FOOD ADDITIVES – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Ever wondered about those ingredients listed on your food packaging that you can't quite pronounce? Those are likely food additives, substances added to food for various reasons. But fear not, food additives aren't necessarily bad! Let's take a closer look at what they are and how they benefit our food.

Food additives are simply substances added to food to improve or maintain its qualities. They can be natural, like vitamins and minerals, or synthetic, created in a lab. Their main purpose is to:

• Keep Food Fresher for Longer: Preservatives like salt, vinegar, and certain chemicals help prevent bacteria and mold growth, extending a product's shelf life. This reduces food waste and ensures you have fresh-tasting food for longer.
• Enhance Texture and Mouthfeel: That's thanks to thickening agents like gelatin or xanthan gum. These additives improve the mouthfeel and structure of food, making it more enjoyable to eat.
• Boost Flavor and Color Appeal: Natural and synthetic flavorings and colorings add a burst of taste and vibrancy to food. This makes food more appealing visually and can encourage people, especially children, to eat a wider variety of foods.
• Bind and Thicken: Pectin in jams and jellies, agar in some desserts, and starches in gravies all act as thickening and binding agents. This gives food a desired consistency and prevents it from falling apart.
• Enhance Safety and Stability: Antioxidants prevent fats and oils from spoiling, while antimicrobial agents help control harmful bacteria. These additives ensure food safety and stability throughout its shelf life.

Food additives play a significant role in our modern food system, ensuring food safety, quality, and variety. While some may raise concerns, most additives are safe when used within regulated limits.  The next time you see a long list of ingredients, remember that many of them are there to ensure you have access to delicious, safe, and long-lasting food.