Environmental Impact of Bio-additives

Amid increasing consumer awareness, health concerns regarding food additives have become a global concern. In addition, environmental sustainability is at global forefront. Bio-additives may win consumer trust based on lower health risks and environmental impact. So, assessing their suitability as a potential alternative to traditional food additives is imperative for enhanced consumer safety and environmental sustainability. This chapter briefly introduces food additives, their important classes, acceptable levels, and reasons to replace them with bio-additives. Subsequently, the chapter will discuss how bio-additives can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the food industry. Moreover, the challenges regarding bio-additive adaptation in the food industry are discussed. Technological challenges may exist for replacing existing food additives with novel bio-additives, particularly related to dosage and their impacts on product safety, texture, and organoleptic value. So, research efforts will be needed for optimization. Finally, this chapter will discuss how bio-additives contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDG) of the United Nations (UN). Bio-additives may contribute to consumer health (SDG 3), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13). In conclusion, this chapter may contribute to the knowledge base and valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and the food industry.