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E234 is a European Union (EU) approved food additive used as an antifungal preservative in foods. Nisin was first used in 1988 as a natural preservative.
E234 is a polypeptide antibiotic consisting of 34 amino acid chains. This chemical is the main metabolite as it is produced during fermentation during the growth of the bacterium Lactococcus lactis. E234 can be obtained naturally (for example, from milk), as well as by chemical synthesis.
The supplement decomposes in the small intestine, after which it is absorbed into the body in the form of protein. The recommended daily intake of nisin is up to about 80 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Characterization
Nisin is most often a natural dietary supplement. It has a powdery form of yellow-white or white tint. The additive is completely and effortlessly soluble in water. It has the following chemical formula: C143H230N42O37S7.
Impact on the body: harm and benefit
To date, the additive is considered completely safe and non-toxic, and is approved for use in the food industry in at least 50 countries around the world. Scientists have proven that the supplement is completely broken down and absorbed as much as possible.
But, despite the relative safety of the supplement, it has both beneficial and harmful properties.
Nisin perfectly suppresses microbial activity, destroying pathogenic microorganisms: staphylococci, streptococci, etc. But it is worth noting its low level of influence on gram-negative bacteria.
Due to the properties of the food additive, it is possible to significantly reduce the period of time for heat treatment, which makes it possible to preserve a number of useful and nutritious substances in the products.
The harm of the additive lies in the fact that nisin, like all antibiotics, destroys not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria. Undosed use of products containing E234 is not recommended, especially for young children and adolescents.
Application in the food industry
With the help of this additive, the reproduction of any bacteria on the surface of the products is completely suppressed. E234 has excellent preservative properties, its use significantly increases the shelf life and storage of food.
Most often it is used as a preservative for meat stew, in the process of rolling dairy products (condensed milk, kefir, etc.), corn, mushrooms, legumes, etc. Also, this food additive can often be found in the composition of hard cheeses, cottage cheese, butter, processed cheese, confectionery and bakery products.
Often E234 is found in the composition of wines, since lowlands help speed up the process of their maturation, preventing fermentation. And for medical purposes, it can be found in the composition of the shells of various food products – it plays the role of a safe antibiotic.
Dosage
Nisin is recommended to be used in the following dosages. For cheeses, add 50-60 grams per 1 ton of finished products. For the preparation of canned fruits or vegetables, the norm is 100-150 grams of additive per ton of products. To preserve dairy products, 10 to 15 grams of additive is added per ton of raw materials. For sauces, the norm is from 50 to 200 grams of nisin per 1 ton of product. For the production of bakery products, the additive is mixed with flour: for 100 kilograms of flour, the norm is from 25 to 40 grams of E234. For 1 liter of beer, the norm is from 10 to 40 grams of additive. E234 is added per ton of canned fish and meat in an amount of 50 to 100 grams.
Regardless of the fact that E234 is considered a relatively safe supplement, it should be used in moderation. Large amounts of nisin can cause a range of side effects. That is why when choosing products, try to give preference to natural ones, without any additives, including chemical ones.
Dietary restrictions
There are no dietary restrictions. Products with the presence of this additive can be consumed by vegetarians and all representatives of religious groups.
Terms of sale
Lowlands can be found both in small packages and in large ones. The powder is first packed in dense polyethylene, hermetically sealed. Then placed in a paper bag. The packaging must indicate the manufacturer, batch number, weight and instructions for use.
Storage conditions
It is necessary to store the additive in an airtight package, without access to direct sunlight and moisture. The storage temperature should be between 4 and 25 degrees Celsius.