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How do we know food additives are safe?

Year of publication 2021

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 1

Author Vlachou, Angeliki

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Infographic

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) According to the Codex Alimentarius, a food additive is a substance that is not normally consumed as a food by itself and not normally used as a typical ingredient of the food. Food additives serve a specific purpose - for instance, they preserve, colour, emulsify, sweeten or flavour the food. This infographic explains that the panels of experts FAO and WHO convene assess if the additives can be consumed safely. They determine what amount can be ingested safely daily, even over a lifetime, without risk. Countries set Codex Alimentarius food safety standards based on this input to protect health and facilitate trade.

Language English

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