Food additives

Food additives are substances added to food to achieve technical effects such as preserving quality, improving texture, providing color or flavor, or supporting processing. Some substances used in food are approved as food additives, while others may be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for specified uses.

An ingredient’s safety depends on its identity, intended use, exposure and applicable regulatory conditions. An additive being listed on a label does not by itself indicate that a food is unsafe.

Consumers can use ingredient lists and FDA resources to learn why substances are added and how they are regulated.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Overview of Food Ingredients, Additives & Colors — FDA

Explains food ingredients, additives, colors and regulatory oversight.

Food Ingredients and Colors — FDA

Consumer guide to common food ingredients and their functions.

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