Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of preservatives in food?
What is the main purpose of preservatives in food?
Which of the following additives is considered an artificial additive?
Which of the following additives is considered an artificial additive?
What is one of the functions of antioxidants in food preservation?
What is one of the functions of antioxidants in food preservation?
Which additive is used to restore color lost during processing or storage?
Which additive is used to restore color lost during processing or storage?
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What is the effect of using artificial colors in food?
What is the effect of using artificial colors in food?
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What is the primary function of anti-caking agents?
What is the primary function of anti-caking agents?
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Which agent is used to prevent frothing in food production?
Which agent is used to prevent frothing in food production?
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What is the role of emulsifiers in food products?
What is the role of emulsifiers in food products?
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Which of the following acts as a stabilizer to prevent ingredient separation?
Which of the following acts as a stabilizer to prevent ingredient separation?
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Which of the following is NOT a function of food additives?
Which of the following is NOT a function of food additives?
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What is the primary purpose of food additives?
What is the primary purpose of food additives?
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Which of the following statements about E numbers is true?
Which of the following statements about E numbers is true?
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What function do emulsifiers serve in food products?
What function do emulsifiers serve in food products?
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Which of the following is an example of an E number for a natural food coloring?
Which of the following is an example of an E number for a natural food coloring?
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Which artificial food color is known to be linked to negative behavior effects in children?
Which artificial food color is known to be linked to negative behavior effects in children?
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How many additives are permitted for use in the UK?
How many additives are permitted for use in the UK?
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What is the role of flavour enhancers in food?
What is the role of flavour enhancers in food?
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What is a common use of caramel (E150)?
What is a common use of caramel (E150)?
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Which of the following is classified as an intense sweetener?
Which of the following is classified as an intense sweetener?
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Which of the following types of food additives is not typically counted in the over 300 permitted additives?
Which of the following types of food additives is not typically counted in the over 300 permitted additives?
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Why might an additive be individually approved for use in certain foods?
Why might an additive be individually approved for use in certain foods?
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What warning must be displayed on food containing specific artificial colors linked to hyperactivity?
What warning must be displayed on food containing specific artificial colors linked to hyperactivity?
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What is the main purpose of acids, bases, and buffers in food?
What is the main purpose of acids, bases, and buffers in food?
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Which of the following sweeteners is categorized as a bulk sweetener?
Which of the following sweeteners is categorized as a bulk sweetener?
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Which food product is most likely to contain allura red (E129)?
Which food product is most likely to contain allura red (E129)?
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Which of the following statements about flavourings is correct?
Which of the following statements about flavourings is correct?
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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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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.
