A new SSAFE Knowledge Paper, What You Need to Know About Food Additives, provides an overview of what food additives are, why they are used and how their safety and use are regulated internationally.
Of particular relevance to the Food Authenticity Network, the paper highlights that additive controls extend beyond safety. Under Codex principles, additives must not mislead consumers, disguise poor-quality raw materials or undesirable practices, or alter a food in a deceptive way.
Identity and purity are also important. International specifications help ensure that additives are what they claim to be and meet appropriate quality standards, while also helping to guard against fraud in higher-value ingredients.
Labelling is another key element of transparency. Additives used in pre-packed foods should be declared appropriately, including their function, helping consumers understand what a food contains and why an additive has been used.
The paper demonstrates the close links between food safety, authenticity, accurate labelling and consumer trust.
Read the full SSAFE Knowledge Paper to find out more.
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