Any substance added to food for the purposes of preservation or to improve its acceptability in terms of taste, colour, or consistency. Preservatives, such as sodium nitrate, are added to food to control the growth of bacteria, moulds, and yeasts. Other additives, such as antioxidants, improve the keeping quality of food by preventing undesirable changes (they stop rancidity in foods containing fat, for example). Additives that improve texture include emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, and gelling agents. Appearance and taste are improved by the use of colourings, flavourings, sweeteners, and flavour enhancers. Artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, may be used instead of sugar, especially in products for diabetics or slimmers. Certain additives may produce an allergic reaction in some people, and some are thought to be a factor in behavioural problems in children.
Food additives |
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