2. Uses of Chemicals in the Food and Beverage Industry

Food additives, sanitizers, cleaning agents, technological aids, components of packaging materials and objects, and other definitions can be applied to chemicals when used in the industry of edible commodities—all edible products—for human and animal consumption. Nowadays, approximately 100% of food productions worldwide are realized totally or partially with the help of chemical substances. By the technological viewpoint, chemicals are generally needed because of two reasons at least (when speaking of foods and beverages): the reconstitution, treatment, or modification of one or more of involved raw materials because of different reasons, and an exigency of ameliorated foods with enhanced durability and/or new features (improved colors, aromas, excellent cooking resistance, etc.). Consequently, the modern food and beverage industry cannot be conceived today without chemicals: food additives, cleaning, and sanitizing agents, …, and a careful evaluation has to be carried out when speaking of work safety. This chapter is focused on the use of several chemicals in the food industry depending on their use and peculiar dangers for workers and the environment.