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TNAU Agritech Portal :: Nutrition :: Food Additives
Food Additives
Types of Food Additive

On basis of nature, have two types.

Natural

  • These are naturally occurring substances. Usually considered harmless.
  • Include salt, sugar, vinegar, alcohol and rosemary extract.
Artificial
  • Comprised of several different types of additives.
  • These are harmful and are mainly Chemical food additives.
Natural colors

Type of food additive Examples Function

Preservatives

Sodium nitrate, sodium benzoate

Prevent or slow down spoilage of food caused by bacteria, fungi or microorganisms.

Antioxidants

Ascorbic acid
(vitamin C)

Oils and fats in food are oxidized by air. The food then has an unpleasant rancid taste and odour. Antioxidants slow down oxidation of food.

Flavouring agents

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame

Most of the natural flavours of food are lost during processing. A flavouring agent enhances the flavour and aroma of food.

Stabilizers and thickening agents 

Acacia gum, azo compounds, triphenyl compounds

Dyes replace the lost colours during processing and make food look more attractive.
 

Chemical Food Additives

  • Methylcyclopropene
  • Artificial colors
  • Artificial flavoring
  • Aspartame
  • Benzoic acid/Sodium Benzoate
  • BHA/BHT
  • Canthaxanthin
  • Emulsifiers
  • Astaxanthin
  • Olestra
  • MSG
  • Potassium Bromate etc.
 permitted colors
 
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