As we continue to live in the 21^st century, the worldwide food production industries are in the midst of a substantial contraction and restructuring. The prime reasons behind this is the shrinking of the overseas markets, huge debts, rising costs, falling prices and decline in the current farm incomes. There are a number of ingredients that have been synthesized after years and years of research. After performing hundreds of tests, they were included in the foods. At the same time, there are some incredibly bizarre ingredients which are also being used these days about of which most of you might not know. Below is the list of the 10 bizarre ingredients used in foods.

10. Gold

Everyone knows that gold is used in jewelry and also in a number of electronic devices. But the most common usage of it takes place in the foods in which it is used as a food additive. In addition, it is quite a famous additive used in alcoholic drinks. In terms of its chemistry it is quite neutral to the human body and passes out undigested.

9. Borax

Borax is used commonly as a fire retardant, glass component and in the treatment of the horse thrush. Although Borax is not allowed legally to be used as a food additive in the United States, but still it is being widely used all over the world. For example, in most of the Asian countries it is used in noodles, meat balls and other foods.

8. Viruses

The use of the first viruses was done legally in the year 2006 when the bacteriophages were approved for being used in the food preparation. This special virus infects all other bacteria and inhibits their growth on the food, thus enhancing the freshness of the food. How bizarre it feels to imagine that most of the Americans are chewing down this virus in large amounts on a daily basis. Not to worry as they are not harmful to you.

7. Varnish

In order to give a finishing and an everlasting shine to the products, shellac is used in the bakeries and the industries. Most of the colored and flavored candies these days also contain fragments of this material. For those who love to eat shellac, let me tell you that it is made female lac bettle’s secretion and waste materials.

6. Coal Tar

Allura Red AC is an additive which is synthesized from Coal Tar. It is being widely used in a number of foods these days and is also FDA approved. Although it can cause a number of side effects and vomiting in some individuals, but still it is being used in candies and various soft drinks. N

ot to forget that the Coal Tar is also used in Shampoos for the killing of head lice.

5. Bugs

Carmine, Cochineal and other form of colorings are in fact derived from the body of bugs. It is obtained after pulverizing and processing the entire body of the bug under controlled conditions and in specialized chambers after which the required food additive is obtained. In addition, the bugs are also processed by killing them in very hot water and keeping them in it for a number of hours after which the colored additive is obtained. More than 100,000 insects are being used these days in order to make 2 pounds or more of food dye.

4. Cigarettes

If you cannot smoke it, then why don’t eat it? The process is done by adding a cigarette or a cigar into a bottle of Vodka or Brandy. After sometime the materials inside the cigarette including the nicotine start to diffuse in the entire liquid and give a flavored color. One of the most common examples is the Nicotine Tea available at a number of bars and restaurants in the U.S and U.K.

3. Human Hair

L-Cysteine, the amino acid derived from the human hair and other materials, is used widely to soften the baked foods and products. It can be easily traced down in doughnuts, breads and in a number of yummy things. The cheapest method of preparing such foods takes place in China where it is quite a common practice, as there is no sort of harm in it. This topic has also been under debate for quite some time now.

2. Beaver Ass

Can you imagine that the juice released from a beaver’s Ass is used in a number of foods? It is known by the name of Castoreum. Most commonly it can be found in raspberry products, chewing gums and cigarettes.

1.    Poop

I am really going to get sick now. A form of poop named as Skatole is also being used a food additive these days. It is also used in the making of perfumes, cigarettes and the yummy strawberry ice cream. It was found a number of years ago that adding this additive into the strawberry flavor enhances its overall taste.