Introduction

The aim of this study is:
- to determine whether people follow a balanced diet with their food choices,
- to establish what preservatives are present in the food that is being consumed,
- to determine whether these preservatives are detrimental to a person’s health,
- to establish ways in which people can make healthier food choices.

The hypothesis for this research project is that it is not possible for an average middle class South African to eat a healthy, balanced diet without consuming too many chemical food preservatives.

Food preservation is defined as "the science, which deals with the process of prevention of decay or spoilage of food thus allowing it to be stored in a fit condition for future use". (Raghaven, 2016) Today, scientists are continually trying to find new ways to make the lifestyles of people more convenient. Many foods spoil / decay long before people can eat them as micro-organisms break them down. Over time, food loses its colour and texture so food preservatives allow the food to look and taste exactly the same when people are able to purchase it. Food preservation is important as it allows certain fruits and vegetables to be available throughout the year, it increases the shelf life of foods, which then increases the supply, it provides a greater variety of foods for people to eat and it decreases the wastage of food by preventing food decay or spoiling. (Ashiya, 2010)

There are many ways of preserving food without using chemical