Sugar has been a staple in human diets for centuries, playing a crucial role in preserving food and enhancing flavour. However, in recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the negative health consequences of excessive sugar consumption.
A Sweet History
Historically, sugar was a valuable commodity, used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of food. By drawing moisture away from microorganisms, sugar could prevent spoilage and maintain food quality.
The Rise of Modern Food Processing
With advancements in food technology, we've developed innovative methods to preserve food without relying heavily on sugar. Thermal processing techniques, such as those offered by Lagarde Autoclaves, Perfinox and Niko have made an important contribution to the food industry.
Thermal processing utilises heat to eliminate harmful microorganisms and deactivate enzymes. By carefully controlling temperature and time, manufacturers can significantly extend the shelf life of their products. This process involves heating food to a specific temperature for a designated period, ensuring that any potential pathogens are destroyed. This method not only enhances food safety but also maintains the product's nutritional value and sensory attributes.
Lagarde Autoclaves utilise steam/air technology to gently process food products, preserving their nutritional value and extending shelf life. By eliminating the need for excessive sugar, these autoclaves contribute to the production of healthier and more natural foods.
Perfinox's Scraped Surface Heat Exchangers offer precise temperature control and efficient heat transfer, allowing for gentle processing that minimises the degradation of heat-sensitive nutrients. This technology enables the production of high-quality, low-sugar products that meet consumer demand for healthier options.
Additionally, Niko's Tunnel Pasteurisers provide a gentle and efficient continuous process for pasteurising a wide range of food products, including fruit and vegetable juices, jams & preserves. By carefully controlling the pasteurisation process, Niko's technology helps to preserve the natural flavour, colour, and texture of food while minimising nutrient loss and microbial contamination.
The Clean Label Movement and Government Regulations
The rise of the clean label movement, coupled with increasing public health concerns, has driven manufacturers to reduce or eliminate added sugars and artificial ingredients from their products.
The UK government has taken significant steps to address the issue of obesity, including the introduction of the sugar tax and the recommendation from the House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee to introduce a salt and sugar reformulation tax. The purpose of the tax would be to incentivise manufacturers to reduce the sugar and salt content of their products, making healthier choices more accessible to consumers.
According to the latest statistics from Public Health England, obesity rates in the UK continue to rise, with significant health implications. By reducing sugar intake and promoting healthier eating habits, we can improve public health and reduce the burden on the NHS.
The Future of Food
By embracing modern food processing technologies and adopting cleaner label strategies, we can create a healthier future for generations to come.
Let's work together to promote healthier food choices and reduce the impact of excessive sugar consumption.