Food additives are substances added to foods during processing to improve taste, texture, appearance, or shelf life. They can be natural or synthetic and are regulated by government agencies to ensure safety. Common examples include high fructose corn syrup, MSG, and artificial food colorings.

Different types of food additives include preservatives (e.g., sodium benzoate, sulfites), flavor enhancers (e.g., MSG, aspartame), colorings (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5), and emulsifiers/texturizers (e.g., lecithin, mono- and diglycerides).

While many additives are considered safe, some may have negative health effects such as allergic reactions (e.g., to sulfites or MSG), asthma triggers (sulfites), increased cancer risk (nitrites, nitrates), hyper activity in children (certain food dyes), and hormonal disruption (BPA).

To minimize exposure to harmful additives, read labels carefully, choosing foods free of artificial ingredients. Prioritize fresh, whole foods and cooking from scratch, opt for organic options, and limit processed foods.