Food Additives and Preservatives Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of preservatives in food?

  • To enhance the flavor of food
  • To prevent the growth of micro-organisms (correct)
  • To increase the nutritional value of food
  • To change the texture of food

Which of the following additives is considered an artificial additive?

  • Citric acid
  • Beetroot juice extract (E162)
  • Vitamin C (E300)
  • Benzoic acid (E210) (correct)

What is one of the functions of antioxidants in food preservation?

  • To prevent rancidity in fat or oil (correct)
  • To enhance the smell of food
  • To reduce the sugar content in food
  • To prevent food from becoming stale

Which additive is used to restore color lost during processing or storage?

<p>Food colors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of using artificial colors in food?

<p>To make foods appear more attractive (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of anti-caking agents?

<p>To ensure free movement or flow of particles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which agent is used to prevent frothing in food production?

<p>Calcium alginate E404 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of emulsifiers in food products?

<p>To mix together ingredients that typically separate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following acts as a stabilizer to prevent ingredient separation?

<p>Locust bean gum E410 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of food additives?

<p>To improve nutrient content (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of food additives?

<p>To provide a longer shelf-life and prevent spoilage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about E numbers is true?

<p>E numbers show that an additive has been approved for use in the EU (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function do emulsifiers serve in food products?

<p>To maintain a stable mixture of ingredients (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an E number for a natural food coloring?

<p>Anthocyanins (E163) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which artificial food color is known to be linked to negative behavior effects in children?

<p>Allura Red AC E129 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many additives are permitted for use in the UK?

<p>Over 300 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of flavour enhancers in food?

<p>To bring out the flavour without adding their own (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of caramel (E150)?

<p>As a synthetic coloring primarily for colas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as an intense sweetener?

<p>Aspartame (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of food additives is not typically counted in the over 300 permitted additives?

<p>Flavourings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might an additive be individually approved for use in certain foods?

<p>To protect public health and safety (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What warning must be displayed on food containing specific artificial colors linked to hyperactivity?

<p>May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of acids, bases, and buffers in food?

<p>To control acidity or alkalinity for safety and stability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sweeteners is categorized as a bulk sweetener?

<p>Sorbitol (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which food product is most likely to contain allura red (E129)?

<p>Soft drinks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about flavourings is correct?

<p>They provide a particular taste. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are food additives?

Substances added to food to change its properties like preserving, adding color, or enhancing flavor.

What are E numbers?

A system that identifies food additives approved for use in the European Union.

Who regulates food additives in EU?

An organization responsible for evaluating and approving food additives for use in the European Union.

Do food additives come from natural or artificial sources?

Food additives can be sourced from natural or synthetic origins.

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What are flavour enhancers?

A substance that boosts existing flavors in food, making them stronger.

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How are flavourings classified?

These additives are categorized differently and not included in the 300 permitted food additives in the UK.

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What are emulsifiers?

Substances used to prevent or delay the separation of liquids in a mixture.

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What are gelling agents?

Substances used to add texture and structure to food, often creating a gel-like consistency.

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What are preservatives?

Substances added to food to prevent the growth of micro-organisms that cause spoilage or food poisoning.

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What are antioxidants?

Substances added to foods to prevent them from going rancid due to oxidation or browning.

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What are food colorings?

Substances added to food to enhance or restore its color.

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What are natural food additives?

Substances found naturally in foods, like beetroot juice extract.

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What are synthetic food additives?

Substances produced synthetically to mimic natural ingredients.

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What are stabilizers?

Substances that prevent ingredients from separating again after they have been mixed together. They help to maintain the consistency and stability of a food product.

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What are thickeners?

Substances that add body and thickness to food. They can be used to create a richer or more substantial texture.

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What are anti-caking agents?

Anti-Caking agents help keep dry ingredients flowing smoothly like salt or powdered milk. They work by preventing particles from clumping together.

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What are the six artificial food colors associated with possible negative effects on children's behavior?

Certain artificial food colors have been linked to negative effects on children's behavior, such as hyperactivity. These colors are commonly found in sweets, soft drinks, and ice cream.

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What type of foods and drinks are required to carry a warning label about potential effects on children's behavior?

These foods and drinks contain specific artificial colors that might impact children's behavior. They are required to carry a warning label indicating a potential adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

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What are flavourings?

Flavourings are additives that are used in small amounts to give food specific tastes, but they don't have E numbers. They are regulated differently by different food laws, and ingredient lists will often mention if flavourings have been used.

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What are the two main types of sweeteners?

Intense sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar, allowing for use in small amounts. These sweeteners are often found in diet drinks and tablets. Bulk sweeteners have similar sweetness to sugar and are used at higher levels to replace sugar, commonly found in sugar-free gum.

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What is the role of acids, bases, and buffers in food?

Acids, bases, and buffers are crucial for food safety, stability, and flavor. They control the acidity or alkalinity of food.

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How do acids, bases, and buffers contribute to food safety?

Acids, bases, and buffers ensure that the food remains at the right acidity or alkalinity, helping to keep it safe to eat and maintain its flavor.

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How do acids, bases, and buffers influence the stability of food?

Acids, bases, and buffers play an essential role in ensuring the overall stability of the food. It means that the food remains at the correct acidity or alkalinity level to control the flavor and prevent unwanted changes.

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Study Notes

Food Additives Overview

  • Additives are substances added to food products to perform specific technological purposes
  • These purposes include preserving foods, adding colour, and enhancing flavour
  • There are over 300 permitted additives in the UK and globally
  • Flavouring agents are not included as they are classified differently but flavour enhancers are
  • Approved additives are listed on the Food Standards Agency website
  • E numbers denote that an additive has been approved for use in the EU

What are E Numbers?

  • E numbers identify additives that have been approved for use in the EU
  • The European Food Safety Authority regulates E numbers and ensures their safety for consumption
  • E numbers apply to all additives, whether natural or manufactured
  • Each E number is individually approved for specific foods

Types of Additives

  • Natural: derived from natural sources, often used as colourings (e.g., beetroot juice)
  • Synthetic: man-made copies of naturally occurring substances (e.g., benzoic acid, used as a preservative)
  • Artificial: synthetically produced and not found naturally (e.g., MSG, used in processed foods)

Preservatives

  • Aim to prevent food spoilage and food poisoning by stopping micro-organism growth
  • Extend the shelf-life of foods
  • Examples include nitrite and nitrate (E249 - E252) used in cured meats

Antioxidants

  • Prevent food containing fat or oil from getting rancid (causing unpleasant odours or flavours)
  • Prevent browning of cut fruit or vegetables
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, E300) is among the most commonly used antioxidants

Colourings

  • Restore colour lost during processing or storage, ensuring consistent batches
  • Reinforcing existing colours in products such as custard
  • Adding colour to products otherwise colourless, making them more attractive
  • Examples: Allura Red AC (E129), Curcumin (E100), Cochineal (E120)

Colours and Hyperactivity

  • Certain combinations of artificial food colours have been linked to negative effects on children's behaviour
  • Food items containing the listed colours must have a warning on the packaging, stating they may have an adverse effect on activity/attention

Flavour Enhancers

  • Enhance flavour without adding their own flavour.
  • Example: Monosodium glutamate (E621) enhances umami flavors
  • Flavourings are different which do not get E numbers

Sweeteners

  • Intense sweeteners (such as acesulfame K, aspartame, stevia) are far sweeter than sugar and used in small amounts in soft drinks/tablets
  • Bulk sweeteners (such as sorbitol) have similar sweetness to sugar and are found in sugar-free foods

Acids, Bases, and Buffers

  • Control acidity or alkalinity in food
  • Examples: Sodium carbonate (E500), Sulfuric acid (E513), Magnesium chloride (E511)

Anti-caking Agents

  • Ensure free movement of particles, preventing caking in foods such as dried milk or table salt
  • Example: Magnesium hydroxide carbonate (E504)

Anti-foaming Agents

  • Prevent or disperse frothing in foods such as fruit juices
  • Example: Calcium alginate (E404)

Glazing Agents

  • Provide protective coating or sheen to foods, often used in confectionery
  • Example: Agar 406

Emulsifiers, Stabilizers, Gelling Agents, and Thickeners

  • Help mix ingredients that typically separate, like lecithins (E322).
  • Prevent ingredients from separating (e.g., locust bean gum E410)
  • Create consistent textures (low-fat spreads)
  • Change consistency of food (e.g., pectin E440 in jams)
  • Provide body to sauces and other foods

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Food Additives PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on food additives and preservatives with this quiz. Explore the functions of various additives, such as emulsifiers, antioxidants, and artificial colors. Gain insights into the roles these substances play in food preservation and processing.

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