In the inherent perception of many people, food additives are equivalent to "harmful ingredients" and "technology and cruelty", and are the main culprits that lead to unhealthy and pathogenic food. When buying snacks, as long as you see the densely packed names of additives on the ingredient list, you immediately determine that this food is "not edible". But in fact, food additives are not only not a hidden danger to food safety, but also the cornerstone of modern food industry, and the core contributor to ensuring food quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Firstly, we need to clarify a core definition: food additives are substances that are artificially synthesized or naturally extracted and used in compliance with regulations to improve the color, aroma, taste, and shape of food, as well as to prevent corrosion, preserve freshness, and facilitate processing. China implements a strict licensing list system for food additives. Only substances that have undergone toxicology testing, have been proven safe and harmless, and are necessary for use can be included in the national standard "National Food Safety Standard for the Use of Food Additives". Substances that are not on the list are strictly prohibited from being used in food processing.
The existence of food additives has completely changed the dietary lifestyle of modern people. Without preservatives, most cooked food, pastries, and dairy products will breed bacteria, mold, and spoil within a few hours, making long-distance transportation and long-term storage impossible. We can only eat fresh food produced locally; Without flavor enhancers or sweeteners, many foods have a monotonous taste and lack flavor; Without antioxidants, edible oils and nuts will rapidly oxidize and produce harmful substances; Without leavening agents and coagulants, common foods such as bread, tofu, jelly, etc. cannot be produced on a large scale.
Many people are worried that eating too many additives can harm their health. In fact, in national standards, the scope and maximum dosage of each food additive are clearly defined. The production and processing of compliant manufacturers will strictly follow the national standard requirements. The dosage of additives ingested by ordinary people in their normal diet is far below the safety threshold and will not cause any harm to the human body. The so-called 'excessive use of additives can harm the body' is not about the additives themselves, but about businesses violating regulations and using them beyond their limits.
What truly needs to be vigilant is never compliant food additives, but illegal additives in three no products and illegally processed foods. For example, hanging white blocks, Sudan Red, melamine, etc., these do not belong to food additives at all and are illegal additives prohibited by the state. By distinguishing this point clearly, we can get rid of blind panic about food additives and rationally view the ingredient list in our daily diet.