Name of student: Nguyen Giang Yen Tho – BTFTIU18118

Submission to: Associate Professor Pham Van Hung

Submission date: Saturday 21th, 2021

COURSE: FOOD ADDITIVES AND FOOD PACKAGING

ASSIGNMENT 4: PRESERVATIVES IN FOOD

Assignment
Choose one kind of food product containing preservatives. Discuss:
- Information of food product
- Information of preservative agent: Type, E-number, characteristics, functionality
- Amount of preservative in the product
- Your opinion: Good, bad, etc.

The food product is chosen: Homel Spam food

Figure 1. Homel spam food

1.1 Food product information

Homel spam has been chosen by many consumers in Vietnam, especially mothers. Cha
gio can be eaten as a whole, or combined with other food to make a dish. In general,
Homel is appraised and consumed by most Vietnamese people. People can eat cha gio
during feasts, Tet Holiday. Spam can last for 6 months due to the addition of food
preservatives.
1.2 Information about preservatives

Table 1.2. Table of preservative found in canned meat

Name E-number Category Characte Functionality Amount
ristic /1kg
equivalent
Potassium E249 Preservative Prolong shel-
nitrite life, inhibit Cannot
Clostridium exceed
Potassium E252 Preservative Powder botulinum 20mg
nitrate toxins. according
Sodium E251 Preservative to TCVN
nitrate

1.3 Opinion

Preservatives are substances that beneficial and harmful at the same time. Potassium
nitrite in canned meat is effective against killing C.Botulinum toxins. Since this pathogen
can release toxins that damage the brain cells, being called neurotoxins. Using
preservative will bring the extend shelf-life of food products and ensure food safety for
everyone. However, on the one hand, overconsumption of preservative is lethal if the
dose exceeds the acceptable amount. Moreover, chronic diseases such as high blood
pressure, kidney stones are observed in people using canned meat in a long run.
Therefore, it all comes down to the right use of preservative, and the smart choice of
consumers to balance diet and eat food properly.