Introduction of food additive zinc sulfate

Zinc sulfate is a common food additive widely used in food processing. It is a white or slightly yellow powder with sweet and salty taste, easily soluble in water. The role of zinc sulfate in food is mainly as a nutrient fortifier and preservative, which can improve the quality and extend the shelf life of food.

I. Characteristics of zinc sulfate

Zinc sulfate is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula ZnSO4, which is a zinc-containing compound with a zinc content of about 28%. Zinc sulfate is stable at room temperature, but may decompose or deliquesce at high temperatures or in humid environments.

II. Uses of zinc sulfate

1. Nutritional enhancer: Zinc sulfate is one of the essential trace elements and has important physiological functions. It can promote human growth and development, maintain normal reproductive function and immune function. Adding appropriate amount of zinc sulfate in food can supplement the body's insufficient intake of these elements and improve the health of the body.

2. Preservative: Zinc sulfate has antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria, molds and other microorganisms in food and extend the shelf life of food. In some pickled products, canned food and other foods, adding zinc sulfate can play a preservative role to maintain the freshness and taste of food.

3. Other uses: zinc sulfate can also be used as a tofu coagulant, bread puffing agent, etc., to improve the quality and taste of food. In some chemical experiments, zinc sulfate can be used as a catalyst, buffer and so on.

Safety of zinc sulfate

Moderate amount of zinc sulfate is safe to add in food. According to the standards of the World Health Organization, the daily intake of zinc sulfate for adults should not exceed 20 mg. In normal food consumption, the amount of zinc sulfate consumed by people is far below this standard. However, excessive intake of zinc sulfate may lead to some uncomfortable symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other digestive symptoms. Therefore, zinc sulfate should be added in food processing according to the specified limit and to ensure the quality and safety of food.

IV. Production methods of zinc sulfate

There are two main production methods for zinc sulfate: one is the direct synthesis method, where zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide reacts with sulfuric acid to generate zinc sulfate; the other is the recycling method, where zinc is recovered from waste batteries, waste paint and other zinc-containing wastes and then made into zinc sulfate. In the production process, attention should be paid to environmental protection and safe production to avoid harming the environment and human body.

V. Quality standard of zinc sulfate

In order to ensure the quality and safety of zinc sulfate added in food, countries have formulated corresponding quality standards and norms. According to the relevant regulations in China, zinc sulfate added in food should meet the requirements of national food safety standards, such as not containing harmful impurities, not using industrial-grade zinc sulfate and so on. Meanwhile, manufacturers should strengthen quality management and inspection and testing to ensure product quality and safety.

In conclusion, zinc sulfate, as a common food additive, has an important role in food processing. As long as the appropriate amount of zinc sulfate is added in accordance with the specified limit, it can effectively improve the quality and extend the shelf life of food, and at the same time, supplement the trace elements required by the human body. In the process of production and use, attention should be paid to environmental protection and safe production to ensure the quality and safety of food.