According to a recent study, over eighty-five per cent of packaged foods consist of artificial additives. And, these are chemicals that are mainly used with an aim of not only improving the taste but also the appearance & the shelf life of foods. These are connected to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and many others. By utilizing this opportunity, several brands today have come up with the mission of promoting as well as delivering natural & healthy food.
“Change in all forms has a great impact on our daily lives including the change involving the usage of innovative products in cooking and baking. Usage of
food additives is one such trend that has witnessed rapid growth during the last few years,” says Khyal Jani, COO, Bexter.
While preservatives can slow down the process of decomposition that is caused by bacteria, air or mould, it is important to maintain the
food quality. And, this is where food additives play a major role. They help in controlling contamination which can lead to foodborne illness, which also includes life-threatening botulism.
How are food additives approved
Today, food & colour additives are more strictly studied and regulated as well. The food and Drug Administration has the legal responsibility to determine their safe use. A manufacturer/sponsor should first petition Food and Drug Administration for its approval in order to market a new food or even a colour additive even prior to using an additive approved for one use in another manner and not yet approved.
These petitions should give evidence that the particular substance is safe to use for the ways in which it will be utilized.
Evaluating the health risk of food additives
World Health Organization, in cooperation with the FAO of the UN, is responsible for determining the risks to human health that originate from food additives. The joint Food Association Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee conducts risk assessment on Food Additives.
And finally, only the food additives which undergo a JECFA safety assessment the result shows that it is not present an appreciable health risk to consumers, can be used. This is applicable to all food additives when it comes from a natural source or even synthetic.
