This reporter is Wang Xinyue

Milk tea is a favorite drink for many people. In daily life, how to identify food additives in milk tea? How to drink milk tea scientifically? In response to these problems, the reporter interviewed Chen Shiqi, vice president of Chongqing Institute for Food and Drug Inspection and Testing.

2月8日，《食品安全國家標準 食品添加劑使用標準》(GB 2760—2024)正式實施，新版標準修改了部分食品添加劑的使用要求，調整了使用範圍和限量。其中一項調整是禁止在澱粉製品中使用脫氫乙酸及其鈉鹽。

"As an excipient for 'milk tea companion', 'pearl' is a typical starch product, and it is also among the foods that prohibit the use of sodium dehydroacetate." Chen Shiqi said.

Sodium dehydroacetate is a low-toxicity preservative commonly used by food producers. Scientific studies have pointed out that long-term excessive intake of sodium dehydroacetate may pose certain health risks. At present, there are three main types of "pearl" ingredients on the market, most of the normal temperature pearls and quick-cooked pearls used by merchants contain preservatives, and frozen pearls that do not contain preservatives rely on cold chain transportation, and the cost is higher. The implementation of the new regulations requires brands and suppliers to overcome manufacturing process challenges and adjust pearl formulations to ensure product compliance and health.

"Technology and ruthlessness" is an Internet buzzword, which is used to ridicule or satirize the excessive use of additives and synthetic technology in the production or processing of certain foods. This controversy has also existed in the milk tea industry for a long time, because many consumers are suspicious of the food additives in it.

"In milk tea, not all additives are 'technology and ruthlessness'. Food additives are safe as long as they are used within the scope specified in national standards. However, if additives are used beyond the scope and in excessive doses, they may be harmful to health. For example, excessive use of coloring may damage the nervous system and digestive system; The illegal addition of non-edible substances will seriously threaten the life and health of consumers. Chen Shiqi said.

How to identify the "technology and ruthlessness" in milk tea? Chen Shiqi gave the method of "one look, two views, and three tastes".

Take a look at the labels. The packaging of prepackaged milk tea must be clearly marked with information such as product name, ingredient list, production date, and shelf life. The ingredient list is the key, which shows whether the milk tea has food additives and so on.

Second, look at the color and texture. Milk tea made from fresh milk and tea leaves is a natural light brown or beige color with a uniform texture. If the color is too bright, such as bright pink, bright green and other unnatural colors, it is likely that excessive pigment has been added; If the milk tea looks layered or precipitated, there may be a quality problem.

Three smells and tastes. High-quality milk tea has a strong milky flavor and tea flavor. If it's too sweet, it may be that too much sweetener has been added; If there is an off-flavor, sour, astringent or bitter taste, it may be related to poor quality of raw materials and excessive additives.

In daily life, how to drink milk tea scientifically? Chen Shiqi gave advice:

Control the amount you drink. Milk tea is usually high in sugar, fat and caffeine, and long-term excessive consumption will increase the burden on the body. It is recommended to drink no more than one cup of milk tea every day, and try to choose a small cup.

Focus on sugar intake. In order to pursue the taste, a lot of milk tea adds a lot of sugar, and long-term excessive drinking can easily cause tooth decay. When ordering, you can ask for "less sugar" or "no sugar", or you can choose to add fresh fruit for a natural sweetness.

Keep an eye on dairy product choices. Fresh milk is rich in protein and calcium, and is relatively healthy; Creamers may contain trans fatty acids, which are not good for cardiovascular health when consumed for a long time.

Pay attention to the caffeine content. In order to achieve a refreshing effect, some milk teas add more tea base or coffee ingredients. Excessive intake of caffeine can cause insomnia, heart palpitations and other problems, and sensitive people should choose low-caffeine or decaf-free milk tea.

People's Daily (14/0/0 0 Edition)