Food grade preservatives Introduction of food preservatives.
1. Definition of food preservativesFood preservatives refer to a certain amount of chemical synthetics or natural substances added in the food processing process in order to prolong the shelf life of food and prevent food spoilage. The main role of food preservatives is to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms, thereby prolonging the shelf life of food.
Second, the types of food preservatives.
1.Chemically synthesized preservatives.
Chemically synthesized preservatives mainly include benzoic acid and its sodium salt, sorbic acid and its sodium salt, propionic acid and its salt, paraben, etc. These chemicals have good antimicrobial properties and can effectively inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms.
2.Natural preservatives.
Natural preservatives are mainly used in plants, animals or microorganisms in nature. Common natural preservatives are lactic acid streptococcin, lysozyme, natamycin, etc. These natural substances have good antibacterial properties and are harmless to the human body, so they are becoming more and more important in food processing.
3. The use of food preservatives.
1.Principles of Use.
The use of food preservatives should follow the following principles: first, they should be used in accordance with the limit standards stipulated by the state;Secondly, preservatives that are harmless to the human body should be selected;Finally, preservatives that have little effect on the original taste of the food should be selected.
2.Scope of use.
Food preservatives are mainly used in beverages, canned food, pastries and other foods. In these foods, due to the large amount of water and nutrients, microorganisms are easy to breed, so the right amount of preservatives needs to be added to extend the shelf life.
Fourth, the safety of food preservatives.
Within the limits of normal use, food preservatives are harmless to humans. However, excessive use or abuse of food preservatives may cause certain harm to the human body. Therefore, when selecting and using food preservatives, we should strictly abide by the limit standards and principles of use stipulated by the state.
Fifth, the future development trend.
With people's higher and higher requirements for food safety and health, the development trend of food preservatives in the future will pay more attention to the direction of natural, safe and efficient. At the same time, with the continuous progress of science and technology, new food preservatives will continue to emerge, injecting new vitality into the development of the food industry.