Hyderabad: The Food and Safety Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has not specified the permissible limit in the new list of additives, which are used as smoothening agents, preservatives, colours and taste enhancers.
Both natural and synthetic additives are used for preserving and taste-enhancing. They are also used for making the food appealing.
The FSSAI unveiled the new list of additives recently, which covered new set of additives used in ready-to-eat foods, cookies and confectionaries.
In 2016, the comprehensive list of additives was issued the central agency.
Mr Ashwin Bhadri, a food analyst, explained, “Each additive has different functions. There are various combinations of additives used in foods and most of us consume them daily. Some help maintain the texture, while others make the food smooth.”
Presentation and the storing nature of the food decide the amount of additives. Another food analyst, on condition of anonymity, said, “Presently, FSSAI is insisting on good manufacturing practices. The new list is silent on the permissible range.”
