Food Additives and Analogs

What is the purpose of using preservatives in food?

• Preservatives are used to increase the cost of food production.

• Preservatives are used to reduce the nutritional value of food.

• Preservatives are used to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life of food.

• Preservatives are used to add flavor to food.

Fun Fact: The most commonly used preservative in food is sodium benzoate, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast. This one additive allows your makeup and food to “live” on the shelf for longer periods of time.

Do you understand that salt and it’s derivatives are a preservative in many foods?

Which colorant is commonly used in foods to give them a red hue?

• Yellow 77

• Red 40

• Blue 12

• Green 63

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Clever Anecdote: Did you know that the colorant cochineal extract, derived from insects, is used to give foods like yogurt and candy a vibrant red color? ….. But studies across the globe continue to show concern for its role in ADHD, anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease and other health risks, especially in children.

Why do YOU think we continue to use it here in the U.S. despite these concerns?

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What is the function of flavor enhancers in food products?

• To reduce the shelf life of food products.

• To enhance the existing flavors of food products.

• To change the color of food products.

• To increase the nutritional value of food products.

Interesting Fact: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular flavor enhancer that is known for its savory taste and is commonly used in Asian cuisine. …. However some people seem to be sensitive to MSG, posing that it leads to headaches and other neurological effects.

How would YOU know if you were sensitive to a specific ingredient in a food?

Which thickener is commonly used in foods like ice cream and salad dressings?

• flour

• cornstarch

• gelatin

• sugar

Did you know that xanthan gum, a common thickener, is derived from the fermentation of sugars by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris?

Why do YOU think companies change the names of things like additives which are included on Nutrition Labels of our manufactured foods?

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What is the role of emulsifiers in food production?

• Emulsifiers are used to add color to food products.

• Emulsifiers are only used in savory dishes.

• Emulsifiers help reduce the sugar content in food products.

• Emulsifiers help mix ingredients that would normally separate, creating stable emulsions and improving texture, shelf life, and quality of the product.

Fun Fact: Lecithin, a natural emulsifier found in egg yolks, is commonly used in chocolate production to prevent cocoa and cocoa butter from separating.

Do you understand why we use emulsifiers in food production?