Elintarvikelisäaineryhmät

Elintarvikelisäaine is the Finnish term for food additive. Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor, improve appearance, or other qualities. They can be natural or synthetic and are used in a wide range of food products. In Finland, as in the European Union, food additives are subject to strict regulations and must be approved before they can be used.

The use of food additives is governed by legislation that specifies which additives are permitted, in what quantities, and in which food categories. Each approved additive is assigned an E number, which is used throughout the EU for identification. For example, ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a permitted antioxidant and has the E number E300. Preservatives like sorbates (E200-E203) are used to prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.

Sweeteners, such as aspartame (E951) and sucralose (E955), are used as sugar substitutes in low-calorie products. Colorants, like tartrazine (E102), are added to enhance or restore the color of food. Emulsifiers, such as lecithins (E322), help to mix ingredients that normally wouldn't blend, like oil and water.

Consumers can identify the presence of food additives by checking the ingredient list on food packaging, where they will be listed by their name or E number. The regulatory framework aims to ensure consumer safety by allowing only those additives that have been thoroughly evaluated and deemed safe for consumption.