Food Additives and Safety: Laboratory Tests

What are E codes?

What are Food Additives?

Food additives are natural or artificial substances used to extend the shelf life, enhance the flavor, preserve the color or improve the texture of food. These substances are intentionally added to food during or after production.

Additives fall into several categories, such as preservatives, sweeteners, colorants, thickeners and antioxidants. Each fulfills a specific function and aims to improve the quality of the food.

What is Code E?

“Code E” is an international code given to food additives by the European Union. The letter “E” comes from the word “Europe”. These codes indicate that the additive is scientifically safe and is considered appropriate for use within certain limits.

For example

E100: Curcumin (a natural colorant)
E200: Sorbic acid (preservative)
E621: Monosodium glutamate (flavor enhancer)

E-codes appear on the ingredient list of food packaging and inform the consumer about the ingredients.

Are Food Additives Safe?

The safety of additives is based on detailed scientific evaluations conducted by international health authorities (EFSA, FDA, WHO, etc.). Each additive is subjected to toxicology tests and its effect on human health is investigated. The amount of use, exposure limits and effects on the body are analyzed in detail.

However, some additives may cause excessive consumption or allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals. Therefore, cautious consumption is recommended, especially for children, pregnant women and sensitive individuals.

Food Additive Analysis with Laboratory Tests

The presence and amount of additives in food products is determined in the laboratory by various methods of analysis. These tests include:

Chromatography (GC-MS, HPLC): Separation and identification of additives
Spectrophotometry Measurement of color additives
Microbiological tests: Evaluation of microbial load as influenced by preservatives
Toxicology tests Analysis of long-term health effects

These analyzes are carried out to check the compliance of food products with legal regulations and to protect consumer health. The process of testing additives, which are also applied by companies claiming that they do not contain in their products, is carried out by accredited laboratories.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Food Additive Analysis. You can also consult us about GMO Analyzes.

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