food additive
A substance deliberately added to foods or beverages for beneficial technological reasons (e.g. to preserve, flavour, colour or ensure a particular texture). Food additives are not normally consumed by themselves nor used as typical ingredients in food
A food additive is a substance intentionally added to food to achieve a specific purpose, such as preserving freshness, enhancing flavor, improving texture, or giving color. Examples include preservatives, sweeteners, colors, stabilizers, and emulsifiers.
EFSA evaluates food additives to ensure they are safe for consumers at the levels used in food. This involves assessing toxicity, possible long-term health effects, and dietary exposure. EFSA’s scientific advice helps regulators decide whether an additive can be authorized, under what conditions it can be used, and the maximum safe amounts, ensuring that foods remain safe and meet regulatory standards.