Food additive inspection

Under the Food Sanitation Law, food additives are defined as "things added to food in the process of food production or for the purpose of processing or preservation of food."
The purpose of using food additives can be broadly divided into the following four categories:

1. Major additives required and used when manufacturing and processing food

• Tofu coagulant
• Emulsifier
• Inflatable agents
• Yeast food
• Gum base
• Glustrator
• Kansui
• Chewing gum softener
• pH adjustment agent
• Steaming stabilizer

2. Main additives used to improve the color, taste and aroma of food

• Coloring agent
• Food coloring
• Sweeteners
• Bleaching agent
• Acidic acid
• Seasonings
• Fragrance
• Bittersweet

3. Major additives used to replenish and enhance the nutritional value of food

• Nutrition intensifying agents

4. Major additives used to enhance food preservability and prevent food poisoning

• Preservatives
• Antioxidant
• Canad protective agent

For food additives, usage standards (regulations on the types and usage of foods that can be used) are stipulated by the Food Sanitation Law.
In addition, when food additives are used under the Food Labeling Law, with some exceptions, it is required to be labeled on food containers and packaging.
In principle, the labeling method is to display the name of the substance used, but for eight types of additives, such as preservatives, must be written together in addition to the substance name (for example, preservative (sorviic acid)).
Of the aforementioned additives, the other 14 types usually exhibit their purpose and effect by combining multiple additives, or that exists from natural origin in foods. It is considered that the necessity of displaying individual substance names is low, and it is allowed to be displayed only in the collective name (e.g., emulsifier).
In addition, some additives that have a name that is more familiar than the chemical name can be labeled as alias (e.g., L-ascorbic acid is vitamin C, sodium bicarbonate).
At the Food Sanitation Laboratory, we also conduct inspections of additives that are frequently used when manufacturing the food, even if they are not labeled, mainly additives listed in the labeling of the target for which food additive inspection. going.