Processing aids are ingredients that are used to assist with the production of food but play no functional role in the final product.

Processing aids are ingredients that are used to assist with the production of food but play no functional role in the final product. Common processing aids include antifoams, enzymes, filtration aids and antistick compounds.

Regulations vary from country to country but, generally speaking, any residual amounts of a processing aid do not need to be declared so long as it has no carry over effect in the final product. However it is important that you check the individual country requirements. For Australia and New Zealand products, section 1.3.3 of the Food Standards Code outlines the regulatory requirements.

Antifoam

As minor ingredients, little attention is often paid to products such as antifoams, especially with respect to quality and food safety. One unique feature of the Emerald range of antifoams is that they are manufactured in a dedicated food-only facility, eliminating the risk of cross contamination with non-food grade material.

Hawkins Watts New Zealand is pleased to represent the Emerald range of antifoam agents. The Emerald Performance Materials group manufacture ingredients and chemicals within the Foam Control division, focusing solely on speciality antifoams and processing aids.

Emerald offers a comprehensive range of Antifoams, choices including silicon-based and non-silicon-based products. While silicon-based antifoams are generally more cost effective, the maximum allowable dose is usually restricted by legislation. Emerald also offer a full range of non-silicon-based products, many of which have been designed for particular applications such as fruit, potato and dairy processing, right through to pharmaceutical and fermentation applications.

There are several factors in providing the correct recommendation for a specific antifoam, so please contact one of the Hawkins Watts New Zealand team to discuss your requirements.

Lubricants, Anti-stick components

In production environments where food may potentially come into contact with machinery, adhesion to the production surface may be an issue. Thankfully there are several suitable food-grade ingredients which can be used to facilitate easier production.

Lecithin – By its nature lecithin has good tin release and anti-stick characteristics. A combination of lecithin and vegetable oil can be beneficial in many applications.

Emulsifiers – We have a range of emulsifiers that are effective in developing tin release agents. Please contact us for more information.

In addition some of the specialty emulsifiers can be used as lubricants, especially where silicon-based compounds are unsuitable (e.g. a cake bakery).