Additives

Question 1

Why are additives used in food production?

Answer 1

Food safety
Food spoilage (antioxidants prevent oxidation and rancidity)
Shelf life - emulsifiers, stabilisers, humectants keep food palatable
Sensory appeal - food colourings, flavourings attract customer
Large scale manufacturing use antifoaming, anti caking agents ensure successful production
Consumers needs and wants
General importance of food additives

Question 2

What are additives?

Answer 2

Substances added during the processing of food and in small quantities to help maintain the quality of the finished product

Question 3

What is an anti foaming agent?

Answer 3

They are added to liquids which have to be poured or pumped in a factory eg milk to prevent the build up of air bubbles or foam as the liquid is poured as this would clog pipes causing blockages and leakages resulting in wasted product

Question 4

What are anti caking agents?

Answer 4

They absorb moisture from dried foods without themselves becoming wet. They are used I dry products to ensure the substances flow freely eg. Salt

Question 5

Give examples of anti caking agents

Answer 5

Silicates
Calcium phosphates
Stearin

Question 6

What are antioxidants in manufacture used for?

Answer 6

Prevent rancidity developing in fats by either absorbing oxygen or preventing chemical changes involved in rancidity
Vit C is antioxidant that absorbs oxygen and vit E
Chemical reactions involved in rancidity are prevented by using butyl aged hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Question 7

Why might a manufacturer use an emulsifier?

Answer 7

Emulsifiers allow water and oil to mix (immiscible liquids) and enable stable dispersion
Eg. Lecithin in egg yolk and whey protein
Prevent droplets of oil from coalescing and separating and reduce rate of staking in baked goods

Question 8

Why might a manufacturer use a stabliser?

Answer 8

Ability to absorb large quantities of water which makes them good thickening agents to produce gels
Can act as emulsifiers and prevent fat seperation eg gums cellulose seri area and gelatine

Question 9

Why might manufacturers use nutritional supplementation?

Answer 9

Vitamins
Minerals
Protein supplements
Some added to food by law
Eg vit a and d in margarine
Improve nutritive value of mass produced foods to improve health of nation
Micro nutrients added because lost in processing
Eg. Iron in pasta calcium in bread
Aid dietary groups EG veges and pregnant women