Over the past few years, the use of food additives has prompted an increasing amount of concern about their potential health effects.

Now, Italian scientists say they have identified two new additives that contain xenoestrogens – substances that behave like natural estrogens and may have a negative impact on health.

Finding published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology say that two currently used additives have been discovered to have previously unrecognized xenoestrogen effects.

One additive the scientists identified is propyl gallate, which is used to prevent fats and oils from spoiling. The other is 4-hexylresorcinol, which is added to shrimp and other shellfish to prevent discoloration.

“Some caution should be issued for the use of propyl gallate and 4-hexylresocrinol as food additives,” the researchers wrote.

Previous research has linked synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen to low sperm count and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Food additives were also in the news last month, after researchers from MetroHealth Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found phosphorus additives may endanger the health of kidney patients.