Food additive

Food additives are substances which are added in small amounts to industrial foods to improve their flavour, texture, or appearance, etc. They are simple molecules (in contrast to often more complex ingredients) and all have a code, Exxx, attributed by the Codex AlimentariusCommission.

Food additives are divided into several groups depending on their role:

• colouring agents;
• preservatives;
• anti-oxidants;
• texture agents (including emulsifiers and modified starches);
• sweeteners;
• taste enhancers;
• acidifying agents...

Food additives must be listed on product packaging and must appear on the list of permitted substances. Otherwise their use is prohibited.