these back to pre-prepared food...Dolmino spaghetti sauces etc...I found that I
cannot have any food with 621, 625, 627 or 631. I react to all of these, and
was wondering if any one who has had a severe reaction to 635 finds they react
to these others as well. I have recently learned that 635 is a combination of
627 and 631. Foods to avoid like the plague are:
Red Rooster both chicken and chips
KFC both as above
Mac Donalds - I only ever ate their chips
but flavour enhancer is in the salt.
All flavoured corn chips, CC's
Doritos...Pretzels with added flavour. (Cracked pepper have no flavour
enhancers listed)
Maggi packet gravy
Continental chicken stock
All stock cubes
I have recently been told that some foods
may have flavour enhancers added but do not have to list them because the
percentage is so low.
In fact if the word flavour is on the
label I will not purchase that product now for fear of it causing another
reaction. My doctor did not know what was wrong with me when I saw him about my
rash months ago. He gave me Periactin, an over-the-counter antihistamine that
works well, although I have had to half the tablets because they also make me
extremely drowsy.
If any one needs proof that these flavour
'enhancers' are reactionary I would be happy to prove it. It doesn't take a
brain surgeon to see the cause and affect of these additives. I have had to
restrict my diet, to avoid coming into contact with these 'poisons', because
that is what they are to me. I am basically going through detox/withdrawals at
the moment, which are causing headaches etc...
If the Food Standards people want to try
to 'fob' this off, perhaps we who are suffering should take them to court for
compensation - you know pain and suffering - because believe me, we are
suffering. At 38, and having suffered for almost 2years with this, I can't
imagine what it must be like for the little kids who react as we have! –
Melanie, email.
[503] 635:
Failed to be treated by specialists (January 2006)
Over the past 2 years my husband has had a rash, which
failed to be treated by the dozens of creams numerous specialists
prescribed. Recently, when it reoccurred again, we thought to look at the
label of the cheese and onion flavoured chips he had eaten the day
before. Sure enough 635! We then looked at the foods he commonly
eats, and sure enough 635. As a Dietitian I didn't even think of this
until checking out your website. Thanks for your hard work over the years with
food intolerance. It is certainly much appreciated by many clients who
have benefited in my practice as a Dietitian - Frances from SA.
[502] 635: I
was told "it’s emotional" (January 2006)
I am now 58 yo, I came across your information by
accident while looking for something else on the net. I was dumbfounded when I saw
the pictures of the effects of food additives, this was what I had for nearly 3
years!
I could not believe it, mine too started in the early
hours of the morning with dreadful itching, by the time I got up my thighs were
black and bruised from rubbing them. Over time this went and the welts came all
over my body. I looked like I had been beaten, I also had rashes, itchy and
painful, the only part that was not affected was my face and head.
So many Doctors and tests, and so many creams and
tablets. And nothing would stop it. I had tests that showed I was allergic to
things I had never had (like horse hair and oysters). Eventually I was told
"it’s emotional" or it could be change of life.
It never occurred to me that it was the food I was
eating as I had changed very little in the way of diet. I would have meat pies
or sausage rolls at least once a week. I still do not know which one started
this torment off but I have thrown out everything in my pantry with 635/621 –
Maree, NSW.
[501] 635:
The last rash was awful (January 2006)
I have been experiencing an unknown rash on and off
for about 2 years now. I had the rash recently and this time it was severe and
was all over my body. On other occasions it was only in small patches.
Sometimes on my torso and other times on my back. I have an extremely healthy
diet and eat fresh food everyday. I don't eat fast foods and rarely eat any
form of junk food. The last rash was awful. Legs, feet, hips, torso, back and
neck. Prior to the outbreak I had extremely hot skin and itchy arms. 24 hrs
after the itching I noticed some spots on my stomach. By the time I arrived
home the following day my body was covered. It has taken 7 weeks for the
scarring to settle. This is the case every time the rash breaks out.
I went to the doctor on a couple of occasions. I was
told it was pityriasis rosea and on
another occasion I was told it was shingles. I studied my eating habits very
closely until I worked out the cause. I have always had a suspicion that it was
chicken stock. And now I am positive. After making my favourite Greek Lentil
Soup the rash appeared. On this occasion I accidentally added extra chicken
stock. I ate the soup for 2 days. This time with the extra stock the rash went
crazy. My last outbreak had occurred after eating the soup also. I do not use
any chicken stock at all now. I have been made aware of 635 by a mate who also
experienced rashes from eating certain foods. His rashes are confined to his
feet. Thanks for the story. I am not alone! – Luke, Melbourne.
[500] 635:
Not unlike mozzie bites (January 2006)
I am not sure whether I am a sure case, but your
article on ACA definitely made me think about my problem and mysterious itching.
I have been waking with welts on my body, not unlike mozzie bites, but
extremely itchy, and quite hard. Thinking there was a spider or something
similar in my bed, I changed the bedding, and spray my room before retiring to
bed every night. But still they would mysteriously appear. I got them on my
hips, breasts, legs and arms, not many, but enough to be worrisome.
Now I know more about 635, I am willing to put these
itches down to the snack-sized packet of chips that I have been eating every
day after work (I usually only have them once a week, but have been on teaching
rounds and come home starving!) Add that to the Asian food I have eaten, plus
the many gravies and sauces, I may have just found the cause of
my problems. Now, I must leave you, to go and scratch my itches! – Fairlie by
email.
[499] 635: Scratching
uncontrollably (January 2006)
Two months ago I too broke out in a rash covering at
first my torso, which eventually spread partially down my legs. I found myself
scratching uncontrollably and was so puzzled as to where this came from. I
found the ACA story amazing. Then after the show I started going through
my cupboards, and to my amazement I discovered a particular 'cup a
soup' which contains the additive 635, that I have bought
recently which is not a regular item on my shopping list. At present, the rash and welts have gone
down, but I’m still scratching as a partial amount of the rash remains. How do
these companies get away with it?????? – reader by email.
[498] 635:
Skin peeled off my tongue (January 2006)
I am not game to even contemplate eating anything with
635, as once I knew what my reaction to MSG was like, I found out the hard way,
and saw the flavour enhancer 635, so I thought it may be OK. My face swelled
up, I developed a rash all over my face and neck, and consequently all the skin
peeled off my tongue, inside of my lips and gums. You have never seen such a
mess!! At least I didn't have to go through what these little kids had to
suffer and their poor parents. I just couldn't eat anything much for a few
days!! – reader by email.
[497] 635:
Devondale (blended) butter (January 2006)
Well thank you ...I have finally been able to put a
name to the itch I developed late in 2001, although I am not a big eater of
chips or what seem to be the main culprits, I still suffered for over 7 months
with the rash, nothing would seem to stop the rash. I removed all processed
foods from my diet and after about 2 months the rash disappeared. Although I
never knew what caused it, so began to eat normally again and in the last 2
months I have developed the rash again, so now I know what it is I can adjust
my diet . (My diet) contained
Devondale (blended) butter, I used that quite a lot
but since the rash I have been
using Nuttelex, I will definitely be more vigilant
with my buying of foods – Jayne by email.
[496] 635:
The itch was maddening and sleep was impossible (January 2006)
Here is another story that is now "making
sense" given the many I've read on your webpage.
During the final week of my first pregnancy I
developed a rash that looked precisely like the ones in the photos on your
webpage. It was on both my legs and similar to the other stories, the
itch was maddening and sleep was impossible (given that I was at term this
didn't bother the doctors). My GP sent me to a dermatologist who
prescribed oral steroids and colloidal creams, which had no effect. I was
told it was probably just pregnancy, and as with another of your stories, the
rash cleared up after the baby was born. As this was five years ago you
would think I'd have trouble remembering a specific food cause, but funnily
enough one of the things I've always remembered fondly about this period was
the lack of guilt I felt for eating takeaway chicken 3-4 nights a week.
It was 35 degrees outside and I didn't feel like cooking. When I
came home from hospital my Mum was there and helped with the
cooking. We ate no more take away from that shop.
What I am now thinking about is the fact that my son
was diagnosed with anaphylaxis related to extreme food allergies at age 5
months. His main problems are dairy, egg and peanut, but even with a
total avoidance of these triggers, he usually has a blocked nose and dry, itchy
skin. My second son has asthma and to date, touch wood, my daughter has
excellent health. I have been told by doctors that the milk I
drank whilst breastfeeding probably exacerbated my eldest's food allergies, but
I am now wondering about the food additive issue in late pregnancy. I
realise that until we get the issue of food additives on the agenda for primary
sufferers, there is no chance of research into the effect on unborn babies, but
I am voicing my concern on both issues nonetheless. I came to
your site after an article in the paper about food additives and behaviour
issues, I am now thinking about the ramifications for our family's overall health. I
will now start looking at additives in our diet and take note of any changes -
Jane from NSW
[495] 635:
Deep red rash around my mouth (January 2006)
I recently developed a deep red rash around my mouth
which progressively got worse whereby my lips became incredibly swollen and I
experienced a severe burning sensation. It also started to spread to my
eyelids and became extremely dry and itchy.
I started to eliminate new products I'd purchased, for
instance, hair goods and face washes.
Finally my mother heard about 635 and rang me to
enquire if I had been eating anything with this food additive. I
instantly went to the bin to retrieve the packaging from the rice crackers I
had been eating and sure enough there it was. I instantly stopped
consuming these crackers and have avoided any products since which contain
635. The rash has disappeared and there has been no re-occurrence since.
I would also like to add that in conjunction with my
mouth and my eyes, I experienced a dryness on my scalp at the back of my
ears. One Sunday, when the rash on my mouth became quite severe, I
visited a doctor at a Bulk Bill Clinic, who took one look at my scalp and
diagnosed it as dermatitis, suggested I use an anti-dandruff shampoo (even
though I told him I didn't suffer from dandruff) and he prescribed a cortisone
product to use. I explained that I had been using a cortisone cream,
previously supplied by a chemist, and although I experienced some relief to my
eyelids it really didn't assist with my mouth or my scalp. He strongly
insisted that's what it was and cortisone was the best option, and if that if
it didn't improve I should come back and he would refer me to a
dermatologist. I checked with the pharmacist and found that the
prescription would have cost me $25 for a very small bottle of drops. I
chose not to purchase this product and was very angry and frustrated by the
whole experience. Shortly after my visit to the Doctor I discovered
the real cause of my rash. I appreciate that doctors are unable to know
every new ailment that occurs, however, firstly I felt like I was brushed off
without any real consideration of my problem. Let's face it, when your
lips are red raw and swollen like mine were, you've got a legitimate
problem. And secondly, if I was able to discover the cause of my
complaint with relative ease then I do question whether this doctor is
adequately keeping up-to-date with what's going on around him. Perhaps I should
drop off a copy of the fact sheet to the surgery?
I am prepared to go through testing if it helps to
raise awareness and get this food additive removed from food products and I
will be telling everyone I know to avoid products containing 635 - Jan of Mt
Evelyn.
[494] 635:
Two serious anaphylactic reactions (January 2006)
I recently had two serious anaphylactic reactions
which I attribute to 635.
- 12 Dec 02 Went to bed at
- 01 Jan 03
Developed a rash which moved around my body all day. Hot, moving spots.
Awoke at
There was a third reaction, more mild, which was
relieved by tablets.
In each case, prior to the reaction, I experienced
extreme chronic tiredness. Had to cancel New Year's Eve arrangements, due to
tiredness. Have undergone complete tests through allergist at
[493] 635: I
feel like I am burning (January 2006)
I am 57 years of age last October I got asthma and
since then have been rushed to hospitals and doctors with hives and swollen
lips and a rise in body heat where I feel like I am burning and my blood
pressure rises all of which is very frightening. I have to have an
injection of phenergan at that time and am monitored until my body settles and
I also take zyrtec on a daily basis and carry a puffer.
Neither the doctor nor myself have been able to
pinpoint the cause of these allergic reactions - is it wine? is it peanuts? all
the questions with no answers where I have tried to introduce the things I
thought may cause it but when I try I gag at the thought because it is so
frightening but the next thing I know I am reacting again and not knowing what
caused it made me too frightened to get on a train or a plane where I would be
confined to not be able to get immediate medical attention.
My brother told me of the ACA segment on food
additives and as I had missed it I went onto the site and I am so relieved to now
know exactly and I emphasize exactly what it is that is causing these allergic
reactions. When I think back to the potato chips, the pie, and the Woolworths
chicken. Not that this makes it right it just makes it that now I know but the
question remains Why? Why is it allowed to be used? MSG caused such an uproar
that people stopped buying products with it added so now another additive is
just as bad or worse. I am sure that this additive has caused deaths. When are
the companies going to stop using it? When they are being sued? Maybe everyone
who has had a reaction to this drug should band together and take on the
Companies so that they realize the danger to our lives.
[later] I was so careful yesterday to what I ate
during the day and shopped for groceries reading all labels and today I awoke
with no hives and no swelling. Such a relief.
When I was at Woolworths purchasing the groceries I
asked at the chicken section for the ingredients in the basting etc of the
chickens and an employee took out the book of ingredients in their food
supplies and read it out to me and there was additive 635 being used in
the stuffing so I will not purchase any more chickens from there and I would
have purchased one every week as well as when having parties I would purchase 3
to 4. I will assist in any way possible in the future with this additive being
withdrawn from use.
[later] I wrote to you last week regarding my
allergies and I have had no reactions since refraining from using 635 - Elaine
of Rockhampton QLD
[492] 635:
Vomiting for up to 4 days (January 2006)
I have suffered terribly from this additive for a few
years now becoming extremely ill whenever I eat anything that contains 635. I
have to be so careful what I eat as I become extremely ill where I have to
spend 5 to 7 days in bed, with very severe headaches, where even the
strongest painkiller gives no relief. Then there is the vomiting
for up to 4 days, where I cannot even keep a sip of water down. I would imagine
food poisoning would be similar to what I go through. I often feel like I
could die, or if not, I almost wish that I could, as I feel so ill
and the pain in my head is so severe. It is not always possible to know
what I am eating, as some things are not
clearly marked, and restaurants do not tell you the truth
either, as they are just not aware of how ill a person with this allergy
can get.
So, I am fighting a losing battle where I can eat less
and less these days, which is becoming very frustrating! I hope you can
continue to publicise this problem to make these manufacturers aware of
how much many people are suffering. What was wrong with foods
before all these additives? Why can't we get back to the basics? I hope
this clarifies it a bit more for you, and hope that someday, someone can do
something to stop companies from "poisoning" half the population.
Because believe me, when you suffer from this only once a month, it does ruin
your life – Trudy by email.
[491] 635:
Frightening rash (January 2006)
Thank god for people like you! I saw a segment
on A Current Affair tonight and talking about 635. Instantly it explained
my frightening rash.
I have never had a skin reaction to anything before
but within hours of eating Coles Instant Noodles (with 635 - I just checked) I
broke out in big welts on my thighs. They spread up my tummy to my chest,
under my arms and down my arms. It was so frightening. I went to
the doctor and he couldn't identify it beyond saying I'd probably eaten
something. By the time I got home it was up my neck and half way up my
face.
The antihistamines he gave me helped somewhat.
When I woke up in the morning it was almost gone but then it reoccurred during
the day and if anything was worse. By the time that night came my ankles
had swollen and my skin was red and tight and very hot. It came and went
for three to four days. Now I know what to stay away from - if I can – Denise
by email.
[490] 635:
Went away after about 5 days (January 2006)
A couple of days after initially eating a meal my
partner and I made using a recipe mix containing flavour enhancer 635, I broke
out in a rash over my neck and upper torso. This quickly spread to the
rest of my body the following day. The itch is unbearable, especially around my
neck area, arms and breasts. The doctor didn't seem to believe that it could
have been this enhancer, even after I showed her an article published in the
Melbourne Sunday Herald Sun on
It looks to me that there are many people who are
intolerant to this additive and I believe it should be banned. This is
the first time I have ever had a rash of this magnitude develop and I am not
impressed. The rash went away after about 5 days - thank God. After my wedding
I will try eating the same mix again just to be certain my reaction was to 635
- I don't want to risk it before then as I want the existing spots to go away.
These are from scratching too much.
It does not affect everyone, but those that it does,
have several days (if not weeks) of unwanted physical discomfort. I am 33 years
of age and this is the first time I have ever experienced a food allergy - Debi
by email.
[489] 635:
Absolute hell almost continuously for over 2 months (January 2006)
I have never suffered any kind of food allergy in my
life (43 years) and then about ten weeks ago I found myself suffering from an
extremely intense and constant itch of my hands and arms. After two days of
this I found I had come out in hives, starting on my upper chest, abdomen and
back. It then spread to my arms and my legs and from then on each day might be
different combinations of location of the hives, but always somewhere. They
were worse at night causing intense itch and lack of sleep, I can't begin to
tell you how unbearable the itch was and how it affected my everyday living and
my ability to work. On several occasions my lips have been swollen and I find
on occasion that although my upper lip doesn't look particularly swollen, it
feels 'thick' and like I have been to the dentist. Once my eyelids puffed up
too. Through studying the foods that I had eaten I became almost 100% certain
that it was 635 causing my problem. For almost two weeks I avoided all foods
containing this additive and was finally able to come off the antihistamines I
had been forced to live on. I then ate a seasoned lamb steak bought from my local
butcher and the next night the hives were back. Guess what? On contacting the
butcher concerned, he was able to tell me that the seasoning used on those
steaks contained 635.
I wish this product had never been put on the market.
I'm sure it is what, to put it frankly, has caused me absolute hell almost
continuously for over 2 months. I have a referral to see a Dermatologist soon
and I am hoping that she will be able to confirm my suspicion so that at least
I will know what to look out for – Debbie by email.
[488] 635:
Raised rash (January 2006)
My 2 year old son came out in a raised rash which we had
no clue what it was ... I told my mother-in-law and she just happened to
mention that they had a TV program on a rash that came out after eating foods
with Flavour Enhancer 635.
When I looked on the internet and saw the photos
of the rash, it looked exactly like the one he had. Then I remembered
that at the time I first saw the rash on him it was at Pony Club the
previous Sunday and I was out with my 5 year old son riding and my
husband was back at the car minding the 2 year old. That morning when I
was with the other child riding, the 2 year old told my husband he
was hungry, so he got him some Arnott's Shapes (I think Chicken Crimpy) out of
our picnic basket.