Produktzusätzen

Produktzusätze, also known as food additives or food colorings, are substances added to food to enhance its appearance, flavor, texture, or shelf life. They are regulated by food authorities to ensure they are safe for consumption within specified limits. Common types of Produktzusätze include:

Colorants: Used to give food a desired color, such as tartrazine (E102) and sunset yellow (E110).

Preservatives: Help prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, such as sodium benzoate (E211) and potassium sorbate (E202).

Antioxidants: Protect food from oxidation, which can cause spoilage or loss of nutritional value, such as ascorbic acid (E300) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

Flavor enhancers: Intensify or modify the taste of food, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and disodium inosinate (E621).

Emulsifiers: Stabilize mixtures of oil and water, preventing them from separating, such as lecithin (E322) and mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471).

Thickeners: Increase the viscosity of liquids, such as guar gum (E412) and xanthan gum (E415).

Acidity regulators: Adjust the acidity of food, such as sodium acid pyrophosphate (E341) and citric acid (E330).

Sweeteners: Provide sweetness without the calories of sugar, such as saccharin (E954) and aspartame (E951).

Each Produktzusatz is assigned a unique identification number (E number) and is subject to strict regulations regarding its use, maximum permitted levels, and labeling requirements. Consumers should be aware of the Produktzusätze in their food and consult reliable sources for information on their safety and potential health effects.