Introduction

There are many types of additives present in food. Some being harmful while others useful. Today, we will explore more about these food additives and how testing is done using analytical chemistry instruments.

Food additives are substances being added to food for preservation. This includes preservation of flavour as well as enhancing the taste and appearance. 

Food additives have been used over many centuries ranging from the preservation of food to the production of processed foods. These additives can either be  of a natural or artificial origin 

"E Numbers" is a unique number assigned to an additive to inform consumers and to assist in internationally being to identify the additives.

 There are many categories of food additives though there might be some overlap. We will be focusing specifically on the use of  benzoic acid in food.