food additive, any of a large variety of substances added to foods to prevent spoilage, improve appearance, enhance flavor or texture, or increase nutritional value. Most food additives must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to determine whether they can cause cancer, birth defects, or other health problems. Examples include butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene in vitro, antioxidants that are added to fats to slow rancidity.
