Food additives

Question 1

What are food additives?

Answer 1

Substances (natural or artificial) added to foods during production to preserve or improve their flavour, texture or appearance.

Question 2

What are nutrients?

Answer 2

Substances found in food that performs a specific function in the body. Provide energy, build tissues and maintain basic health.

Question 3

What are emulsifiers?

Answer 3

Allow oil and liquid to mix together to form permanent emulsion.

Question 4

What are stabilisers?

Answer 4

Substances added to foodstuff to achieve an even texture and to improve appearance.

Question 5

What are bleaches?

Answer 5

A bleaching agent is added to flour to make it appear whiter as freshly milled flour has a yellowish tint.

Question 6

What are colourants?

Answer 6

Natural or synthetic colourants are used to improve the appearance of food to make it more attractive.

Question 7

What do chemical preservatives do?

Answer 7

They prevent or slow down spoilage caused by micro-organisms. They inhibit or retard the growth of micro-organisms .

Question 8

What do antioxidants do?

Answer 8

They delay enzymatic browning in cut or peeled fruit and vegetables that are exposed to air. Prevent the oxidation that can lead to rancidity and discolouration.

Question 9

What do E-numbers represent?

Answer 9

Specific food additives used in the manufacturing of various food products.

Question 10

What information is linked to E-numbers?

Answer 10

Each number is linked to a certain additive and will provide information on the specific additive, potential harm, origin of the substance, category.

Question 11

What are E-numbers assigned to?

Answer 11

Additives that are safe to use are assigned an E-number and listed on the General Recognised as Safe List. (GRAS-list)

Question 12

What is lecithin?

Answer 12

An emulsifier that prevents the separation of oil and water.

Question 13

Give 3 examples of stabilisers.

Answer 13

Gelatin, pectin and Xanthan gum

Question 14

What is calcium peroxide?

Answer 14

A bleaching agent for flour.

Question 15

What prevents colour change in dried fruit?

Answer 15

Sulphur dioxide

Question 16

What inhibits the growth of bacteria in wine while acting as an antioxidant?

Answer 16

Sulphites.

Question 17

What preserves cold meat?

Answer 17

Nitrates

Question 18

What enhances the quality of a product?

Answer 18

Calcium disodium

Question 19

What prolongs shelf life and slows down enzymatic activity?

Answer 19

Sorbic acid

Question 20

List 4 food additives that may cause allergic reactions?

Answer 20

Tartrazine, MSG, sulphites and benzoates, nitrates.

Question 21

List five things that can be improved by using food additives?

Answer 21

Taste, texture, appearance, food safety, shelf life, nutritional value and preventing food spoilage.

Question 22

List 2 antioxidants.

Answer 22

Vitamin E and Vitamin C

Question 23

List 2 colour enhancers.

Answer 23

Annatto and tartrazine

Question 24

List 3 flavour enhancers.

Answer 24

Spices, MSG and citric acid

Question 25

List 3 natural sweeteners.

Answer 25

glucose, sucrose and fructose

Question 26

List 3 artificial sweeteners.

Answer 26

Aspartame, sorbitol and maltitol

Question 27

What is the function of food acids?

Answer 27

To make flavours sharper and to enhance taste. They act as preservatives and antioxidants.

Question 28

Give 5 examples of food acids.

Answer 28

Vinegar, citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid.

Question 29

Give 2 examples of foods that contain food acids.

Answer 29

Pickles and salad dressing

Question 30

What is the function of acid regulators?

Answer 30

To change or otherwise control the acidity and alkalinity of foods.

Question 31

Give 3 examples of acidity regulators.

Answer 31

Lectin, soya and eggs

Question 32

What foods contain acid regulators?

Answer 32

Canned foods

Question 33

What is the function of anti-caking agents?

Answer 33

To keep powders such as milk powder from caking, lumping together or sticking.

Question 34

Give 5 examples of anti-caking agents.

Answer 34

Mannitol, sodium, bicarbonate, stearic acid, E500-599

Question 35

Give 4 examples of foods that contain anti-caking agents.

Answer 35

Instant coffee, milk powder, cream powder, cocoa

Question 36

What is the function of anti-foaming agents?

Answer 36

Reduce or prevent foaming in foods and liquids.

Question 37

Give 2 examples of anti-foaming agents.

Answer 37

Oleic acid and sulfonated oils

Question 38

Give 3 examples of foods that contain anti-foaming agents.

Answer 38

Jam, juice and stock.

Question 39

What is the function of bulking agents?

Answer 39

Increase the bulk of a food without affecting its taste.

Question 40

Give an example of a bulking agent.

Answer 40

Starch

Question 41

List 2 foods that contain bulking agents.

Answer 41

Instant soups and noodles.

Question 42

What is the function of colour retention agents?

Answer 42

Used to preserve a foods existing colour.

Question 43

List 2 colour retention agents.

Answer 43

Vitamin C and Annatto

Question 44

List 4 foods that contain colour retention agents.

Answer 44

Peaches, wine, juice and baby food.