Rational view of food "zero addition"

"The more original and natural food is, the safer and healthier it is", this is the idea of ​​many people now

Food packaging is widely marked with "zero addition"

As people pay more and more attention to the nutritional safety of food, more and more people no longer only care about the price when buying food, and begin to turn their attention to food labeling, including product ingredients, shelf life, nutritional ingredients, etc.

It is understood that the products currently claimed to be "zero-added" are mainly aimed at food additives such as sugars, sweeteners, pigments, preservatives, flavors and fragrances, and hydrogenated vegetable oils in food

"When I go shopping in a supermarket, if the same type of food is marked with the word 'zero additive' on the outer packaging, it will attract my attention even more,

Does "zero addition" really mean no additives?

Wang Qingbin, director of the Food and Drug Research Center of China University of Political Science and Law, said that "no added" and "zero added" in a narrow sense generally refer to no added food additives

Modern food production and processing are inseparable from additives

Nowadays, consumers have higher and higher standards for eating.

"Food additives are one of the most active, developing and improving parts of the food industry

"After entering the industrialization of food, it is very difficult to find prepackaged foods that have been processed by enterprises without food additives

"Some people compare the ingredient list when they buy food, and feel that food with fewer types of food additives is healthier than food with more additives

Writing "zero addition" does not necessarily mean that there are no additives

Wang Hao analyzed that if "zero addition" refers to no legal additives added, this situation is even more interesting.

"In addition, some merchants' logos do not say that no specific substances are added, but generally say that they are not added, which makes people think that this is food without any additives

　　Wang Hao pointed out that the real problem is that some food packaging is secretive, although it is marked with "zero added" and "no added", but it is actually added

"Zero Additive" Does Not Mean Healthier, Safer

　　"In fact, even if it is really 'zero addition', it does not mean that it is safe, healthy and nutritious

　　"Sometimes the right amount of food additives can reduce and eliminate the output of harmful substances in the process of food production

　　"For example, dried and cured meat, fermented food, and soy products that many people love to eat, during the production process, they are prone to produce botulinum that can release highly toxic toxins, and a very small amount can paralyze nerves and cause breathing.

　　"Standardizing the use of food additives has a role in ensuring safety, and 'zero addition' will not have more advantages in terms of safety

　　In addition to the common "no added", "zero added", etc.
, there are currently "0 sugar, 0 calories, 0 fat, 100% free, no (sugar)" and other labeling methods on the market.
This kind of publicity is compared in beverage products.
common
.
In the "General Rules for Nutrition Labeling of Prepackaged Foods in National Food Safety Standards" (GB28050-2011), it is stipulated that the content of energy and nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and other nutrients in food meet certain requirements.
, is allowed to claim
.

　　Gu Zhongyi, director of the Beijing Dietitian Association, pointed out that "0 sucrose" can only mean that the food does not contain sucrose, but there may still be glucose, maltose, fructose and other ingredients, and their harm is not lower than that of sucrose, so consumers You should still be vigilant about this type of product.
You should look at the ingredient list carefully.
Even if there is no sugar, if there is starch in the food, it will cause blood sugar to rise.
People with diabetes or high blood sugar should be more careful
.

　　Dairy expert Song Liang said that the concept of "0 sucrose" in food promotion is actually a gimmick.
If it is just to find differences in the promotion and slander opponents, it is obviously not a legitimate practice for enterprises, and enterprises should put more emphasis on product functionality and nutrition.
sex
.

　　(Comprehensive arrangement by Qu Yuening)

"China Food News" (September 30, 2021 06 edition)

(Editor-in-charge: Qu Yuening)