Amaranth (known in the USA as Red no 2) is a red dye used to dye wool and silk and in photography. Although banned for use in food, drugs and cosmetics by the FDA amaranth is used to colour food in other parts of the world. Research Amaranth
Vioxx is a trade name for Rofecoxib, a Cox-2 inhibitor, potentially deadly anti-inflammatory drug manufactured by the American drug company Merck and Company during the early 1990s and widely hailed as a 'wonder drug'. Upon investigation it was found that the side effects of using the drug were frequently heart-attacks or strokes. Doctors and academics who sought to investigate the possible dangers of Vioxx were harassed and threatened by the company manufacturing Vioxx, who also strongly lobbied the American government to promote its prescription and use as a pain relief for arthritis. In February 2005 the American FDA, presumably under pressure and advice from the various manufacturers of cox-2 inhibitors, voted to continue approval of cox-2 inhibitors including Vioxx despite its potentially deadly side-effects. Research Vioxx
Acesulfame-K (Acesulfame potassium) is an artificial sweetener, manufactured by Hoechst, a giant German chemical company, and widely used around the world. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and is marketed under the name Sunett. In the United States, for several years acesulfame-K was permitted only in such foods as sugar-free baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatine desserts. In July 1998, the FDA allowed this chemical to be used in soft drinks, thereby greatly increasing consumer exposure. Studies on rats indicate that it may cause cancer. Research Acesulfame-K
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Amaranth
