Milk tea is a popular beverage among many people. How to identify food additives in milk tea in daily life? How to drink milk tea scientifically? In response to these issues, the reporter interviewed Chen Shiqi, Vice President of Chongqing Institute of Food and Drug Inspection and Testing. On February 8th, the "National Food Safety Standard for the Use of Food Additives" (GB 2760-2024) was officially implemented. The new version of the standard modified the requirements for the use of some food additives, adjusted the scope and limit of use. One of the adjustments is to prohibit the use of dehydroacetic acid and its sodium salt in starch products. As an auxiliary ingredient for 'milk tea companions',' pearls' are typical starch products and are also among the foods prohibited from using sodium dehydroacetate Chen Shiqi said. Sodium dehydroacetate is a commonly used low toxicity preservative by food producers. Scientific research suggests that long-term excessive intake of sodium dehydroacetate may pose certain health risks. At present, there are three main types of "pearl" small materials on the market. Most merchants use room temperature pearls and fast boiled pearls that contain preservatives, while frozen pearls without preservatives rely on cold chain transportation, which is more expensive. The implementation of the new regulations requires brand owners and suppliers to overcome production process difficulties and adjust pearl formulas to ensure product compliance and health. As a popular internet slang, 'Technology and Hard Work' is used to ridicule or satirize the excessive use of additives, synthetic techniques, and other methods in the production or processing of certain foods. This controversy has long existed in the bubble tea industry, stemming from many consumers' doubts about the food additives involved. Not all additives in milk tea are 'technology and brute force'. Food additives are safe as long as they are used within the scope specified by national standards. But if additives are used beyond the scope and dosage, they may pose a health hazard. For example, excessive use of pigments may damage the nervous and digestive systems; The illegal addition of non edible substances poses a serious threat to the life and health of consumers Chen Shiqi said. How to identify the "technology and vitality" in milk tea? Chen Shiqi proposed the method of "first glance, second observation, and third taste". Look at the label. The packaging of pre packaged milk tea must clearly indicate the product name, ingredient list, production date, shelf life, and other information. The ingredient list is crucial, indicating whether milk tea contains food additives, etc. Observe the color and texture. Milk tea made from fresh milk and tea leaves has a natural light brown or beige color and a uniform texture. Colors that are too bright, such as bright pink, bright green, and other unnatural colors, may have added excessive pigments; If the milk tea appears to have obvious layering or sedimentation, it may be a quality issue. Smell the aroma and taste the texture three times. High quality milk tea has a rich aroma of milk and tea. If it is too sweet, it may be due to the addition of too many sweeteners; If there is an odor, sour or bitter taste, it may be related to poor quality of raw materials and excessive additives. How to drink milk tea scientifically in daily life? Chen Shiqi gave advice: control the amount of drinking. Milk tea usually contains high levels of sugar, fat, and caffeine, and long-term excessive consumption can increase the burden on the body. It is recommended to drink no more than one cup of milk tea per day, and try to choose small cups. Pay attention to sugar intake. Many milk teas add a lot of sugar for the sake of taste, and long-term excessive consumption can easily lead to tooth decay. When placing an order, you can request "less sugar" or "no sugar", or you can choose to add fresh fruits to increase the natural sweetness. Pay attention to the selection of dairy products. Fresh milk is rich in protein and calcium, making it relatively healthy; However, creamer may contain trans fatty acids, and long-term consumption is not conducive to cardiovascular health. Pay attention to the caffeine content. Some milk teas add more tea base or coffee ingredients to achieve a refreshing effect. Excessive intake of caffeine can cause insomnia, palpitations, and other problems. Sensitive individuals should choose low caffeine or decaffeinated milk tea. (New Society)