Food additives

Abstract

Food additives are defined as substances which aren't consumed alone as food, but are permitted to be used to protect, fix and prevent unwanted changes of food during preparation, classification, processing, packaging, transportation, storage and distribution of them. The purpose is to extend the shelf life of foods, to preserve the food qualities, to improve/develop sensory properties, to prevent the health risks, to reduce food losses, to have the technological requirement, to increase food diversity, to protect the human health. Food additives are grouped under three main headings to be in the form of colorants, sweeteners and other additives. The use of food additives is regulated by laws. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent poor use of food additives and their adverse effects on health. Because the use of food additives has been became inevitable, the awareness has became necessary. Control of food label and sale conditions are very important considerations. (Turk Arch Ped 2010; 45: 315-8)