A chemical added to a food to affect its properties. Objectives of including additives in a product include: increased stability during storage; inhibition of growth of microorganisms or production of microbial toxins; prevention or reduction of formation of off-flavours; improved sensory properties, particularly colours and appearance, affecting acceptability to the consumer; improved properties related to preparation and processing of food, for example, ability to create stable foams or emulsions, or to stabilise or thicken sauces.