Food additive

High school (ages 12+)
Food & Cooking

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/food-additive

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary technological functions?Preservation, enhancement of sensory qualities (flavor, color, texture), and facilitation of processing
2. What is the historical context?Early methods like salting, smoking, and sugaring were foundational to food preservation
3. What are food additives?Food additives are tiny helpers added to food to keep it fresh, tasty, and safe. They can help food stay good for longer and make it look and taste better.
4. Why do we use preservatives in food?Preservatives stop bacteria and spoilage by making the food environment less friendly for germs. This keeps food safe to eat and helps it last longer.

Sensory attributes: Characteristics of food that appeal to the senses, such as taste, smell, color, and texture.
Microbial spoilage: The process by which microorganisms like bacteria and fungi degrade food, causing it to become unfit for consumption.
Clean label: A consumer trend favoring food products with simple, recognizable ingredients and fewer artificial additives.