Verificação de aditivos em produtos lácteos comercilizados em São Bento - MA

Abstract

Food additives are ingredients intentionally added to foods during their production stages.They serve various functions, such as ensuring product safety, preserving freshness, enhancing flavor, maintaining good appearance, and providing the desired texture. These components are classified into different categories, including flavorings, preservatives, sweeteners, acidulants, thickeners, and stabilizers. The aim of this study was to identify the additives present in dairy products sold in São Bento-MA. The research was conducted in two supermarkets in the municipality of São Bento, located in the Northern Mesoregion of the State of Maranhão. Dairy products analyzed included cream, curd cheese, liquid yogurt, butter, liquid milk, powdered milk, and liquid chocolate drink. Data were collected from 35 dairy products. The items with the highest presence of additives were yogurt (34.14%), liquid chocolate drink (17.07%), and cheese (15.85%). The results showed that stabilizers (26.82%), flavorings (14.63%), and additives such as preservatives, colorings, and thickeners (13.41%) were the most common among all analyzed products. In Brazil, the formulation and publication of legislation regarding the use of additives fall under the responsibility of the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). It is important to note that some of these additives may be associated with health issues when consumed in excess. These findings are essential for raising consumer awareness about the ingredients in the products they consume and may encourage future discussions on regulations and food safety in the region