1.+TWL+-+Modern+food+sold+in+the+supermarket+are+no+more+than+a+cocktail+of+chemical.


 * Activity 1**

__**Modern food sold in the supermarket are no more than a cocktail of chemical.** __ I remembered Prof. Gulam told us before that in the absence of food additives, there food wasting will be a serious issue globally as food that are produced cannot be kept for a longer period of time when we are not in the position to finish it. Thus, innovations and technologies are developed to help minimize food wastage problem, and to give food a longer life span, so that we will be able to enjoy food. Through this process, it is inevitable that chemicals are to be added in our food. There are many kinds of additives, inclusive of natural additives, organic additives and even synthetic additives. The word "chemical" always frightens off people who do not possess sufficient knowledge in food additives. However, trained food technologists possess sufficient knowledge in this field, and they are well aware about the types, amount and issues related to food additives that are added into food. I do agree with the above statement, but only to a certain extend. Let me voice out my point of view. Well, normally, we need to consume food as fast as possible, to avoid it being stale and have to be thrown away. This is the effect of not adding preservative in it. If we add in an approved amount of preservatives, which is safe to be consumed, we will be able to keep the food for a longer period of time. Next, if you were given a white-coloured cake and a brown-coloured cake. Which will you chooese? I'd certainly choose the brown one as it looks more delicious. The brown colour may be due to chocolate flavour colouring, or even mailard browning, which is due to enzymatic reaction. Thus, by adding in flavouring and colouring, we can enhance the appearance of a food, to make it more appealing and attractive. What will you say if you are served a cup of sugarless coffee?? You'll definitely say:" Yucks its bitter!" Am I right? If sugar are added into the coffee, the coffee will taste better. Sugar is a type of sweetener, which gives the sensation of sweetness and provides a source of energy. Other than sugar, honey is also used as sweeteners, which could be dated back to centuries ago.

Other than that, antioxidants are added to foods that contain unsaturated fats to make them last longer and prevent them from turning rancid. Processing techniques have also been developed to reduce the risk of oxidation. For example, many snack food manufacturers fry crisps under a blanket of steam to reduce the amount of oxygen that can get into the frying oil. This extends the life of both the oil itself and the crisps.

Ok. I do not deny the fact that modern food are a cocktail of chemical. However, what food will we still have, if it is not for the addition of food additives, that help to keep them in a good condition for a longer period of time?