The term itself conjures images of mysterious chemicals lurking in our favorite foods, silently wreaking havoc on our health. But the reality is much more complex. Understanding their role in our food system is crucial for making informed dietary choices.
In the European Union (EU), all food additives are identified by an E number, and their safety is evaluated before they can be authorized for use in food.
Additives represent a vast and diverse group of substances added to food for various reasons, from extending shelf life to enhancing flavor and texture. These substances are primarily added to processed foods or other foods produced on an industrial scale for technical purposes, to improve food safety, extend the shelf life of food, or modify the sensory properties of food.
Food additives are substances not typically consumed as food on their own and not usually used as ingredients in foods. Most minimally processed and unprocessed foods do not contain food additives.
Over 300 substances are authorized for use as food additives in the EU. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed the safety of most of these, while the remainder were evaluated by the Scientific Committee for Food of the European Commission before EFSA was established.
A History of Food Additives: From Ancient Practices to Modern Science
The use of additives dates back thousands of years. Egyptians used salt to preserve meat, while Romans used honey as a sweetener. These early practices laid the groundwork for scientific advances in the 19th and 20th centuries. The rise of industrial food production necessitated new methods to keep food safe and appealing for longer periods, leading to the development of a variety of new additives, from preservatives like sodium benzoate to artificial flavors and colors.
Types of Food Additives . InfoCons Consumer Protection informs you
Today, food additives come in several types:
- Preservatives: Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and BHA (E 320 butylated hydroxyanisole) are common examples. These additives prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, extending shelf life and reducing food spoilage.
- Antioxidants: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and BHA (E 320) are antioxidants. They slow the oxidation process that causes fats and oils to become rancid, preserving freshness and flavor.
- Acids and Alkalis: These food additives regulate acidity (pH), affecting the texture and flavor of food. Citric acid, for example, adds a tangy flavor to citrus fruits and soft drinks.
- Flavors: Artificial flavors mimic natural flavors or create entirely new ones. They are often used in processed foods to enhance taste or compensate for flavor loss during processing.
- Colors: Natural colors (carotenoids) and artificial colors enhance the visual appeal of foods. They can compensate for color loss due to processing, making food more visually attractive to consumers.
- Emulsifiers and Thickeners: Lecithin and xanthan gum play a crucial role in maintaining a uniform texture in foods like salad dressings and ice cream.
- Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners like aspartame offer a low-calorie alternative to sugar, while sugar alcohols like sorbitol provide sweetness without contributing to blood sugar spikes.
- Nutrients: Vitamins and minerals are often added to fortify foods and improve their nutritional profile. Fortified milk, for example, contains added vitamin D to promote bone health.
Food Safety and Regulation of Food Additives . InfoCons Consumer Protection informs you !
The safety of food additives is a primary concern for regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These organizations conduct extensive scientific evaluations before approving an additive for use in food. This involves assessing potential health risks, including allergenicity, carcinogenicity, and effects on specific population groups (e.g., children, pregnant women).
While rigorous testing helps reassure consumers about the safety of purchased foods, the long-term impact of some additives is still under investigation. Additionally, the potential for synergistic effects, where combinations of additives may have unforeseen consequences, requires ongoing evaluation.
How Are Food Additives Labeled ? InfoCons Consumer Protection informs you !
Food additives must always be included in the ingredient list of the foods and beverages in which they are used. Labels for foods and beverages must identify both the function of the additive in the finished food (e.g., colorant or preservative) and the specific substance used, either by referencing the corresponding E number or its name (e.g., E 415 or xanthan gum).
Common additives appearing on food labels include antioxidants (to prevent spoilage caused by oxidation), colorants, emulsifiers, stabilizers, gelling agents, thickeners, preservatives, and sweeteners. All food additives on the EU market must meet legal specifications, which include minimum purity criteria and other parameters that allow their identification. Once a food additive has been proven safe for use and maximum usage levels have been established, national food regulations must be implemented to allow the effective use of that additive.
The Consumer Dilemma: How to Identify Additives in Food ?
With a multitude of additives present in modern foods, choosing the right foods can naturally be challenging. Here are some tips to navigate the world of additives more easily:
- Read the Label Carefully: Food labels in most countries must list all ingredients, including additives, by their common name or E number (in Europe). Deciphering the label is key to making informed choices.
- Install the InfoCons App: By scanning the barcodes of agricultural products, you can find ingredients, the number and type of food additives, allergens, the amount of sugar, salt, and calories in the app.
- Prioritize Unprocessed Foods: Opting for unprocessed foods naturally reduces exposure to additives. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed meat. Processed foods often contain a higher number of additives.
- Understand the “Why” Behind Additives: Additives can serve valuable purposes, such as preventing food spoilage. Educating yourself about their functions can help in making informed choices.
- Balance is Key: Maintaining a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole, unprocessed foods. While minimizing processed foods is a good goal, be aware that completely eliminating additives from your diet is nearly impossible.
Reading labels and choosing products with fewer additives can be a useful strategy.
Food Additives and Health Impact
The debate over food additives continues. Some advocate for a more restrictive approach, calling for a return to simpler, less processed foods. Others emphasize the benefits of additives in ensuring food safety, accessibility, and convenience.
Transparency remains crucial. Clear labeling, beyond merely listing ingredients, explaining an additive’s function and the exact amount found in the respective food, is very important.
Despite rigorous testing, some additives remain controversial. For example, artificial colorants and certain preservatives have been linked to hyperactivity in children and other health issues.
In Which Products is the E220 Additive Found ? InfoCons Consumer Protection informs you ! InfoCons Consumer Protection Informs You !
Common Food Additives
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Widely used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods, soups, and Asian cuisine. Glutamates give the “umami” taste, considered the fifth basic taste alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Some consumers report symptoms like headaches, sweating, chest pain, and nausea. While studies haven’t conclusively linked MSG to severe adverse effects, sensitivity varies among individuals.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose are popular sugar substitutes. While they help reduce calorie intake, some studies suggest potential side effects such as headaches, digestive issues, and an increased risk of metabolic disorders. Aspartame, in particular, has been controversial, with some reports linking it to neurological symptoms and an increased risk of cancer, although regulatory agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), maintain its safety at approved levels.
- Sodium Nitrate: Used in processed meats to preserve color and prevent bacterial growth. Although harmless, in the stomach, in the presence of proteins, nitrates form nitrites, which then transform into nitrosamines, compounds associated with an increased cancer risk. Excessive consumption of processed meats has been linked to colorectal cancer, prompting health agencies to recommend moderation.
- Artificial Colorants: Colorants like E 102 (tartrazine) and E 129 are commonly used to enhance the appearance of foods. Some studies have linked artificial colorants to hyperactivity in children, particularly those with ADHD. There are also concerns about potential carcinogenic effects, although evidence remains inconclusive.
- Preservatives: Common preservatives like sulfites, benzoates, and BHA/BHT help prevent spoilage but can cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. Sulfites can trigger asthma symptoms, and benzoates have been linked to allergic reactions and potential carcinogenicity. BHA and BHT, used in fats and oils, have raised concerns about their potential to cause cancer in animal studies, although relevance to humans is still debated.
In conclusion, food additives significantly contribute to food preservation but also present potential health risks. By understanding and moderating their consumption, consumers can enjoy the benefits of modern food technology while minimizing negative health effects.
Transparency in labeling helps consumers make informed choices. As a result, some consumers prefer foods labeled “additive-free” or “natural.”
Download the InfoCons application !
Look for products that have a cleaner label or use natural additives. By installing Consumer Protection InfoCons App and scanning the barcodes of food products, you can find out the number and type of food additives they contain.
Author – Cosmina Nițu
Master in Nutrition – Infant and new born nutrition
Sources:
https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/ – European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
www.who.int- World Health Organization
InfoCons – European Organization for Consumers Protection and Promotion of Programs and Strategies , a full member of the World Organization Consumers International, founding member of the Federation of Consumer Associations, and member of ANEC.