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Food additivesAlternative namesFood additives are substances that become part of a food product when added (intentionally or unintentionally) during the processing or production of that food.FunctionFood additives serve five main functions:1. Maintain product consistency Emulsifiers provide a consistent texture and prevent products from separating. Stabilizers and thickeners provide a uniform texture. Anticaking agents enable substances to flow freely. 2. Improve or preserve the nutrient value Fortification and enrichment of foods has made it possible to improve the nutritional status of the U.S. population. For example, vitamins and minerals are added to many foods including flour, cereal, margarine, and milk. This helps to make up for vitamins or minerals that may be low or completely lacking in an individual's diet. All products that contain added nutrients must be labeled. 3. Maintain the wholesomeness and the palatability of foods Contamination from bacteria can allow food-borne illnesses to occur. Preservatives reduce the spoilage that air, fungi, bacteria, or yeast can cause. Preservatives such as antioxidants help baked goods preserve their flavor by preventing the fats and oils from becoming rancid. They also keep fresh fruits from turning brown when exposed to the air. 4. Control the acidity and alkalinity, and to provide leavening Specific additives assist in modification of the acidity or alkalinity of foods to obtain a desired taste, color, or flavor. Leavening agents that release acids when they are heated react with baking soda to help biscuits, cakes, and other baked goods rise. 5. Provide color and enhance flavor Certain colors improve the appearance of foods. There are many spices and natural and synthetic flavors that bring out the best in the flavor of food. Food SourcesIntentional or direct food additives are added to foods to produce a desired effect, such as to maintain freshness, improve nutritional quality, assist in processing or preparing food, or make a food more appealing.Unintentional or indirect food additives are substances that are found in food during the production or the processing of a particular item. These are present in minimal quantities in the final product. Side Effects
The FDA has a list of foods generally recognized as safe (the GRAS list). Many have not undergone any testing, but they are regarded as safe by the scientific community. These substances are put on the GRAS list, which contains approximately 700 items. Examples of some of the items on this list are: guar gum, sugar, salt, and vinegar. The list is evaluated on an ongoing basis.
The list of additives has been changed dramatically since the time the government began overseeing its safety. It is still important to gather information about the safety of food additives. The general public is encouraged to inform the FDA of any adverse reactions they experience to maintain data on food additives up to date. RecommendationsThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supervise and regulate the use of additives in the products they regulate. However, people who have special diets or intolerances should be careful in selecting products in the grocery store.Update Date: 10/17/2003David Webner, M.D., Sports Medicine Fellow, Crozer-Keystone Family Practice Program, Springfield, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. |
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