Organic chemistry in food industry

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The term food industries covers a series of industrial activities directed at the processing preparation, conversion, preservation and packaging of foodstuffs. It is challenging to find an inclusive way from all aspects of food production and sale.The food industry today has become highly diversified, with manufacturing ranging from small,traditional that are highly labor intensive, to large and mechanized industrial processes. 



Types of food industry:

Major industries constituting the food processing industry are grains, sugar, beverages, dairy product and edible oil.The key sub-segments of the food processing industry in India are: Dairy, Fruits, and Vegetables, poultry and Meat processing.Food retail etc. 

Role of Chemistry in food industry:

Many of the chemicals found in a food occur naturally and include nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibre and a host of other elements and compounds. Chemical substances can play an important role in food production and prevention. Other chemicals can be used to fight diseases in farm animal or crops

Organic compounds in food products:

An organic compound is a substance that is added a product, like food, to improve some qualities such as taste, smell, colour and texture. These substances can be both positive and negative for human health.   

Why are chemicals added to food? 

Food additives are substances added to food to maintain or improve its safety, freshness, texture, taste or appearance. Food additive need to be checked for potential harmful effects on human health before can be used. 

What are organic compounds in a food? 

Most organic compounds making up our cells and body belong to one of four classes: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. These molecules are incorporated into our bodies with the food we eat. 

Importance of organic chemistry in food industry:

Nowadays, food industry does not only relying the non processed stuff but also use in chemical either to enhance the flavour or appearance. There are some importance of organic chemistry in food industry.

1.Preservative Agent:

In modern chemistry, artificial preservative is more common since it is cheaper. However, preservative from organic compound is still widely used and people consider it safer. The common natural preservative for e.g. is salt and frozen hydrogen oxide.
Many types of food especially in traditional serving use salt as preservatives to keep the food edibility longer. Also, the method of using ice as preservative still the main mechanism by freezing the items in cold temperature.

Coloring Chemical-

The ancient method of enhancing the appearance of the food to make it more appealing and appetizing used color agents from natural source. As science evolved, even some artificial color additives are still derivation of organic compounds.
Some of the most famous color additives for food are carotenoids for yellow, orange, and deep red derived from carrot, pumpkin, potato, etc 

Crop protection-

Crops and other plantation products need high maintenance from unwanted disturbance like pest and weeds. Therefore, in order to get the stock stable and quality good, farmers need crop protection. Chemical generated from organic compound is the best pesticides as it can blend better with the environment without causing multiple damage to ecosystem. Even though artificial pesticide is more popular, the one from organic chemistry is more recommendable for the long sustain of food industry.

Antioxidants-

In order to prevent food oxidated too fast, it will need antioxidant. Antioxidant help to slow oxidation within the ingredients of the food and keep the nutrient inside. The most popular organic compound as antioxidant is vitamin C or ascorbic acid and vitamin E or tocopherol.

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