lisäaineksia

Lisäaineksia is a Finnish term that translates to "additives" in English. In the context of food, it refers to substances added to food for technological purposes during its production, processing, storage, or packaging. These purposes can include improving preservation, enhancing texture, modifying color, or adding flavor.

Food additives are strictly regulated in many countries, including the European Union, where they must undergo rigorous safety assessments before being approved for use. Approved additives are assigned E-numbers, which are used to identify them on food packaging. For example, ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is used as an antioxidant and has the E-number E300. Preservatives like sorbic acid (E200) are used to prevent spoilage by microorganisms. Emulsifiers, such as lecithin (E322), help to mix ingredients that would not normally combine, like oil and water.

The use of food additives is a complex topic with ongoing discussions about their necessity, safety, and consumer perception. While additives can provide significant benefits in terms of food quality, safety, and shelf-life, some consumers prefer to choose products with fewer or no additives. Regulations aim to balance these benefits with consumer protection, ensuring that any approved additive is safe for consumption at the levels used.