Heinz ingredients: what's banned overseas?

About Heinz

Heinz ketchup is one of the world's best-selling condiments, but its US formulation differs from UK and EU versions. US Heinz ketchup contains high-fructose corn syrup as the sweetener; the UK version uses sugar. Heinz condiments including salad dressings and sauces contain sodium benzoate as a preservative, which is restricted in EU products. Calcium disodium EDTA is used in Heinz products as a preservative; while permitted in the EU at low levels, its widespread use in US Heinz products exceeds typical European use patterns.

Common concerns with Heinz products

{"ingredient_slug":"high-fructose-corn-syrup","ingredient_name":"High-Fructose Corn Syrup","found_in_product":"Heinz Ketchup (US)","concern":"UK Heinz ketchup uses sugar instead of HFCS. HFCS is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and liver disease in higher-intake populations."}; {"ingredient_slug":"sodium-benzoate","ingredient_name":"Sodium Benzoate","found_in_product":"Heinz relishes, Heinz 57 Sauce","concern":"Can form benzene in presence of ascorbic acid. UK FSA recommended removal after McCann 2007 study. EU restricts use."}; {"ingredient_slug":"calcium-disodium-edta","ingredient_name":"Calcium Disodium EDTA","found_in_product":"Heinz mayonnaise and dressings","concern":"Used as metal chelator/preservative. At high doses, chelates essential minerals. EU maximum 75mg/kg in condiments."}