Sirius Black said:
"explain the use of acids as food additives."
It is very easy to identify their use which is to preserve food by extinguishing microbes but how to "explain their uses"?
thanx
Here are a few good reasons for acid as food additives.
They can be used to:
1). Improve the taste or appearance of a processed food.
Acids & Acidity regulators help to maintain a constant acid level in food. This is important for taste, as well as to influence how other substances in the food function. For example, an acidified food can retard the growth of some micro-organisms
Acidity regulator (270) - lactic acid
Acidity regulator (260) - acetic acid, glacial
2). Improve the keeping quality or stability of a food.
3). Preserve food when this is the most practical way of extending its storage life. For example, sulphur dioxide - preservative (220) - is added to some meat products such as sausage meat to prevent microbial growth.
(this is usually the most emphasised point, and SO(2) is a great example to learn)
All information comes from FSANZ (Food Standards of Australia & New Zealand).
Best of Luck in your HSC,
George