Food additives Introduction of zinc sulfate
Zinc sulfate is a common food additive that is widely used in food processing. It is a white or yellowish powder with a sweet and salty taste and is easily soluble in water. The role of zinc sulfate in food is mainly as a nutritional enhancer and preservative, which can improve the quality of food and extend the shelf life.
1. Characteristics of zinc sulfate.
Zinc sulfate is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula ZNSO4. It is a zinc-containing compound, of which the zinc content is about 28%. Zinc sulfate is stable at room temperature, but may decompose or deliquescent in hot or humid environments.
Second, the use of zinc sulfate.
1.Nutritional enhancer: Zinc sulfate is one of the essential trace elements in the human body and has important physiological functions. It can promote the growth and development of the human body, maintain normal reproductive function and immune function, etc. Adding an appropriate amount of zinc sulfate to food can supplement the insufficient intake of these elements by the human body and improve the health level of the body.
2.Preservatives: Zinc sulfate has antibacterial and antibacterial effects, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria, molds and other microorganisms in food, and prolong the shelf life of food. In some pickled products, canned food and other foods, adding zinc sulfate can play a preservative role and maintain the freshness and taste of food.
3.Other uses: Zinc sulfate can also be used as a tofu coagulant, bread leavening agent, etc., to improve the quality and taste of food. In some chemical experiments, zinc sulfate can be used as a catalyst, buffer, etc.
3. The safety of zinc sulfate.
The addition of zinc sulfate in moderate amounts to food is safe. According to the World Health Organization, the daily intake of zinc sulfate should not exceed 20 mg. In normal food consumption, people consume much less zinc sulfate than this standard. However, if excessive amounts of zinc sulfate are ingested, it may cause some uncomfortable symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive symptoms. Therefore, zinc sulfate should be added in accordance with the specified limits in food processing and ensure the quality and safety of the food.
Fourth, the production method of zinc sulfate.
There are two main production methods of zinc sulfate: one is the direct synthesis method, which reacts zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide with sulfuric acid to produce zinc sulfate; The other is the ** method, which makes zinc sulfate from zinc-containing wastes such as waste batteries and waste paints. In the production process, attention should be paid to environmental protection and safe production to avoid harm to the environment and the human body.
5. Quality standards for zinc sulfate.
In order to ensure the quality and safety of zinc sulfate added to food, various countries have formulated corresponding quality standards and specifications. According to the relevant regulations of China, the zinc sulfate added to the food should meet the requirements of the national food safety standards, such as not containing harmful impurities, and not using industrial-grade zinc sulfate. At the same time, manufacturers should strengthen quality management and inspection and testing to ensure product quality and safety.
In conclusion, zinc sulfate, as a common food additive, plays an important role in food processing. As long as an appropriate amount of zinc sulfate is added according to the specified limit, it can effectively improve the quality of food and extend the shelf life, and at the same time supplement the trace elements required by the human body. In the process of production and use, attention should be paid to environmental protection and safe production to ensure the quality and safety of food. Nutritional fortifiers