Learn Glossary preservative

Preservatives

Level 3ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Preservatives is a preservative — About 100 'antispoilants' that retard or prevent food from going bad

What it does

About 100 'antispoilants' that retard or prevent food from going bad

Where you'll see it

most processed foods

What the research says

Most commonly used: sodium benzoate (cheese/syrup molds), sulfur dioxide (fruit juice discoloration), nitrates/nitrites (cured meats). Product may show no visible microbial contamination yet contain growing, potentially harmful germs.

Benefits

Extend shelf life and prevent foodborne illness from spoilage

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): About one hundred 'antispoilants' which retard or prevent food from going 'bad' are in common use