The assortment of food in supermarkets can be confusing: colorful labels, tasty names, products familiar from childhood. But under the attractive packaging sometimes hides an unexpected ingredient - in particular, the so-called "meat glue."
It's a food additive called transglutaminase, an enzyme widely used in the food industry. It has the ability to bind proteins, so it's often used to create a "whole" piece from different cuts of meat or fish.
Transglutaminase is a natural substance found in humans, animals, and even plants. In the human body, it participates in important physiological processes: it helps in tissue healing, strengthens hair and skin, and is also responsible for blood clotting.
In food production, the enzyme is used for a completely different purpose - as a stabilizer and binding component. Its ability to "crosslink" protein molecules allows you to give products a uniform, attractive shape.
Transglutaminase is most often added to:
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meat products: ham, sausage, hot dogs, semi-finished products;
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fish products: sticks, cutlets, fillets in pieces;
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dairy products: cheeses, yogurts;
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pasta, pastes, sauces;
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gluten-free baking as an alternative to gluten.
The enzyme allows you to "glue" a marketable product from individual parts that looks like a whole piece. This is economically beneficial for manufacturers, as it allows you to minimize the loss of raw materials. And for the consumer, it is a reason to be attentive to the composition of the product.
According to current data, transglutaminase is considered safe for healthy people and is approved for use in the EU, the USA and Ukraine. At the same time, some scientists warn that excessive consumption of the enzyme may be undesirable for people with intestinal disorders or autoimmune diseases. There are no definitive conclusions about harm, but it is worth observing moderation in the consumption of processed foods.
Transglutaminase is not a toxic substance, but it is an example of how the modern food industry alters food for the convenience of the manufacturer. To make an informed choice, it is important to read labels and understand what you are buying.
