Preservatives are what?

In modern stores you can find a large number of products that have a beautiful appearance and a pleasant aroma. It should be borne in mind that in many of them there are preservatives. These are substances that increase the shelf life of products.

The concept of

Each product is corrupted. In any protein, there are such processes that cause the goods to be unfit. The change in the chemical composition and structure of the protein is called autolysis. Its final stage is putrefaction, decomposition, and further entry into the cycle of substances in nature.

This process will not be so fast if the products are placed in the freezer. But since this does not always work, then preservatives are used. These are the components necessary to extend the shelf life of products. The process is achieved by suppressing the microflora. Food changes to taste.

In many products, there is any preservative. The definition of this concept is always the same, whatever matter in its composition. Previously, only natural supplements were used, for example salt, vinegar, sugar. Because of the development of industry, it became necessary to preserve food without changing its taste. Therefore now synthetic preservatives are also used. These are artificial substances that improve the properties of products.

Kinds of additives

Additives are distributed according to the EU codification system, where each product has an index (E200-E297). Components have different effects on products. Some are used in their composition, while others only process the outer part.

The definition of food preservatives allows to distribute them to:

• Synthetic.
• Natural.

The second components are also not completely harmless to humans. For example, salt in large quantities still affects the human condition. Therefore, harmless additives are those that are used in a moderate amount. This also applies to synthetic components. Some with moderation of their consumption are safe.

Harmful additives

But among the additives are those substances that cause great harm to man. In some countries they were categorically banned. These include:

• Benzoates (E211, E216, E217). They are in products sold in plastic containers. Substances can cause bronchial asthma and allergies.
• Sodium nitrides (dyes) are highly toxic components. They are used to protect against the development of botulism spores, which are considered more dangerous than preservatives.
• Antioxidants (protect the products from oxidation). For this, it is safer to use lecithin, tocopherol, lemon, ascorbic acid. But there are also synthetic antioxidants, which are part of the smoked sausage, vegetable, butter, dried fruits.

From what create?

All preservatives are acids, because near them germs can not survive. Only they should be allowed for use in the food field. These include acetic acid and benzoic acid salts. Create additives by chemical synthesis. This work is performed exclusively in sterile conditions.

Very rarely manufacturers use only one preservative. Usually mixtures of flavor enhancers and preserving components are used. Such substances are found in many products that are sold in modern stores.

Natural additives include salt, honey, sugar, vinegar. They are used at home during cooking. But in production it is unprofitable, because with them it is difficult to obtain a neutral taste and extend the shelf life. That is why products with preservatives are sold for a long time in shops and do not deteriorate. Buyers need only choose those products in which there are safe additives.