Processing Aids

Processing aids are used for the production and processing of foods.

Processing aids facilitate tasks such as slicing, filtering, and chemical transformations. Processing aids are different than additives because processing aids are removed after they have served their purpose. Nonetheless, traces remain dectable in the final products, where they no longer serve a purpose.

Processing aids are not legally considered foods. As opposed to food additives, processing aids are not subjected to authorisation requirements and do not have to appear in the list of ingredients. However, processing aids must meet the same health and safety standards as additives.

The food industry makes use of numerous processing aids. These include:

• Filtering and clarity agents 

• Anti-clumping agents, mould release agents, peeling aids 

• Anti-foaming agents

• Bleaching agents, extraction aids

• Catalysts 

Enzymes used in food processing are also generally considered processing aids.