What type of food does the term ‘additive’ refer to in regulatory terms?

The term ‘additive’ in regulatory terms primarily refers to substances that are added to food to ensure safety and maintain or improve the quality of the food product. This encompasses a wide range of substances that might be included in food processing for various purposes, such as extending shelf life, enhancing flavor, improving texture, or providing nutritional benefits.

When considering the focus of regulatory definitions, additives must meet specific safety standards set by food safety authorities before they can be approved for use in food products. This ensures that any substance added to food does not pose a health risk to consumers and contributes positively to food quality.

Other terms like preservatives and enhancers may refer to specific categories of additives, but they do not capture the broader regulatory definition that includes all substances added for safety and quality purposes. As such, while preservatives and enhancers are indeed important types of additives, the most comprehensive definition in a regulatory context encompasses all substances that support food safety and quality.