Food Additives.

Bismillah.

         Many of the food production nowadays used food additives in their product. It has many reasons and these including to preserve from spoilage, as a thickener, vitamins and mineral ( either to replace nutrient that had lost during process or to increase nutritional value of the product ) ,as emulsifier ( to prevent water and fat from separating ) , sweetener ( artificial or natural ) ,flavouring to improve taste and dyes to make product more visually appealing.

        But the question is , is it helpful or harmful ? yes, many people will question the safety of using food addictives in production of food nowadays and the fact is before an additive is allowed on the market, extensive studies was done. So it is safe for us to consume food additives but in moderate. As we know that in Islam, Rasulullah loves everything in moderation. Excessive intake of processed food can lead to many health problem.

      The most common food additives are sugar, corn syrup, salt and other sweeteners to enhance the  taste and flavour also to retard spoilage. And the are some food additives that offers its on unique health benefits such as (ascorbic acid) vitamin C, vitamin E and other antioxidants that may also protect against cancer, heart disease and other ailments.

         Okay now lets study the most common food additives used in food producers  so that we as consumer always alert and concern on about this.Its important to know that all additives received government approval although the long chemical names might scared us a little bit :p

1)      As preservation – to extend shelf life and protect food from fungi and bacteria

-          Benzoic acid and benzoates
Usually found in acidic food such as soft drink, beer, fruit product and margarine

-          Nitrates and nitrites
Found in processed meat ( surimi, hot dog, burger, sausages )

-          Sulphites
Found in dried food, shredded coconut, jam

2)      As antioxidant – Prevent damage of food due to exposure to oxygen

-           Ascorbic acid ( vitamin C )
Found in fruits products ( juices, jams, canned fruits )

-          BHA or BHT

Found in baked product, cereals, potato chips, fats and oil as fatty food can become rancid.

-          Tocopherols ( vitamin E )

Found in oils and shortening

3)      Colourings – Make food look more appetizing

-          Beta carotene , caramel, carrot oil, citrus red, dehydrated beets
Found in many processed food especially in candies, soft drinks, cordial frosting jams, margarine and much more

4)      Flavour Enhancers – Improve flavour of many canned and processed food

-          MSG

-          Disodium guanylate

-          Hydrolyzed vegetable protein 

5)      Emulsifiers, Stabilizers, Thickeners  - Prevent separation of fats and water,improve texture,hold in moisture

-          Lecitin

-          Glycerol

-          Cellulose

-          Gum Arabic

-          Pectins