|
Julie Eady is a full time Mum to three young children. She developed her interest in food additives and their effects on health after the birth of her first child. With a family history of allergies and asthma, Julie began her research into dietary links to such illnesses, in an effort to improve her children’s chances of avoiding these conditions.
What began as a personal project to identify better food choices for her family, led onto a much bigger project as she discovered the truth about the serious health concerns associated with many additives used in Australian foods.
“Originally I was just interested in looking into which food additives could affect asthma, because the doctors had told me that my kids had at 70% chance of developing asthma before they were 2. I was horrified to find out that there are at least 50 food additives used in Australian foods which are known to be bad for asthmatics, and yet there are no warnings for consumers under our laws. As I investigated food additives further, I became even more concerned.
On top of the additives linked to asthma, I was appalled to find out that we have more than 30 additives in Australian foods which are suspected carcinogens – they definitely cause cancer in animal tests, yet they are permitted in Australian foods. Most of these additives are banned in other countries like the USA , the UK and most parts of Europe, yet they are still permitted here in Australia. I was astounded and angered to find out that Australia does not have one of the best systems of regulation when it comes to food additives – many other countries have far tighter controls and enjoy much better protection for consumers, than we do.”
Julie went on to research the issue for a further 3 years , determined that other Australians, especially other parents, needed to know the facts about food additives and the shortcomings of the laws which are meant to safeguard consumers.
Additive Alert Your Guide to Safer Shopping was self published in September 2004, and has gone on to sell over 25 000 copies in its first year, confirming the demand by consumers for factual information about our food. It is one of the best selling references available on food additives in Australia
, and has become a household shopping “ bible” for thousands of consumers around the country.
Since releasing the book Julie has ignited a tidal wave of consumer interest into what exactly is going into our foods, and the effects food additives have on health. She has appeared on local and national television news and current affairs programs and is a frequent guest of talk back radio on the issue of food additives and health.
She is a director of Additive Alert Pty Ltd, the Company she established in 2004 to promote better consumer awareness of food additives and their effects on health, and to advocate for better labeling of Australian foods.
In March 2007 Julie was announced the winner of the WA Consumer Protecion Awards recognising her commitment and dedication in the area of consumer education, and the benefits which have flowed to the community as a result of her work with Additive Alert.
Julie is based in
Perth Western Australia , where she is committed to raising consumer awareness about the use of harmful food additives. She is a regular public speaker at schools, seminars and community functions, and her mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian children through the activities of Additive Alert.
If you would like to enquire about booking an Additive Alert talk or seminar please click here.
To order the book "Additive Alert - Your Guide to Safer Shopping" please click here.
|
