Answers: what a label can hide

Each answer cites its sources, says what the evidence does and does not show, and names products whose ingredient list is short enough to read in a second.

• Itchy, reactive skin? Read the ingredient list, not the front

  A US label can list fragrance as one word and leave the allergens inside unnamed. What the label rules say, with sources, and three products whose whole list is one ingredient.

• “Fragrance” on a label: what it can hide, in FDA’s words

  FDA says the phthalate still used in cosmetics sits mostly in fragrance, and the label does not have to name it. What FDA says, with sources, and three products with no fragrance on the list.

• Same snack, different rules: US and EU food additives

  The EU took titanium dioxide out of food in 2022; US rules still allow it. Potassium bromate and Red No. 3 compared, with the rules cited, and three one-ingredient foods.

• No added sugar before age 11: check a label in one second

  US dietary guidance says children younger than 11 should not have any added sugar. Where it shows on the label, with sources, and three foods with nothing added.

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