Understanding Food Additives

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Questions and Answers

What is Sodium Benzoate primarily known for?

Antimicrobial agent

Thickening agent

Flavor enhancer

Preservative (correct)

Which substance is used in foods to prevent fermentation?

Acetic acid

Sodium Benzoate (correct)

Sorbic acid

Propionic acid

Which of the following is NOT a known use of Sodium Benzoate?

Antimicrobial agent in water (correct)

Preservative in sodas

Food additive

Preservative in cosmetics

Which of the following substances is a common flavor enhancer?

Glyceryl esters Signup and view all the answers

What designation is given to Sodium Benzoate as a food additive?

E211 Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of food additives in the context of flavour enhancement?

To maintain a constant acid level in food Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about alternative sweeteners is true?

They are among the most thoroughly studied food ingredients. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following acids is mentioned as a microbial inhibitor in food?

Sorbic acid Signup and view all the answers

Which type of food product does NOT typically use Sodium Benzoate as a preservative?

Meats Signup and view all the answers

How do acidic additives like fumaric acid enhance the sensory properties of beverages?

By functioning as a pH control agent and enhancing flavor Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of consumers reported using low-calorie, reduced-sugar, or sugar-free products in a 2004 survey?

84% Signup and view all the answers

Which property of acids can help in the preservation of food?

Retarding the growth of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of sourness in chewing gum due to acidic additives?

It acts as a flavoring agent that prolongs flavor perception Signup and view all the answers

Which food additive is known for providing enhanced keeping quality in packaged foods?

Antimicrobial agents Signup and view all the answers

Which additive has a multifunctional role in bakery products as both a leavening agent and flavouring component?

Benzoic acid Signup and view all the answers

What role do chlorinating agents play in food processing?

They act as bleaching agents Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions must be met for an anticaking agent to be used in food products?

It should not exceed 2 percent by weight of the food. Signup and view all the answers

What is one use of nitrogen and carbon dioxide in food preservation?

For oxygen removal. Signup and view all the answers

Which agency regulates food preservatives to determine if they are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a food preservative?

Citric acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of using benzoic acid in food preservation?

To act as an antifungal agent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these preservatives is primarily used for its antibacterial properties?

Hydrogen peroxide Signup and view all the answers

Sorbic acid is commonly used in which of the following applications?

To inhibit the growth of molds and yeasts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is classified as a propellant for pressure dispensing of foods?

Nitrous oxide Signup and view all the answers

For what purpose is dimethyl dicarbonate primarily used?

As an antimicrobial agent. Signup and view all the answers

What role do sulfites play in food preservation?

Preserving freshness by inhibiting spoilage organisms. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Food Additives

Food additives are any substances added to food, legally defined as any substance whose intended use results, or might reasonably be expected to result, directly or indirectly, in its becoming a component or otherwise affecting the characteristics of any food.
This definition includes substances used in the production, processing, treatment, packaging, transportation, or storage of food.
Pre-market approval is required for most food additives.
Food additives that meet the criteria for "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) do not need pre-market approval.
Ingredients approved by the FDA or USDA before the food additive provisions of law are also excluded from pre-market approval requirements.

Introduction of Food Additives

Additives must provide a useful and acceptable function, such as improving keeping quality (preservatives), enhancing nutritional value, improving functional properties, facilitating processing, or enhancing consumer acceptance.

Classification of Food Additives by Function

Preservatives: Prevents the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Examples include sodium benzoate, sorbic acid.
Antioxidants: Prevents oxidation of lipids. Examples include BHA, BHT, ascorbic acid.
Sequestrants: Prevents reactions of metals and additives. Examples include EDTA, polyphosphates and citric acid.
Surface-active agents: Stabilizes mixtures of oil-in-water, water-in-oil. Examples include lecithin.
Stabilizers and thickeners: Increase the stability and thickness of food products. Examples include gum arabic, CMC, carageenan and pectin.
Buffers, acids, and alkalis: pH adjusting and controlling chemicals. Examples include sodium phosphate.
Food colors: Improves attractiveness of food products. Examples include annatto, caramel, and carotene.
Artificial sweeteners: Sweet in taste, low or no calories. Examples include aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose.
Nutritional additives: Supplements and enrichment mixtures. Examples include vitamins and minerals.
Flavoring agents: Provide flavor to another substance. Examples include essential oils and synthetic flavouring agents.
Flavor enhancers/potentiators: Enhance the flavor of a food. Examples include MSG.

Regulation of Food Additives

Codex Alimentarius
Codex General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA)
Government agency policies
Food Act Regulation 1985
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Other Important Additives

Acids: Maintain a constant acid level, affect taste and other food substance function, inhibit microorganism growth.
Acids as microbial inhibitors: Sorbic acid, benzoic acid
Bases: Used to increase color and flavour of food, in protein solubilization. Examples includes Sodium Hydroxide.
Chemical leavening agents: Compounds that release gas in dough or batter under certain moisture and temperature conditions. Example includes Sodium bicarbonate.
Buffer systems and salts: Substances that participate in pH control and buffering systems in food, e.g lactic acid and phosphates.
Chelating agents: Organic compounds that link metal ions. Examples includes EDTA.
Bleaching agents: Used for whitening food ingredients such as flour.. Example includes benzoyl peroxide.
Antioxidants: Scavenge free radicals to prevent oxidation. Examples include tocopherols, gallic acid.

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Description

Explore the critical role of food additives in food production and processing. This quiz covers definitions, classifications, and safety regulations related to food additives, including GRAS guidelines and FDA approvals. Test your knowledge on how these substances enhance food quality and consumer acceptance.