Food Additives

Question 1

What are food Additives

Answer 1

Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor, enhance taste, improve appearance, or extend shelf life.

Question 2

Types of Food Additives

Answer 2

1.Preservatives
2.Coloring Agents:
3. Flavor enhancers
4.Antioxidants

Question 3

Preservatives

Answer 3

Used to prevent spoilage and extend the shelf life of food by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms (bacteria, molds, and yeast).

Question 4

Coloring Agents:

Answer 4

Enhance or restore the color of food to make it more visually appealing.

Examples: Tartrazine (yellow), beet juice powder (red), chlorophyll (green).

Question 5

Flavor Enhancers

Answer 5

Used to enhance or modify the taste of food, without adding a distinct flavor of their own.
Examples: Monosodium glutamate (MSG), yeast extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein.

Question 6

Antioxidants:

Answer 6

Antioxidants:

Prevent fats and oils in food from oxidizing, which can cause rancidity and spoilage.
Examples: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E), BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

Question 7

Why are food additives used

Answer 7

Preservation: To maintain the quality of food, making it last longer without spoiling.

Safety: To prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, molds, and other pathogens.

Flavor & Texture: To improve taste, mouthfeel, or consistency.

Aesthetic Appeal: To make food more visually attractive through color or texture.

Convenience: To improve food preparation or handling, making foods easier to process, store, or prepare.