In modern stores you can find a large number of products that have a beautiful appearance and a pleasant aroma. Keep in mind that many of them have preservatives. These are substances that increase the shelf life of products.
The concept
Every product is spoiled. In any protein, such processes take place that cause the product to become unusable. A change in the chemical composition and structure of a protein is called autolysis. Its final stage is rotting, decomposition and further entry into the cycle of substances in nature.
This process will not be so fast if the products are placed in the freezer. But since this is not always obtained, then preservatives are used. These are the components necessary to extend the shelf life of products. The process is achieved by suppressing microflora. Food changes to taste.
Many products have some kind of preservative. The definition of this concept is always the same, whatever substance is in its composition. Previously, only natural additives were used, for example, salt, vinegar, sugar. Due to the development of industry, it became necessary to preserve food without changing its taste. Therefore, synthetic preservatives are also used now. These are artificial substances that improve the properties of products.
Types of Additives
Additives are distributed according to the EU codification system, where each product has an index (E200-E297). Components have different effects on products. Some are used in their composition, while others only process the external part.
Determination of preservatives in food products allows you to distribute them on:
The second components are also not completely harmless to humans. For example, salt in large quantities still affects the human condition. Therefore, those that are used in moderation are considered harmless additives. This also applies to synthetic components. Some with moderate consumption are safe.
Harmful additives
But among the supplements there are those substances that cause great harm to humans. In some countries, they are categorically banned. These include:
- Benzoates (E211, E216, E217). They are found in products sold in plastic containers. Substances can cause bronchial asthma and allergies.
- Sodium nitrite (dyes) are highly toxic components. They are used to protect against the development of botulism spores, which are considered more dangerous than preservatives.
- Antioxidants (protect products from oxidation). To do this, it is safer to use lecithin, tocopherol, citric, ascorbic acid. But there are synthetic antioxidants that make up smoked sausage, vegetable, butter, and dried fruits.
What are they made of?
All preservatives are acids, because microbes cannot survive near them. Only they must be approved for use in the food sector. These include acetic acid and salts of benzoic acid. Create additives by chemical synthesis. This work is carried out exclusively under sterile conditions.
Very rarely, manufacturers use only one preservative. Typically, mixtures of flavor enhancers and preservative components are used. Such substances are found in many products that are sold in modern stores.
Natural additives include salt, honey, sugar, vinegar. They are used at home while cooking. But at the factory this is not profitable, because it is difficult to get a neutral taste with them and extend the shelf life. That is why products with preservatives are sold for a long time in stores and do not deteriorate. Buyers only need to choose those products that have safe supplements.