Food Preservatives
Food preservative is a kind of food ingredient that maintains original
characteristics and nutritional value. Preservatives can inhibit microbial activity,
prevent food spoilage, prolong shelf life. According to its different functions,
can be decomposed into preservatives, disinfectants, fungicides, preservatives.
According to the source of preservative substances, preservatives are
generally divided into acid preservatives, ester preservatives, inorganic
preservatives and biological preservatives. Food preservatives include
parabens, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, ethanol, sorbic acid, etc. The
amount of various preservatives should not be too much to prevent harmful.
Classification
• Natural preservatives
This category of natural food preservatives includes salt, sugar, alcohol,
vinegar, spices, syrup, cooking oil and honey.
• Chemical preservatives
In this category, chemical preservatives include sorbates, nitrites, benzoates,
sulfites, nitrates of sodium or potassium, glycerides, glutamates, etc.
The Importance of Food Preservatives
Preservatives maintain the consistency and texture of food, improve or retain
nutritional properties, delay spoilage, and enhance flavor, texture and color.
