Table 1.

Main definitions of food additives by different government agencies

Last updated on January 31, 2018	United States	JECFA www.who.int	Substances added to food to maintain or improve its safety, freshness, taste, texture, or appearance.
Last updated on February 7, 2018	United States	FDA www.fda.gov	Any substance the intended use of which results or may reasonably be expected to result - directly or indirectly - in its becoming a component or otherwise affecting the characteristics of any food.
Last updated on November 30, 2018	Europe	EFSA www.efsa.europa.eu	Food additives are substances added intentionally to foodstuffs to perform certain technological functions, for example to colour, to sweeten or to help preserve foods.
Last updated on March 18, 2012	Europe	EAACI www.eeaci.org	Food additives are a large and varied group of substances added to food to, for example, prevent growth of microorganisms, give colour or flavour, improve texture or prevent browning.