Category: Food preservatives

Over 90% of processed foods and beverages utilize preservatives to ensure safety and extend shelf life. The question, 'is sodium benzoate a preservative,' can be answered with a firm true, as it is one of the most widely used chemical preservatives in the industry.

Sodium metabisulfite, also known as E223, is a common synthetic food preservative and antioxidant used widely across various industries for its ability to prevent spoilage and oxidation. This versatile chemical is found in a surprising range of consumer goods, from food and drink to industrial products.

Used to prevent fat oxidation and extend shelf life, the food additive E319 is a synthetic antioxidant known by its chemical name, Tertiary-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). It is not a natural substance but a chemically manufactured compound derived from petroleum components.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sulphites can cause allergic-like reactions in a small percentage of the population, leading to strict regulations on their use and labeling. For consumers, this raises the critical question: are sulphites in meat products, and if so, which ones should be a concern?

Over the last 50 years, the safety and use of potassium sorbate as a food preservative have been extensively researched, leading many regulatory bodies to deem it generally safe for consumption. This chemical additive, derived from sorbic acid, plays a crucial role in modern food production by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that cause spoilage.

Originally isolated from the berries of the mountain ash tree in 1859, sorbic acid has become one of the most widely used food preservatives globally due to its effective antimicrobial properties. This synthetic version, along with its salt forms, is now a crucial ingredient in extending the shelf life of countless packaged goods and personal care items.

Nisin has been recognized as a safe biological food additive by the FAO/WHO expert committee since 1969, and its role in meat preservation has been extensively studied. So, what is nisin in meat products? It is a natural antimicrobial peptide that helps extend the shelf life and improve the safety of various processed meats by inhibiting the growth of specific bacteria.

Despite their similar-sounding names, sodium nitrate and nitrite are distinct chemical compounds with different properties and applications in food preservation. While sodium nitrate ($NaNO_3$) and sodium nitrite ($NaNO_2$) are both used as curing agents, the less stable nitrite is the primary active ingredient in many curing processes. This article clarifies their roles, highlighting the differences that are key to understanding their use.

Potassium sorbate is one of the most widely used food preservatives in the world, with experts recognizing it as generally safe for consumption. But what is potassium sorbate E202 used for, and why is it so common in everything from wine to baked goods?

Regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classify sorbates as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) for most people. However, a small but sensitive subgroup may experience specific side effects of sorbates, particularly allergic or idiosyncratic reactions from both dietary intake and topical exposure.