The InfoCons application, developed independently and transparently, makes available to consumers the dictionary with the terminology specific to food additives . Thus, when purchasing an agri-food product, consumers can simply and quickly discover the overly technical and difficult-to-understand terms on the label .
Read too: E551 – Silicon dioxide
In order to support consumers , InfoCons through the InfoCons Application – the ” Search by terms ” section ensures the “translation” of technical terms related to food additives , for example: citric acid , potassium sorbate , ammonium phosphates . With the InfoCons App , consumers can make informed decisions knowing the meaning of every word .
Examples of commonly encountered food additives that consumers can find in the dictionary in the InfoCons App :
Citric acid ( E 330 ) – Food additive in the category of acidity regulators, being also used as a flavoring. It enhances the effect of antioxidants and gelling agents and contributes to the formation of emulsions. Naturally, citric acid is found in every living cell. For industrial use, it is obtained by fermenting molasses or sugar in the presence of the mold Aspergillus niger. It is used in the quantities provided by recipes, in products based on fruits, vegetables, milk, in non-emulsified and emulsified oils and fats, bakery products, pastries, confectionery, etc., as well as in products intended for infants and small children, in quantities provided in recipes .
Read too: E950 Acesulfame K
Potassium sorbate ( E 202 ) – Food additive in the preservative category. For industrial use, it is obtained through chemical processes, being the potassium salt of sorbic acid E 200. It is a good preservative, especially against molds and yeasts, not being effective against bacteria. Sorbates are also used in combination with benzoates in products such as flavored non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks), weak alcoholic beverages, liquid tea concentrates (used in dispensers), some canned fruit and vegetable products, jams, jellies with a low sugar content, olives and olive-based products, fish products, crustaceans, shrimps, molluscs, emulsified and non-emulsified sauces, condiments, spices, mustard, prepared salads, desserts based on unheated dairy products, in dietetic foods for special medical purposes, supplements feeding liquids and chewing gum.
Ammonium phosphates ( E 442 ) – food additive with the role of emulsifier and stabilizer, obtained from ammonia and phosphorylated fatty acids, used especially in confectionery and pastry products based on chocolate and cocoa.
Read too: E202 – Potassium sorbate
The InfoCons app is available in 33 languages :
– Scanning the QR codes on the energy labels of household appliances and electronic devices;
– Scanning the barcodes of food products to find out the ingredients, the number and type of food additives, allergens, the amount of sugar, salt, calories;
– All useful and emergency numbers at local, national and international level;
– Alerts for food and non-food products;
– Waiting times at road border crossing points in Romania, as well as the map with civil protection shelters