User:Sdecaussin/sandbox

Preservatives in Food
Synthetic preservatives, or artificial preservatives, are food additives used to prevent unwanted bacteria from growing, preserve lipid components from deterioation in quality, and to increase the shelf life of food. There are many types of artificial preservatives such as benzoate, tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) (E319), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) (E320), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (E321), propyl gallate (PG), trans fat, hexamine, potassium nitrite and sodium nitrite. BHA, BHT, PG andTBHQ are all considered synthetic antioxidants.

Potassium Nitrite and Sodium Nitrite
Potassium nitrite and sodium nitrite are both primarily used when preserving meats, or cured meats. These two artificial food additives are used as preservatives, stabilizers, and flavor additives. Health concerns about potassium nitrite and sodium nitrite have been questioned. The use of nitrites in meat may lead to formation of nitro­ samines which are carcinogenic substances. Yet, as food preservatives these two additives have protected against bacterium clostridium botulinum, which is commonly referred to as botulism.

Gallates
The gallates consist of propyl gallate (E310 and Internal Ref. #00105), octyl gallate (E311 and Internal Ref. #00108 ), and dodecyl gallate (E312 and Internal Ref. #00109 ). Propyl gallate is one of the most widely used phenolic antioxidants in food that contains dehydrated foodstuffs edible fat and oils. It is primarily used as a browning inhibitor and to prevent oxidation in food.

Uses in Silage Fermentation
Silage is grass or other green fodder compacted and stored in airtight conditions, typically in a silo, without first being dried, and used as animal feed in the winter. When preserving animal food, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are used to inhibit the formation of bacteria, yeasts and molds. In addition the power of sodium nitrite has been tested with hexamine, sodium benzoate, and sodium propionate. Sodium nitrite with potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate have been used to aid in silage fermentation. Concerns about the safety of hexamine-nitrite mixtures in regards to human and animal health have arisen. In acidic situations hexamin breaks down to form ammonia and formaldehyde. Hexamine is not an approved preservative for usage in the USA, Australia, or New Zealand, but it is approved, and used, as a food preservative in the European Union.