Food Additives Flashcards
Define food additive
A substance that is not normally consumed by itself and which is intentionally added to food to enhance appearance, taste, texture or storage life
What information must be included on food labels when additives are present?
Food additives are required to be identified by their class name and by an individual name or code number
How are additives assessed for safety before being approved for use in Australia by FSANZ?
Through a hazard safety assessment of the chemicals and dietary exposure (consumption level) assessment. FSANZ checks whether the food additive is safe and if there is a good technological reason for using the additive. They then go through animal studies and determine acceptable daily intakes.
Define “Acceptable Daily Intake”
The ADI is the amount of food additive that can be eaten everyday for an entire lifetime without adverse effect
6 examples of food additive categories
Acids Anti-caking agents Antioxidants Colours Emulsifiers Flavours Minerals salts Sweeteners Thickeners
What are the health concerns of olestra?
Olestra is a non-absorbable substitute for triglycerides. It is not absorbed into the body and therefore provides no energy that can be utilised. It can cause diarrhoea, cramps, flatulence, reduced absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Concerns it may dysregulate energy balance of food and contribute to overweight and obesity.
What food contain sulphite preservatives and what symptoms occur to those sensitive?
Cordials, dried fruit, sausages, and wine
Asthmatics are quite sensitive to sulphites, and others can get rashes and irritation.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) what is it? What symptoms?
It occurs naturally in shitake mushrooms, tomatoes, cured meats and soy sauce. Foods likely to contain MSG are Chinese based meals.
Symptoms include burning, tightness, numbness. Studies have shown elimination of MSG high diets reduced eczema in kids and in adults adding MSG increased headaches, muscle pain and blood pressure.
Evidence between food colouring and behavioural effects?
A study by Feingold suggested that artificial colours, flavours might have a role to play in hyperactive behaviour and learning disabilities. It concluded that artificial colours and preservatives resulted in increased hyperactivity in some children but governments ruled the study used high consumption that what it regularly consumed by the general public so was not of any concern and dismissed.
Why are nitrates added to cured meat?
To inhibit the growth of the microorganism clostridium botulinum and give the pink colour. Ascorbic acid can block the formation of nitrosamines.
Advantages and disadvantages of food additives?
Advantages: makes product more appealing and palatable
Disadvantages: lack of research and knowledge of health risks and long term effects
