FDA Bans 7 Artificial Flavors Used in Sweets Last week, the Food and Drug Administration officially banned seven flavor additives. Experts and researchers found that these ingredients caused cancer in laboratory animals. These additives are not listed by their scientific names; they are listed as "artificial flavors." They include benzophenone, ethyl acrylate, eugenyl methyl ether, myrcene, pulegone and pyridine. They are used to simulate the flavors of mint, citrus and cinnamon. The artificial flavors are typically found in baked goods, candy, carbonated beverages, ice cream and gum. The FDA is required by law to ban any food additive that has been demonstrated to cause cancer in humans.