A recent study released in Nature research publication   found emulsifiers added to processed foods can inflame intestinal mucous membranes. The emulsifier studied included polysorbate 80, carboxymethylcellulose. Initial results indicate these and possibly other emulsifiers in packaged food can increase inflammatory bowel, metabolic syndrome, obesity and more inflammatory disease.

Regulatory agencies recognize most food additives as generally safe, only testing for cancer or immediate toxic symptoms and toxicity. There is very little information available to the public about food additives. Research was led by Andrew Gewirtz at Georgia State University.