Food additives

A food additive is any substance that is added to

food to preserve it or improve its flavour and

appearance.

Examples:•Citric acid•Monosodium glutamate•Disodium guanylate

They are added to food so that food can last

longer, make food look more appetizing and taste more delicious.

TYPES

Type of food additives

Examples

Preservatives Sodium nitrate, sodium benzoate

Antioxidants Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

Flavouring agents Monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame

Stabilizers and thickening agents

Acacia gum, azo compounds, triphenyl compounds

Functions of Food AdditivesType of food

additiveFunction

Preservatives Prevent or slow down spoilage of food caused by bacteria, fungi or microorganisms.


additiveFunction

Antioxidants Oils and fats in food are oxidized by air. The food then has an unpleasant rancid taste and odour. Antioxidants slow down oxidation of food.


additiveFunction

Flavouring agents

Most of the natural flavours of food are lost during processing. A flavouring agent enhances the flavour and aroma of food.


additiveFunction

Stabilizers and

thickening agents

They improve the appearance of food by making it look more delicious. They give food a firm texture that is smooth and uniform.


additiveFunction

Dyes Dyes replace the lost colours during processing and make food look more attractive.

The Use of Food Additives

• To preserve, flavour, blend, thicken and colour food.

• Food must be preserved so it will not spoil during transportation. We have to process food using food additives so that we can enjoy safe, nutritious and tasty food.

• If we do not use food additives, food will become more expensive.

The Effect of Food Additives on Health and The Environment

• Food additives have become a necessary part of our daily lives.• However, the excessive intake of food additives can cause:-

» Allergy» Cancer» Brain damage» Hyperactivity

• Therefore, food additives must be managed correctly so they do not harm our health.

Education

Food additives