What are food additives?

Food additives are substances that are intentionally added to food products to perform specific functions, including preservation. These additives can enhance the safety, freshness, and nutritional value of food, as well as improve its taste, texture, and appearance. Preservatives, which fall under the category of food additives, play a crucial role in extending the shelf life of products by preventing spoilage from microorganisms and oxidation.

While natural colors and flavor enhancers are indeed components of food additives, they do not encompass the entire definition. The term "food additives" broadly includes all substances added to food for a variety of purposes, but the primary focus in the context of this question is on those that serve to preserve food. The concept of food additives is not limited to natural colors, flavor enhancements, or only substances consumed in food; it is a comprehensive term that covers a wide range of substances including preservatives, flavorings, colorings, and texture agents. Therefore, the correct answer focuses specifically on preservation as a central function of food additives.