food additives

Question 1

what are food additives

Answer 1

• Food additives are substances added to products to perform specific technological functions.
• These functions include preserving, i.e. increasing shelf-life or inhibiting the growth of pathogens, or adding colouring and flavouring to food for interest and variety.
• there are over 400 additives approved for use in AUS

Question 2

classes of food additives

Answer 2

• natural – found naturally, such as ascorbic acid found in lemons and limes, used as a preservative
• manmade – synthetic identical copies of substances found naturally, such as benzoic acid (E210), used as a preservative
• artificial – produced synthetically and not found naturally, such as nisin (E234), used as a preservative in some dairy products and in semolina and tapioca puddings.

Question 3

why are additives needed

Answer 3

• to keep it safe to eat
• To make food look or taste better
• To extend the shelf and storage life of a food product
• To improve the nutritional composition of a product (e.g. increase the vitamin content e.g. by adding ascorbic acid)
• Aiding in the processing and manufacture (e.g. emulsifiers, to help mix together ingredients)

Question 4

advantages of food additives

Answer 4

• improve and maintain the food’s nutritive value
• help reduce spoilage
• improve appearance of foods
• increase availability of a variety of foods throughout the year
• saves time
• cheaper

Question 5

diasdvantages of food additives

Answer 5

• some food additives can potentially cause harmful side effects (eg. jives, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath)
• allergic reactions may occur
• links to ADHD and other behavioural issues
• links to asthma
• can contribute to high blood pressure

Question 6

types of food additives

Answer 6

• Food additives are normally grouped by their function. The main groups of food additives are described below:
  
  • Antioxidants
  • Colours
  • Flavour enhancers
  • Sweeteners
  • Preservatives
  • Emulsifiers, stabilizers, gelling agents and thickeners

Question 7

how are food additives controlled

Answer 7

• All additives are thoroughly assessed for safety before they are permitted for use.
• They are only then permitted to be used in a limited range of products and in certain amounts.
• These amounts are based on an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) calculated by Food Safety Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) from the results of safety tests.

Question 8

preservatives

Answer 8

• prevents food spoilage from occurring, keeps food fresh for longer
• eg. bread, soft drinks, cheese

Question 9

colourings

Answer 9

• makes food appear more attractive and appealing
• eg. syrup, candy, cereals

Question 10

flavourings

Answer 10

• add taste and enhance flavour
• eg. beverages, confectionary

Question 11

sweeteners

Answer 11

• providing sweetness while reducing calories
• eg. chewing gum, tea

Question 12

emulsifiers and stabilisers

Answer 12

• emulsifiers: help form + stabilise oil and water mixtures
• stabilisers: prevents water and oil from separating
• eg. mayo and salad dressings

Question 13

thickening agent

Answer 13

• help increase viscosity of liquid
• eg. soups, icecream