food additives and food legislation

Question 1

advantages of food additives

Answer 1

-increase the shelf life of food
-improve the colour, flavour and texture
-improve the nutritional value of the food

Question 2

disadvantages of food additives

Answer 2

-possible side effects e.g. allergies
-colourings may deceive the consumer
-reseach in animals suggests a possible link between food additives and cancer

Question 3

food hygiene regulations act 1950-1989

Answer 3

-prohibits the sale of food that is diseased, contaminated or unfit for human consumption
-permission to destroy unfit for huma n consmuption

Question 4

functions of flavourings -

Answer 4

-improve flavour of foods
-increase the attractiveness
-substitute and enhance the flavour

Question 5

functions of preservatives

Answer 5

-prevent the growth of micro-organisms
-increase the shelf life of food
-provide food out of season

Question 6

function of antixidants

Answer 6

-prevent oxidative rancidity of foods, especially fats and oils
-prevent spoilage of certain foods exposed to oxygen