Friday, June 12, 2009

About Food Additives E

On the shelves, there are more and more products, in which a mysterious figure to many of the "E": E123, E210 ... What is it and is it possible to do this is the "E" is? 

First, do not worry: the index "E" means only a codification of a system developed in Europe. Figures - E121, E142, etc. - Talk about the type of additives. These are preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, emulsifiers and amplifiers taste - all of it, what keeps the world food industry. It is thanks to Food Additives product, not even a very high quality, is the winning flavor, color, smell and consistency. 

E-2, E-4 

Index "E" entered at one time for convenience. For each food additive is a long chemical name that is difficult to fit on a small label. In addition, for example, code E115 in all languages is the same and does not occupy much space in the transfer of the product. Finally, the availability of the code means that the addition of officially permitted in the European countries. 

The problem is that increasingly in the industry not to use natural supplements, and synthetic. This is earlier, for example, to roll smelled vanilla, natural vanilla pods take and pulverize them into powder. Then vanilla synthesized, more precisely, the synthesized material, which is attached to the related products smell and taste. Now, vanilla and vanilla cream come just artificial vanillin. Many manufacturers do not hide that focusing exclusively on artificial supplements: they say, natural raw materials - expensive and supplies its not unlimited. In addition, natural supplements behaving badly» directly to the process: flavors - the weak, the colors - unsustainable... 

Black lists 

From time to time, there are "black lists", which shows that some "E" can cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disorders and even lead to the development of malignant tumors. On the other hand, some experts in the field of food hygiene assured that synthetic food additives, even more useful kind ... We asked for clarification to the head of the Laboratory of hygienic studies of nutritional supplements catering SRI RAMS, Ph.D. Gennady Seagrove. 

- For the safety of food additives following the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). The Joint Committee of Experts FAO / WHO evaluates toxicity, identify the mutagenic properties of food additives. Before we get into the product, "E" is being tested on animals, usually rats. 

From time to time have long been introduced to food additives are new studies. And the old data or completely denied, or change the acceptable daily intakes. For example, in the 70's in the products used to dye amaranth. Then, when it revealed its toxic side effects, drug banned in Russia. However, in some countries it is used up to now. 

Many have heard of glutamate sodium - is widely used by the amplifier of taste, which is added to meat, soups, and quick cooking noodles, canned goods, sauces, ready meals, the mixture of spices, pickles, chips and sausages. Recently, Japanese scientists have found that sodium glutamate in high doses causes blindness in rats. Of course, the norm for humans is much lower. However, according to researchers, it is likely that glutamate may affect our vision, especially if you use it for many years. 

- All built on a number of toxicology: the same substance in certain circumstances, may be poison, but slightly lower dose - and it will be neutral - assures Gennady Sarah. - Let's say that the boiled sausage was pink, it added nitrite plus mioglobin. If you eat, a tablespoon of nitrite can be poison. But the dose used in the manufacture of sausages, it is absolutely harmless. Food additives are dangerous only in the event of overdose. In addition, it is very difficult to exceed the norm - people are simply unable to eat so much produce. 

Some additives, such as some dyes, of course, can cause allergic reactions. Only if you have a hypersensitivity to these substances. After all, there are allergenic properties and natural flavorings. Actually, many completely natural products - berries, fruits, citrus fruits - some people are contraindicated. 

Kiss without the "E" 

New technologies lead to the creation of a new generation of food products. Increasingly, we are talking about low-calorie, low sugar and fat. We choose quick cooking porridge and cheese, which is stored a long time. In addition, without food additives in their production cannot do. Still, naturopathy not despairs. There are many products of first necessity, where there are no impurities and additives. Just look at the set of "Hygienic requirements for the use of nutritional supplements" - a document approved by the Ministry of Justice. That is, it provides a clear list.