Emulsifiers are substances which are capable of aiding the formation of a uniform dispersion of two or more immisible substances. Stabilisers are substances which are capable of maintaining such uniform dispersion. Humectant means any substance which, when added to food, absorbs moisture and maintains the water content of the food. Sequestrants are substances which, when added to food, combines with a metal ion in the food and renders the metal ion inactive. A leavening is any chemical that can produce bubbles of gas in dough.
Chemicals allow food to be more easily handled by automatic machinery.
Every meal you eat is almost certain to contain small amounts of a variety of chemicals, added to the food for a variety of reasons. The natural and artificial chemicals in our foods do not act alone. Inside our bodies, the chemicals we eat and drink interact with one another as well as with our own body chemicals to produce effects that are sometimes startlingly unexpected. Eating food and taking medicine are not the same. Bear in mind that medicines are used specifically for their ability to counter a disease process.