What are four reasons food additives used in food?

1. Preservation: Additives like antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C) and preservatives (e.g., salt, nitrates) help slow down spoilage and extend shelf life. This prevents food from going bad quickly and allows for transportation and distribution.

2. Enhancement of Taste, Texture, and Appearance: Additives can improve the flavor, color, and texture of food. For example, sweeteners enhance sweetness, emulsifiers improve texture, and food coloring makes food look more appealing.

3. Nutritional Value: Some additives, such as vitamins and minerals, are added to fortify foods and address nutritional deficiencies. This helps ensure people are getting essential nutrients.

4. Processing Aids: These additives are used during food processing to improve efficiency or stability. For instance, emulsifiers help to combine oil and water, while stabilizers prevent separation in products like yogurt.