Bahan Tambahan Pangan 1

Summary

This transcript discusses various food additives, including preservatives, antioxidants, and their roles in food processing. It highlights the importance of additives like nitrates, benzoic acid, and antioxidants in preserving food, preventing spoilage, and enhancing shelf life. The text explains the chemical properties of these additives and their interaction with food, as well as their safety and regulatory standards. It also covers the analysis techniques used to measure these substances, ensuring food safety while maintaining the quality of processed products.

Takeaways

• 😀 Food additives are substances or mixtures added to food to enhance nutritional value, preserve shelf life, or improve taste and texture.
• 😀 Food additives should not be used to conceal poor food quality or damage, and their safety must be ensured before use.
• 😀 In the European Union and globally, food additives are coded with numbers (E-codes) for identification and safety approval.
• 😀 Food additives are categorized into six types: preservatives, nutrients, flavorings, colorants, texturizers, and others.
• 😀 Preservatives like antimicrobials and antioxidants help in extending the shelf life of food by preventing microbial growth and oxidation.
• 😀 Antimicrobials, such as E203 and E290, are used carefully based on their spectrum of activity to target specific microbes while maintaining food safety.
• 😀 Nitrites (E250) are commonly used in curing meats, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, but must be used in regulated amounts to avoid health risks.
• 😀 Antioxidants, like vitamin C and E, prevent oxidation in fats and vitamins, helping to preserve the freshness of food.
• 😀 Natural preservatives like benzoic acid (E210) are effective at low pH, inhibiting the growth of molds and yeasts in foods like fruits and berries.
• 😀 The analysis of food additives, including nitrites and antioxidants, requires specific techniques like HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) and spectrophotometry to ensure proper levels and safety.

Q & A

What is the definition of food additives according to the transcript?

Food additives are substances or mixtures, other than the basic food ingredients, that are added during food production, processing, storage, or packaging. They do not include contaminants from the production process.

What are the main purposes of adding food additives?

The main purposes of food additives include improving nutritional value, enhancing flavor, extending shelf life, assisting in food processing, and providing food for specific groups like those with diabetes or after surgery.

Why must food additives not hide improper food practices?

Food additives should not be used to cover up poor food practices, such as using incorrect or substandard ingredients, nor should they be used to conceal food damage or improper manufacturing processes.

What system is used to classify food additives, and how are they identified?

Food additives are classified using an E-number system, which consists of numerical codes that have been tested and approved for use within the European Union and globally. These codes help identify specific additives.

What is the role of antimicrobials in food preservation?

Antimicrobials, such as E203 and E290, are used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms like yeast, mold, and bacteria. They help preserve the shelf life of food and ensure its safety by preventing spoilage.

What factors are important when selecting an antimicrobial for food preservation?

Key factors include knowing the spectrum of activity of the antimicrobial, its effectiveness at different pH levels, its solubility in water, and its interaction with other food processing conditions like temperature or vacuum storage.

How does sodium nitrite function in food preservation, especially in curing meat?

Sodium nitrite is used in curing meat to improve its color, texture, and to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum. It also helps prevent the formation of toxins, like botulinum toxin.

What is the concern regarding excessive consumption of nitrite in food?

Excessive consumption of nitrites can be harmful because they may form nitrosamines, which are known to be carcinogenic and linked to cancer. Therefore, strict regulation of nitrite usage is essential.

What is the role of antioxidants in food preservation?

Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of fats and vitamins in food, helping to prevent rancidity and maintain the quality of the food over time. Common antioxidants include vitamins C and E, which can either be naturally occurring or synthetically produced.

How does benzoic acid work as a preservative in food?

Benzoic acid, found naturally in fruits like cranberries and durian, acts as an antimicrobial agent. It is effective in inhibiting the growth of mold and yeast, especially at a low pH, and it works by disrupting microbial cell membranes.