Production and Processing of Food
Role of Food Additives in the Manufacturing Process.
1. Read the ingredients label below.
CONTAINS: MILK CHOCOLATE (47%).
INGREDIENTS: SUGAR, GLUCOSE, COCOA BUTTER, FULL CREAM MILK, MILK SOLIDS, COCOA
MASS, EMULSIFIERS (SOY LECITHIN 471, 476), VEGETABLE FAT, COCONUT, SWEETENED
CONDENSED MILK, HUMECTANT (422), MINERAL SALT (500), GELATINE FOOD ACIDS
(330,331, 341, 350), COLOURS (100,102, 110, 123, 124, 129, 133, 141), RAISING AGENT (500).
a) Predict the type of food product this ingredient list represents (1 mark).
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b) Identify THREE food additives from the above ingredient list (3 marks).
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c) Explain the role of TWO additives that you identified in part b (4 marks).
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2. Explain why the following foods might contain these additives:
Food Item Additive Explanation
Cherry Ripe Humectants
Salad Dressing Emulsifier
Margarine Antioxidants
Salt Anti Caking
Agents
Strawberry yoghurt Colours
containing fruit
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
1. Define raw materials (1 mark).
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2. Identify the four categories of raw materials (4 marks).
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3. Define food additives (2 marks).
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4.Match the following food additives with their descriptions and examples.
Antioxidants (Preservatives) Used to enhance the texture and mouth
feel of foods. Example; processed meats.
Humectants Used in low-kilojoule products as a
substitute for sugar. Example; diet soft
Thickeners drinks.
Flavouring Prolong the shelf life of a product by
preventing oxidation, which can cause
rancidity. Example; margarine.
Used to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere and prevent food from drying
out. Example; pre-packaged cakes.
Artificial Sweeteners Added to powdered products to ensure
that no clumping occurs. Example; salt.
Anti-caking agents Used to make food more viscous and
ensure consistent texture. Example; Instant
pudding.
Mineral Salts Restore flavour and odour. Example; soup,
confectionary.
