[Knowledge of the young people in Mureş county concerning alimentary additives in the menu].

Aim: To monitore knowledges and attitudes regarding food additives in a representative sample of Mureş students.

Methods: We used a questionnaire of 27 questions related to nutritional behaviour, types of food and beverages with food additives used frequently in the menu and also knowledges regarding food additives. We choose a groups of 185 students from Targu-Mures University of Medicine, in 2007.

Results: Knowledges regarding food additives are impressive in our group and showing interest for this matter also. From our subjects 55.14% are avoiding food products and beverages with additives, especially girls from urban area (p < 0.00006). An important percentage (9.72%) of students are associating over admitted limits of additive food products daily (ham, sweets, dairy, jam, canned food)e; 20% of them are consuming also beverages and instant tea types with more additives involved.

Conclusions: The motives to avoid food additives are related to cancer and gastric toxicity causes.