Food additives Introduction of phosphates
Food additive phosphate is a common food additive, which is mainly used as a quality improver and pH regulator in food processing. It can improve the water retention, elasticity and stability of food, and improve the taste and quality of food. However, excessive use of phosphate may have negative effects on human health. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the basic knowledge of phosphate and the precautions for its use.
First, the basic knowledge of phosphate.
Phosphate is a class of compounds containing phosphate ions, which are widely used in food, medicine, chemical industry and other fields. In the food industry, commonly used phosphates include sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, calcium phosphate, etc., and their main role is as a quality improver and pH regulator.
Phosphates can improve the water retention of food, making it softer and more juicy, for example, adding phosphate to the processing of meat products, pastries, ice cream, etc., can improve the quality of products. In addition, phosphate can also enhance the elasticity and stability of food, and prevent problems such as loose structure, water effluent, and discoloration during processing and storage. For example, the addition of phosphate to surimi products can improve the elasticity of the product.
Second, the safety of phosphate.
Although phosphates play an important role in food processing, excessive use of phosphates can have negative effects on human health. Studies have shown that excessive phosphate intake may affect the body's absorption of minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is very important to reasonably control the amount of phosphate added in food.
The International Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) stipulates that the amount of phosphate added to food should be used in an appropriate amount according to the needs of the product, and has established standards for the use of phosphate. In China, the use of food additive phosphate has also been strictly regulated, must be used within the specified range, and needs to be approved and filed by relevant departments.
3. Precautions for the use of phosphate.
In order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of phosphate use in food, the following points need to be noted:
1.Control the amount of added: According to the needs of food processing, the amount of phosphate added should be reasonably controlled to avoid excessive use. At the same time, relevant national or local regulations and standards should be followed to ensure that the phosphate used meets the specified requirements.
2.Choose the right variety: Different phosphates have different uses and characteristics in food processing, and the right variety should be selected according to the type of food and processing technology. For example, in meat processing, the choice of sodium phosphate or potassium phosphate can improve the water retention and elasticity of the product; In ice cream production, calcium phosphate can be chosen to enhance the stability of the product.
3.Be aware of interactions with other additives: In food processing, different kinds of additives may interact with each other, affecting the quality and safety of the product. Therefore, when using phosphate, attention should be paid to the combination and proportion with other additives to avoid adverse effects.
4.Precautions when storing and transporting: When storing and transporting food containing phosphates, you should pay attention to moisture, sunscreen, dust and other measures to avoid moisture, deterioration or contamination of the product. At the same time, relevant food safety standards and regulations should be followed to ensure the quality and safety of the product.
In conclusion, food additives phosphate play an important role in food processing, but they must be used wisely to ensure safety and effectiveness. It is essential to understand the basics, safety and precautions for the use of phosphates to help us better understand and use this common food additive. Nutritional fortifiers