食品添加剂应守住“适量”的边界

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of food additives in the food industry while highlighting the need for their regulated use to ensure food safety and maintain public trust [1] Group 1: Importance of Food Additives - Food additives, such as maltodextrin and starch, play a crucial role in preserving, flavoring, and maintaining the texture of food products [1] - The use of additives is regulated under the national standard GB2760-2024, which allows certain substances within specified limits [1] Group 2: Risks and Misuse - There are safety concerns associated with the excessive use of food additives, as illustrated by a case where a restaurant operator was sentenced to seven years in prison for food poisoning due to illegal use of nitrite [1] - Some unscrupulous businesses may misuse additives to mask the quality defects of stale ingredients, undermining food safety principles and damaging industry trust [1] Group 3: Regulatory Measures - The State Administration for Market Regulation requires food producers to minimize the use of additives and maintain accurate records of their usage [1] - Regulatory bodies should focus on the restaurant service sector, conducting special inspections and enforcing strict penalties for violations related to the use of additives [1] Group 4: Consumer Awareness - There is a need for improved consumer understanding of food additives, as the blind pursuit of "zero additives" can lead to marketing chaos and unwarranted fear [1] - Consumers should be educated to recognize the difference between safe, regulated additives and illegal usage, fostering a collaborative environment for food safety [1] Group 5: Collaborative Efforts - The article calls for a tripartite collaboration among businesses, regulatory agencies, and consumers to ensure that food additives serve food safety and industry development rather than becoming a public health threat [1] - Maintaining the boundary of "appropriate use" of additives is essential for safeguarding public health and promoting high-quality development in the food industry [1]