Frequently Used Additives in the Food Industry and Their Toxicological Effects on Human Health

Abstract

Food additives are chemicals added to foods to keep foods fresh, improve their flavor andtexture, and extend shelf life by preventing the growth of microorganisms. Many additives used for thesepurposes are considered safe by international organizations and are carefully regulated. It is thought thatthe intensive use of food additives, which contributes to the rapid growth of today's food industry, bringswith its undesirable health consequences that directly affect public health. Recent clinical findings andanimal experiments have shown that additives such as artificial sweeteners, food dyes, sodium nitrite, andmonosodium glutamate can cause health problems such as heart problems, diabetes, obesity, and insulinresistance. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor both the use and risk assessments of food additives. Thisreview, it is aimed to evaluate the harmful effects and toxic potentials of some commonly used foodadditives on human health.