Behind the label: 1/23 of 23
Behind the Label: head lice treatments
Pat Thomas
11th February, 2010
Faced with an itchy young head full of nits, it's all too easy to reach for a bottle of potent chemicals. But is smothering your child's hair in pesticides really the best solution? more...
Behind the Label: chewing gum
Pat Thomas
12th January, 2010
For whatever reason you choose to chew it, this plastic, potentially toxic mish-mash of ingredients is bad for the environment and bad for us more...
Behind the Label: nail polish
Pat Thomas
26th November, 2009
It may look pretty, but the unmistakable odour of nail polish betrays a cocktail of toxic ingredients more...
Behind the Label: better booze
Pat Thomas
16th November, 2009
If you don't know what's gone into making your drink, stick to organic beer and wine this Christmas, says Pat Thomasmore...
Behind the Label: Pot Noodle
Pat Thomas
22nd September, 2009
Marketed as the ultimate quick food fix, 240 Pot Noodles are eaten every minute in Britain. But what exactly is in the 'slag of all snacks'? Pat Thomas on fats, salt and flavour enhancers more...
Behind the Label: cut flowers
Pat Thomas
18th August, 2009
What's the real price of your bouquet? Pat Thomas dishes the dirt on cut flower production in less-industrialised countries more...
Behind the Label: orange juice
Pat Thomas
13th July, 2009
Is orange juice as healthy and natural as it claims to be? Can it ever be 'eco'? Pat Thomas reports more...
Behind the Label: tinned tuna
Pat Thomas
23rd June, 2009
You may think that by avoiding the near-extinct bluefin you're off the hook and can tuck into other types of tuna. Think again, says Pat Thomasmore...
Behind the label: Tainted love
Pat Thomas
7th February, 2009
Love doesn’t have to be a dirty business – unless, of course... This Valentine’s Day Pat Thomas makes a heartfelt plea for a little non-toxic lovin’ more...
Behind the label: Fairy Liquid
Pat Thomas
5th February, 2009
The bird is now bones, the gravy glue, the roast veggies are on their way to becoming a source of winter fuel and as soon as everyone’s dinner has gone down a bit, it will be time to do the washing-up. If you are one of the 64 per cent of households in the UK that doesn’t own a dishwasher, chances are there will be a trusty bottle of Fairy Liquid by the sink to get the job of washing-up done. more...
Behind the label: Lucozade Sport with Caffeine Boost
Pat Thomas
22nd January, 2009
Biological rocket fuel they may be, but ‘sports’ drinks can be a danger to health in the long term. Pat Thomas reports more...
Behind the label: Listerine teeth and gum defence
Pat Thomas
13th January, 2009
A little mouthwash to make your tongue and gums feel fresh and clean? Beware, you may be swilling a mouthful of chemicals that will give you more to worry about than bad breath. Pat Thomas reports more...
Behind the label: 1/23 of 23
Behind the label: Soya
Pat Thomas
6th January, 2009
Marketed as a superfood with almost magical properties, soya protein is found in almost everything we eat. It’s a shame its health claims aren’t worth a bean, says Pat Thomas more...
Behind the label: Hovis Wholemeal Bread
Pat Thomas
1st May, 2007
Mix flour, water and yeast and you’ve got a tasty loaf of bread. But make your bread the industrial way and you’ll end up eating more than you bargained for. more...
Five men's products you should steer clear of
Pat Thomas
26th April, 2007
Metrosexual man cares about his appearance. He uses body sprays, hair gel, and fragrances. He maybe even eats salads. Does he give any thought as to what social norms have forced onto his skin? more...
5 mens products you should steer clear of
Pat Thomas
26th April, 2007
Metrosexual man cares about his appearance. He uses body sprays, hair gel, and fragrances. He maybe even eats salads. Does he give any thought as to what social norms have forced onto his skin? more...
5 beauty products you should avoid
Pat Thomas
19th April, 2007
Beauty products. Few items are sold to us with more reassurances that they will be good for our health, appearance and well-being. Few items are so drastically misnamed. In this collection of 'Behind the Label' articles, we select five beauty products that shouldn't feature on your bathroom shelf... more...
Five foods you shouldn't buy
Pat Thomas
12th April, 2007
In this special online collection of Pat Thomas' acclaimed 'Behind the Label' series, we bring you five food products that shouldn't be on your kitchen shelves... more...
Behind the label: Lemsip Max Cold & Flu Capsules
Pat Thomas
1st February, 2007
As doctors can tell you, the best remedy for colds and flu is the traditional one: rest, warmth, fluids – and time. Drug manufacturers want you to believe otherwise. But, as Pat Thomas reports, pharmaceutical ‘cures’ may be more than just a waste of money more...
Behind the label: Flora Pro-Activ
Pat Thomas
1st November, 2006
Food is supposed to be good for you, which is why many people believe that functional foods such as cholesterol-lowering spreads are a ‘good thing’. But are they? Pat Thomas reports more...
Read the label: Fragrances
Pat Thomas
1st September, 2006
We are enamoured of fragrances, and virtually every aspect of our lives is touched by a fragranced product. But is it a touch too much? Pat Thomas reports. more...
Behind the label: Blistex lip salve
Pat Thomas
1st November, 2005
Warning! Kissable lips may endanger your health. By Pat Thomas more...
Behind the label: Air fresheners
Pat Thomas
5th December, 2001
Do you like to freshen up your house with a good squirt of air freshener or get your elbow behind some spray polish? Beware, that waft of scent can mask a multitude of harmful ingredients. more...Members
