What Is the Function of Preservatives?
Preservatives are substances that inhibit the growth of microbes in food, according to Faqs.org. They are food additives, which the FDA defines as something that directly or indirectly affects the characteristics of a food.
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History
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Preservatives have a long history. For example, the use of salt as a preservative goes back to ancient times. Vinegar, other acids, herbs and spices have also been used for centuries to keep food from spoiling.
How They Work
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Food preservatives work in various ways. Salt removes excess water in which microbes can grow. Acids inhibit bacterial growth by lowering pH. Antioxidants like vitamin C and E, as well as as BHA and BHT, prevent oxidation and rancidity.
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FDA
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The FDA regulates the use of all food preservatives and additives. A manufacturer of such products must prove that they are safe when used as intended, whereupon the FDA pronounces them "generally recognized as safe" or GRAS.
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