Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor or enhance its taste and appearance. Some additives have been used for centuries; for example, preserving food by pickling (with vinegar), salting, as with bacon, preserving sweets or using sulfur dioxide as with wines. With the advent of processed foods in the second half of the twentieth century, many more additives have been introduced, of both natural and artificial origin.
Preservatives – Ascorbic acid, citric acid, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate, sodium erythorbate, sodium nitrite, calcium sorbate, potassium sorbate, BHA, BHT, EDTA, tocopherols (Vitamin E)
Sweeteners – Sucrose (sugar), glucose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame potassium (acesulfame-K) etc.
Color Additives – FD&C Blue Nos. 1 and 2, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red Nos. 3 and 40, FD&C Yellow Nos. 5 and 6, Orange B, Citrus Red No. 2, annatto extract, beta-carotene, grape skin extract, cochineal extract or carmine, paprika oleoresin, caramel color, fruit and vegetable juices, saffron
Flavor Enhancers – Monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrolyzed soy protein, autolyzed yeast extract, disodium guanylate or inosinate
Other food additives include Emulsifiers, Stabilizers and Thickeners, Binders, Texturizers, pH Control Agents and acidulants, Leavening Agents, Anti-caking agents, Humectants, Yeast Nutrients, Dough Strengtheners and Conditioners, Firming Agents, Enzyme Preparations, Gases etc.
Food additives testing therefore is an integral part of food analysis. AES Labs is equipped with all the required equipment and these are operated by a team of analysts that are experienced in food additives testing using techniques like HPLC, GCMS, LCMSMS and chemical analysis.
We have been routinely carrying out food additives testing for leading packaged food, FMCG and retail organizations in India for compliance to the FSS Act/Rules & Regulations.