The Environmental Working Group has just released its "Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives" — and it's very likely you'll discover some of your favorite foods contain ingredients they suggest you avoid.

EWG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting health and the environment.

The group's new "Dirty Dozen" includes:

• Nitrites and nitrates (used in hot dogs, salami, bacon)

• Potassium bromate (found in some breads and crackers)

• Propyl paraben (a preservative used in tortillas and muffins)

• Butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA (found in some chips and preserved meats)

• Butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT (a preservative that's a chemical cousin to BHA)

• Propyl gallate (a preservative sometimes used in sausages and lard)

• Theobromine (an alkaloid found in chocolate)

• Diacetyl (used as butter flavoring in microwave popcorn)

• Secret flavor ingredients ("natural flavors" can contain synthetic chemicals, says EWG)

• Phosphate food additives (found in highly processed foods, including some fast foods)

• Aluminum additives (used as stabilizers in many processed foods)

The Center for Science in the Public Interest also has an app called Chemical Cuisine, which offers information on additives and ingredients found in many common foods.

Northern Westchester Hospital lead dietitian Jill Ashbey-Pejoves says she often uses the app to help people figure out what's best avoided.

"I know there are some additives and food coloring that are banned in other countries that we allow into our food supply, and that should be concerning,'' she says. "I advise people to read labels, and honestly the safest thing is to eat things that don't come with a label."

Children are especially vulnerable to the chemicals and pesticides found in foods, some of which can be stored for years in the body's fat cells, she says.

"I personally believe in real food and encourage people to eat food in the most unprocessed form they can obtain,'' says Ashbey-Pejoves. "I think that's what's most valuable for health, so in that regard, additives are a problem."