Monosodium glutamate (E621) is a flavour enhancer found in many snack foods. Artificial sweeteners make many foods sweet without adding calories. Can you find out why many people do not want to eat products containing these additives? Share what you discover with the class.
The advantages and disadvantages of additives Advantages
Disadvantages
• Additives improve the colour, flavour and texture of food.
• They preserve food, which prevents waste and reduces the risk of food poisoning.
• They give us a wider choice of foods all year round.
• They help maintain the quality of preserved food.
• Some people are allergic to certain additives ( special diets, see p. 79).
• Some additives deceive the consumer, e.g. sugar in products listed in many ways: dextrose, glucose, sucrose, etc.
• Foods may contain more additives than necessary.
• Possible side effects include hyperactivity in children and cancer.
17.10
Antioxidants prevent the oxygen in air from turning fats rancid.
Did You Know?
Genetically modified (GM) foods have had their chemical structure altered. This is done for a variety of reasons but the main aim is to produce food that is easier and cheaper to grow, as GM foods are more resistant to pesticides and the cold.
Revision Questions
1. Write an informative note on the use of convenience foods in the diet.
2. Explain why it is important to be aware of packaging while shopping for food. 3. What information must be display on a food label? Explain how this benefits the consumer.
4. Explain what additives are and why they are used in food processing. 229
Discovery Learning Can you find out why many people are worried about the future health risks of genetically modifying food? Share your findings with the class.
