Concept in Definition ABC

Food additives are substances that are often intentionally added to some food and to drinks with different objectives, among them: to improve their features (texture, smell, color or taste), improve your production either add to your correct conservation over time. There are basically two reasons that make those who produce food or beverages add them to their products, on the one hand economical, because as We said there are additives that are added for better preservation, so the fact that a given food can last longer will make it last longer. taken advantage of. This concept, Number E, refers precisely to a way of cataloging its.

On the other hand there is a business name that has to watch that food products are more attractive when they smell and taste good, and then knowing this is that additives are added to foods and beverages to achieve these results.

Now, there are many types of additives that we can find and that respond precisely to the aforementioned demands. Antioxidants, for example, prevent chemical and biological alterations; emulsifiers, thickeners, gelling agents, humectants, among others, contribute to the physical qualities; and colorants, aromas, sweeteners and flavor enhancers modify the inherent characteristics of flavor, color, texture.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that there is a standardization imposed on additives, especially in the European market. These additives must be correctly distinguished on the labels of food or beverages and then codes are used for this, in this case the so-called E Number.

From 100 to 199 they are colorants, from 200 to 199 preservatives, from 300 to 399 antioxidants and acidity regulators, from 400 to 499 stabilizers, emulsifiers and thickeners, from 500 to 599 regulators ph and acidity, from 600 to 699 flavor enhancers.

Beyond the obligation that governments impose on those who manufacture food with additives to make it known on the packaging is It is good that consumers become familiar with them in order to be able to recognize them efficiently in the labels.