Abstract

Community consumption rates of the food additives, which are mostly used to add positive qualities to food, are not known precisely. In this study, it was aimed to determine the potential risk of individuals' exposure to food additives and their awareness about them. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Beşiktaş, Istanbul. By face to face intervention method individuals’ education levels, anthropometric characteristics, diet patterns, chronic illnesses and knowledge about additives were questioned. Especially due to their possible negative health effects nitrite, nitrate, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) included foods are questioned. Data were evaluated using SPSS 15.0 program by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Fisher's exact chi-square test and Chi-square tests. At 95% confidence level, p<0.05 was considered significant. There were 253 female, 133 male and their mean age, weight and BMI was; 42,31 ±15,01, 72kg, 167cm, 26kg/boy², respectively. Individuals didn’t have enough knowledge about additives. Among the investigated additives; nitrite and nitrate were mostly taken from sausage, cooked-frozen meat and sausage, respectively. HFCS was taken from cola, sugary juice and chocolate, and MSG was taken mostly from chips, frozen potatoes and salad dressing. It was determined that the nitrite comsumption exceed the recommended daily ADI levels. It is predicted that, in case of other additive rich foods are taken together during the same day, there may be exceed consumption of nitrate, MSG and HFCS as well. Since it is known that food additives may have adverse effects on health if they consume above the recommended ADI levels excessive consumption should be prevented, the community awareness about additives should be raised, manufacturing process should be supervised by policy regulations and global standardizations should be adapted.

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