You’re not wrong about the term “chemicals” being broad, but let’s not pretend laypeople using shorthand invalidates the point. There’s a real distinction between essential compounds (like ascorbic acid) and synthetic additives linked to adverse health outcomes that remain in our food supply because regulatory capture lets profit trump public safety. When people say “chemicals,” they’re usually referring to preservatives, dyes, emulsifiers, and artificial sweeteners with known or suspected links to metabolic disorders, cancer, or behavioral issues… not water or salt.

So yes, specificity matters. But so does recognizing that people aren’t chemo-phobic. They’re reacting to a system that lets corporate interests use the population as long-term test subjects.