Élelmiszerösszetevkre

Élelmiszerösszetevkre, typically written élelmiszer-összetevők in Hungarian, refers to the ingredients used in the production, processing, preparation, or treatment of food and any substances that remain in the final product. The term encompasses a broad range of components, including basic ingredients (water, flour, sugar, salt), additives (emulsifiers, stabilizers, colorings), flavorings, nutrients, enzymes, and other substances introduced during manufacture.

In regulatory terms, élelmiszer-összetevők are subject to labeling and safety rules designed to inform consumers. In the European Union, the list of ingredients must appear on the product label in descending order by weight, at the time of formulation. Additives are identified by their usual names or by E-numbers. Allergen information is required and typically presented in a way that highlights the presence of common allergens, such as gluten, crustaceans, eggs, milk, nuts, soy, sesame, and others, in accordance with EU rules. The list may also include processing aids, which are substances used in production but do not remain in the final product or are present in negligible amounts and thus are not always required to be listed.

Kinds of ingredients include natural and artificial substances, with food additives forming a notable subgroup (often referenced by E numbers). In practice, consumers use ingredient lists to assess suitability for dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences. The concept of élelmiszer-összetevők thus underpins both product labeling and food safety, ensuring transparency about what a product contains.