Food additives

What is a food additive? A food addtive is a chemical added to keep food to keep them fresh, enhacnce their colour or to keep them fresh. Give 4 reasons why these substances are added to foods. Enhance their colour, texture, flavour and to keep them fresh. Fill in the following chart: List some other food additives: flavours, mineral salts, thickeners and vegetable gums, raising agents Some people are sensitive to food additives. List some reactions which may indicate a sensitivity. Hives or diarrhea Other people have a reaction to additives. List these and the symptoms that indicate these. Digestive disorder - diarrhea and colicky pains Nervous disorders - hyperactivity, irritability and insomnia Respiratory problems - asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis Skin problems - hives, itching, rashes and swelling List some common additives that may cause problems: flavour enhancers, food colouring, preservatives and artificial sweeteners How do you know which additives are added to foods? Check the label on the back of food packages The addition of food additives is closely monitored by government and international organisations to ensure their safety and that foods containing additives are precisely labeled. Which organization is responsible for this in Australia? Explain what they do. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). They are responsible for the approval of which food additives are allowed in Australian food. What is the Australian Foods Standards Code and what do they do? Legislative instrument under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. It provides unified food manufacture and handling Standards,and concentrates on protecting public health and safety,whilst providing flexibility to permit industry innovation. Read the articles on “Some additives in Detail” and Would you like meat with that pie” on Blackboard and answer the following questions. Identify the types of foods that may contain propionates. Certain baked goods with flour - bread, cookies, biscuits and pastries Why are propionates used in these types of foods? They help keep baked goods fresh and reduce the growth of mould and other micro-organisms What is the advantage to the consumer of buying foods that contain propianates? The afford consumers of having soft, freshly baked goods in the home without having to buy them daily. What is aspartame? Concentrated sweeteners that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Why is this additive not recommended for use in recipes that are to be baked and heated? Breaks apart when heated, resulting the loss in sweetness. Investigate a range of diet foods and identify which contain aspartame. List these below. Diet soft drinks, yogurts, Wrigley's extra, drink powders,crisps, tabletop sweeteners. Meat Pies. What ingredients are found in some meat pies according to the Australian Consumers Association? Minced gristle,connective tissue, offal and a blob of fat the size of a golf ball. What % of meat is required in meat pies? 25% What is ANZFA’s definition of the term meat? Meat and meat products to replace the minimum level for meat at 25% with a minimum level for meat flesh at 25%. Does this differ from your definition? Explain. Yes, we expected more meat in pies and less additives. Outline the amount of fat found in the pies tested. Why is this finding a concern? 15g - 35g of pure fat, and 20-40% of the upper recommended daily limit of sodium for adults.