Many different food additives have been developed over time to meet food production needs, because making food on a large scale is very different from making them on a small scale at home. Additives are needed to ensure processed food remains safe and in good condition during its journey from the factory or industrial kitchen, during transportation to warehouses and shops, and finally to consumers. The use of food additives is only justified when its use has technological needs, does not mislead consumers, and serves well-defined technological functions, such as maintaining food nutritional quality or increasing food stability.
Food additives can come from plants, animals, or minerals, or synthetic. Intentionally added to food to carry out certain technological goals that are often considered normal by consumers. There are several thousand food additives used, all of which are designed to do certain jobs in making food safer or more attractive.