These can include spices, flavor enhancers, natural and synthetic flavors and sweeteners. Colors give foods a desired, appetizing or characteristic color. Using food additives enables manufacturers to produce and distribute convenience foods with increased shelf life and decreased waste. Stabilizers and preservatives make it possible to ship a wide variety of foods all over the world. Nutrient supplementation and enrichment, such as adding iodine to salt, help the nutritional status of those who might not otherwise obtain certain nutrients.
Food additives increase the availability, quality and safety of food while keeping costs low.
Before using a new food or color additive, a manufacturer must petition the FDA for approval. As part of the petition, the manufacturer must prove that the additive does what it is intended to do and is not harmful to humans at the expected level of consumption. The FDA determines, based on the best scientific data available, if the additive is safe under the proposed conditions of use. After approving a new additive, government officials monitor consumption and keep track of any new research on its safety. The ARMS database helps officials track complaints and determine if a reported adverse reaction represents a real public health hazard associated with food.