An Example of the Use of Spectrophotometric Method: Determining the Carmine in Various Food Products

Abstract

As it is known, laboratory aided science teaching enhances the student success. Laboratory studies are used not only to teach the subjects in the schedule, but also to determine the additives in food products. There are many food products the sales of which are forbidden in school canteens. It is necessary that the reason why the sale of such products are forbidden be learned first by the teachers and then be conveyed to the students. Because such additives are used in small amounts, they can only be detected by instrumental analysis methods. With a spectrophotometer, which is one of the most common and practical tools, a number of analysis can be carried out easily. In this study, what is aimed at is to show the existence of carmine, which is obtained from insect extract, in a number of food products, such as red jams, black cherry juice and cola and in cosmetic products, such as red blush and lipstick through the use of spectrophotometer. Hereby, it is aimed to make prospective teachers wonder the ingredients of the products they use in their everyday lives and become conscious consumers as well as enlightening their students in the prospective schools they will be employed about this subject matter. The sample of the study consists of 40 students who are still studying at the Science and Technology Teaching Department of Faculty of Education in Mugla Sitki Kocman University. (C) 2013 The Authors Published by Elsevier Ltd.