By Smitha Peter
Additives are used to improve the appearance and odour of processed food items. They also enhance shelf lives. Such additives include acids, antioxidants, flavour enhancers, preservatives and sweeteners. Their use has significantly increased alongside the popularity of processed produce in the past two centuries.
Food additives are often used to improve the taste and appearence of processed foods. Image credit: Valerio Capello
There has been significant controversy associated with the risk and benefits of additives. In this piece, Prof. Martin Caraher, of City University London’s Centre for Food Policy, express his views about food additives.