What is chemicals used in food processing industry? Know more

What is chemicals used in food processing industry? Food processing chemicals are chemical substances which help in the manufacturing of different food products. The chemicals can be classified as additives and preservatives. Additives have a functional property like emulsifiers, flavoring agents, stabilizers, coloring agents etc., while preservatives are aimed at limiting the growth of microorganisms and the spoiling of food with special attention to preventing bacterial growth which leads to decomposition.

Chemicals used in food processing industry

Below are chemicals used in food processing industry that are commonly used:

1. Acetic acid

What is chemicals used in food processing industry? Acetic acid is a chemical compound derived from acetum which is a colorless transparent liquid with a pungent odor. Acetic acid is used as the raw material for the production of acetic acid chloride and acetaldehyde along with many other chemical compounds. In addition, it is used as an intermediate in the production of ethyl acetate, methyl acetate and sodium acetate.

2. Adipates

Adipates are a class of plasticizers added in processed food products to prevent them from becoming brittle or chalky often found in candies, yogurts and cheese.They are obtained by hydrogenation of esters or glycerides extracted from vegetable fats or oils such as coconut oil and olive oil.

3. Adipic acid

Adipic acid is a chemical compound used as an additive in the food industry to increase hardness and flexibility of polymers. It is also used as a plasticizer for vinyl to produce polyvinyladipate and polyurethane. Acid is obtained by the reaction between epichlorohydrin and adipic acid ester. The adipic acid ester needed for the reaction can be prepared from fatty acids/oils/greases by transesterification, hydrogenation or saponification. The acid is either used directly or after being converted to adipic anhydride by dehydrating agents like sulfuric acid.

4. Aluminium silicate

Aluminium silicate is an inorganic oxide used as a food additive. It is obtained by the reaction between aluminium and silicic acid. Silicic acid can be prepared from crushed ore (silica) by a dehydrating process or obtained from silicon dioxide and water.

5. Amphetamins

Amphetamine is a group of related drugs which are known as speed, crank, uppers and downers. The amphetamines are potent synthetic stimulants that effect the central nervous system at very low dosages. Amphetamines have a long history of use throughout the world as an aid to increase alertness, concentration and motivation. Amphetamine is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a central nervous system stimulant, bronchodilator and anti-emetic.

6. Amylase

Amylase is one of the best enzymes that is used in food processing industry to produce starch by breaking down starch molecules into absorbable sugars. It can also be used for removal or conversion of sugars or other carbohydrates and proteins that remain at high concentrations during doneness stages of cooking much like enzymatic hydrolysis. Amines are organic compounds with one amine group bonded to a carbon atom. They can be either primary amines derived from amino acids or secondary amines formed by the addition of ammonia to primary amines.

7. Aspartame

Aspartame is a brand of artificial sweetener and can be obtained in tablets, tablets with vitamin C and as pure powder. It is the most popular artificial sweetener used throughout the world and is available in various strengths for different applications. It is basically made up of two components, Phenylalanine and Aspartic Acid. A mixture of these two chemicals can be used to synthesize aspartame but it occurs in different ratio's (1:1:0.5 etc.) depending on its final use within foods or other products that use it.

8. Baking soda

Baking soda is a chemical compound containing sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO). This sodium salt of carbonic acid is a weak base. It is used as a leavening agent, which makes bread and other baked goods rise. It can also be used to make homemade fizzy drinks and toothpastes.

Measuring the reactivity of cationic amines with neutral test compounds such as alkali metals can provide information on their acidic and basic properties, which are important in their industrial applications.

9. Calcium chloride

Calcium chloride is a chemical compound commonly used in food processing industry as an additive to brines to retain moisture and enhance the flavors of meat. It also acts as a preservative and increases the shelf life of poultry, meat and fish by dehydrating microorganisms by osmosis and increasing the concentration of salt in food. It works effectively at temperatures between 10℃ and 20℃, giving it an edge over other salts which work best at higher temperatures.

Conclusion

Chemicals used in food processing industry are of many forms and purposes. Some of the common chemicals that are used are Acetic acid, Adipates, Adipic acids, Aluminium silicate, Amylase, Aspartame and Baking soda.