Although employment in the food industry may at times be unstable, the foods put into the marketplace must be very stable. With turnover at food companies as well as internal job transfers, many food scientists are quickly thrown into new product development areas. One of the most difficult aspects of working in a new type of food area is to master the stabilizers used in that food. Stabilizers not only keep a food from physically falling apart but also provide critical rheological functionality, including various desirable gel and viscosity profiles. In addition, the flavor release, color, and appearance of the food are often highly dependent on the stabilizers used. Finally, design of the processing procedures to manufacture the food product is often contingent on insuring correct activation of the stabilizer system. Stabilizers can be the food manufacturer"s greatest ally or worst nightmare depending on the correct selection and use of these crucial food components. Nor can the...