Food additives are substances added to food products during processing, manufacturing, packaging or storing, ultimately becoming a part of the food product itself. One of the functions of a food additive is to preserve the food and its flavor, protecting it from the air, fungi, bacteria, yeast and chemical changes that can cause contamination and spoilage. Additives have been used to preserve food since ancient times, with salt being one of the first methods used.
Types of Additives
Many food additives are familiar and generally harmless, such as vitamins, minerals, sugar, yeast and vanilla, to name a few. Other additives, such as aspartame, MSG, and red dye No. 40, may be less innocuous. Before using a new food additive, a manufacturer must petition the Food and Drug Administration for approval and prove that the additive is effective and is not harmful to humans at the expected level of consumption.
Significance
Both the government and the food industry are constantly studying the effects of food additives on our health, monitoring consumption and tracking new safety research. The FDA's Adverse Reaction Monitoring System investigates complaints to determine whether a public health hazard exists. Food additives are safe for the vast majority of people, but a small percentage of the population may have allergies or reactions to specific food additives.
Considerations
Prepackaged foods, whether canned, frozen or dehydrated, contain more additives and preservatives than fresh, raw food. Convenience foods have been partially processed to reduce the cooking and preparation time, resulting in the need for stabilizers and preservatives that increase shelf life, enhance flavor, and keep color and texture appetizing. Food additives increase the availability of convenience foods while keeping costs low.
Misconceptions
Without preservatives, breads, cakes and cookies would go stale or mold quickly, salad oils and dressings would separate and become rancid, and canned fruits and vegetables would become discolored and mushy. Nitrites and nitrates are used to cure and preserve foods such as ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs and luncheon meats, adding a distinct flavor to these foods. These preservative methods allow food to be distributed throughout the world.
Warning
FDA approval means current research shows that the food additives and preservatives are safe at "the expected level of consumption." The "expected level of consumption" means the amount of additive contained within that particular food product is safe to eat. In other words, eating a frozen pizza on occasion is probably not harmful, but the long-term cumulative effects of eating a combination of additives and preservatives on a daily basis remain to be seen.
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