Tokyo Food Safety Information Center » Tokyo Metropolitan Government food safety FAQ »Are food additives used for vegetables to make them look better?
Are food additives used for vegetables to make them look better?
Are food additives used on vegetables to make them look better?
- How long can vegetables be kept in a refrigerator?
- Please show us some recommended methods for storage.
Although food additives should not be used to mask quality and freshness, some designated food additives are allowed for reduction of bacteria attached on vegetables during food production and cooking. It is regulated that these types of additives, intended for disinfection of vegetables, be utilized so that they do not remain in the end.
Food additives that might misrepresent the quality and freshness of foods cannot be used for vegetables, such as, food colorings used to make colors look fresh, and bleaching agents used for whitening.
- The period during which vegetables can be kept in a refrigerator should be less than ten days or so, although this might differ depending on the type of vegetable and the storage conditions. For guidance concerning the safe storage period, refer to the information given by the manufacturer of your refrigerator.
- For storage, it is effective to wrap vegetables with food wrap films, etc., to prevent drying. Note that refrigerated storage may not be appropriate for some vegetables.