Food preservatives have been around us for centuries. Food preservation has begun in ancient times with the use of salt on fish and meats. Later, sugar was used in canned foods and humans has begun picking vegetables. While these methods are ok in moderation, today’s new methods involving chemical means of preservation are growing more abundantly and are harmful to our bodies.
Food preservation prevents the deterioration of foods and prevents food spoilage from yeast, molds, botulism, and other means of food poisoning. Food preservation also helps to reduce food costs and extends the shelf life of food in food processing companies.
Methods of Food Preservation
Chemical PreservationChemical food preservation involves adding ingredients to the food in order to prevent oxidation, bacterial growth, and rancidity. Chemical preservatives also involve additives. Although preservatives occur naturally such as lemon juice, salt, and sugar, there are some big companies that frequently use synthetic chemicals and make them artificial preservatives.
Some Antibacterial Agents That Prevent Mold Growth or Destroy Bacteria Are:
• Propionates
• Benzoates
• Sorbates – including calcium sorbate, potassium sorbate, and sodium sorbate
Antioxidants that inhibit oxidation
• Vitamin E (tocopherol)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin E (tocopherol)
• Sulfites, including sodium sulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and potassium bisulfite.
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) –is a waxy solid-like substance used in the preservation of butter, lard, meats, etc.
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) – It is the powder form of BHA
Chelating agents that bind metal ions for preventing oxidation:
• Polyphosphates – used in peeled fruits and vegetables as well as dips
• Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) – it is used in food processing companies
• Citric acid –is naturally found in the citrus fruits
FDA approves using these food preservatives in moderation and some are known to be more harmful than others. Sodium nitrate/ nitrite is the preservative used in processed meats and may also have cancer-causing effects especially if it is consumed in more amounts. Artificial food colorings and Sodium benzoate might heighten hyperactivity in children. In some countries, BHT has been banned as a carcinogen.
All processed foods must be consumed in moderation and it’s best to stick to the foods that have been minimally processed.
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