Food Additives booklet makes life easier

6 December 2002

Food Additives booklet makes life easier

A revamped pocket-sized booklet explaining what additives are and why they are used should make life a little easier for consumers interested in what’s in the food they eat.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority today released a new edition of the pocket-sized booklet ‘Identifying Food Additives’. It was previously produced by the Ministry of Health.

The free booklet is available from public health units and the NZFSA.

NZFSA Executive Director Dr Andrew McKenzie says the booklets have always been popular with consumers.

“This booklet is a must have for those people wanting to find out the names of additives and why they are used. It’s also very useful for people who might have allergic reactions to food additives,” Dr McKenzie said.

Additives are used to improve the quality or appearance of food. All food ingredients, including additives, must be listed on food labels. Before a food additive can be used in New Zealand is has to go through a safety assessment process and ministerial approval has to be given for its use.

“This booklet is very user-friendly and easy to understand. Its size also means it can be used by consumers while out grocery shopping. The booklet lists all additives and preservatives used in food. These days consumers are demanding more information about what’s in the food they are eating and this is one tool they can use to find out,” Dr McKenzie said.

Dr McKenzie says the release of the booklet this month is very timely.

“It comes just two weeks before the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code becomes official on December 20. The Food Standards Code replaces current food regulations and brings food legislation into the 21st century. The Food Standards Code says which additives can be used and in what foods.”

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