Effects of Food Preservatives and Additives PDF

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION III SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CABANATUAN CITY HONORATO C. PEREZ, SR. MEMORIAL SC...

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION III SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CABANATUAN CITY HONORATO C. PEREZ, SR. MEMORIAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL MABINI EXTENSION, CABANATUAN CITY CONSUMER CHEMISTRY QUARTER 2/ WEEK 4‐ Supplemental Material LEARNING COMPETENCY: Explain the adverse effects of consuming products with food preservatives and additives Food preservatives extend the shelf life of food in grocery stores but may have a detrimental effect on your health. These chemical compounds, however, can have some undesirable side effects in your body. 1. Nitrates and Nitrites-Nitrates are relatively inert, which means they’re stable and unlikely to change and cause harm. However, bacteria in the mouth or enzymes in the body can convert them into nitrites, and these may be harmful. In turn, nitrites can either turn into: (a). nitric oxide, which is beneficial for the body, (b). nitrosamines, which can be harmful. Consumption of nitrates/nitrites may be linked to an increased risk of cancers, diabetes, diarrhea and respiratory tract infections in children and ingesting a large amount of these preservatives at one time may cause you to experience abdominal pain, muscle weakness, bloody stools and fainting 2. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers this chemical to be "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” while BHT has been linked to an increased—or sometimes decreased—risk of cancer in animals. The consumer group, the Center for Science in the Public Interest thus cites BHA as an additive to “avoid” and puts BHT in its “caution” column. 3. Sulfites are a group of chemical compounds found naturally in some foods and added to others as a food preservative. They are also often added to wine to prevent oxidation and maximize freshness. 4. Sodium Benzoate. While these chemicals appear to be safe for most people, some reports say that this may cause asthma or allergic reactions after consuming it. When combined with vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, sodium benzoate may pose a small risk of cancer, including leukemia. 5. Propyl Gallate is an artificial food additive and you may find in meat products, microwaveable popcorn, soup mixes, chewing gum, mayonnaise, and frozen meals. It has antioxidant properties, which means it helps stop oxygen molecules from mixing with the oil in food, causing the food to go rancid. Other side effect of consumption are stomach and skin irritability, as well as allergic reactions that impact breathing. It may also cause kidney and liver problems. 6. Artificial food dyes- Artificial food dyes are responsible for the bright colors of candy, sports drinks and baked goods. Claims have been made that artificial dyes cause serious side effects, such as hyperactivity in children, as well as cancer and allergies. The following food dyes are approved for use by both the EFSA and the FDA:Red No. 3 (Erythrosine): Red No. 40 (Allura Red): Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine): Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow): Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue): Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine). 7. Aspartame is a synthetic substance that combines two ingredients: Aspartic acid and Phenylalanine. Combining these two ingredients creates a product that is about 200 times as sweet as regular sugar.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it, but some people fear it may cause health problems. The FDA warns that people with phenylketonuria, a rare hereditary disease, have difficulty metabolizing a phenylalanine, one of the components in aspartame. A number of websites claim that aspartame (also sold as Equal and NutraSweet) causes a range of health problems, including: MS, lupus, seizures, Fibromyalgia, depression, memory loss, vision problems, confusion However, this would probably only happen with a very high intake of aspartame. 8. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely used food-additives in commercial foods. Its application has increased over time and it is found in many different ingredients and processed foods obtainable in every market or grocery store. MSG gives a special aroma to processed foods which is known as umami in Japanese. This taste sensation is also called “savoury”. In many countries MSG goes by the name “China salt”. Beside its flavour enhancing effects, it has been associated with various forms of toxicity. MSG has been linked with obesity, metabolic disorders, Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, neurotoxic effects and detrimental effects on the reproductive organs. 9. The FDA has approved calcium disodium EDTA as a safe food additive but has set limitations on the amount of the substance a food can contain. Though research is limited, scientific evidence currently does not suggest that calcium disodium EDTA has cancer-causing effects. Based on current research, the only potential negative effect of calcium disodium EDTA as a food additive appears to be digestive upset. 10. Potassium bromate, or simply called bromate, is an oxidizer used to strengthen dough and enhance its elasticity. This helps bake uniform and whitened bread. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified potassium bromate as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Address: Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City Telephone Nos.: Principal’s Office (044) 600-5872; Head Teachers’ Office: (044) 958-2878 Email Address: Principal’s Office : [email protected]; Registrar’s Office: [email protected]  Republic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION III SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CABANATUAN CITY HONORATO C. PEREZ, SR. MEMORIAL SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL MABINI EXTENSION, CABANATUAN CITY 11. Saccharin- Its metallic aftertaste is a significant drawback.The bitter taste is more pronounced at high concentrations. Further, in review article, state that saccharin may cause irticaria and eczema in some people. It is also restricted in pregnant women as it avidly concentrated in the placenta. 12. Apartame does not have a bitter taste like saccharin but at the same time heat destroy aspartame and it is not recommended for children with phenylketonuria. For aspartame contains phenylalanine, an amino acids which cannot be metabolized by such patients. Hence such individuals should refrain from using aspartame. 13. Articficial sweeteners have practically no calories, so substituting table sugar with artificial sweeteners in the diet may be an attractive idea for weight loss and maintenance. Similarly, Arificial sweeteners don’t raise blood sugar levels since they are not carbohydrates. So they ca be sagely used if you have diabetes and they are safe for your teeth as well. Address: Mabini Extension, Cabanatuan City Telephone Nos.: Principal’s Office (044) 600-5872; Head Teachers’ Office: (044) 958-2878 Email Address: Principal’s Office : [email protected]; Registrar’s Office: [email protected]