Food Additives and Food Toxins

Flashcards on food additives and food toxins.

Food Additives

Ingredients added to improve/preserve foods, meeting consumer expectations for flavor, nutrition, safety, convenience, color, and affordability.

The dose makes the poison

The principle stating that any substance can be a poison depending on the dose.

Food Toxins

Substances produced by plants, animals, or microorganisms that can be harmful to humans when consumed.

NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level)

The highest dose of a substance that shows no toxic effect in experimental animals.

LD50

The amount that causes the death of half of the total number of people using a substance.

Mycotoxins (Fungal Toxins)

Fungal toxins produced by molds, commonly found in cereals and oilseeds.

Aflatoxins

A group of potent mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species, known to be highly carcinogenic.

Food Additive (definition)

Any substance that becomes a component of food or affects its characteristics.

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)

The daily intake amount of a substance that does not show any toxic effect, even with daily consumption throughout life.

GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe)

Considered safe to use in food.