Aditivë

Aditivë are substances deliberately added to products to achieve a desired effect, such as extending shelf life, enhancing flavor or color, improving texture, or stabilizing mixtures. They are used across sectors including food production, cosmetics, medicines, and industrial manufacturing (plastics, fuels). Aditivë may be of natural origin, such as citric acid or lecithin, or synthetic compounds.

In food, common categories include preservatives (to prevent spoilage), antioxidants (to slow oxidation), colorants (to add or restore color), flavor enhancers, emulsifiers and stabilizers (to improve texture and consistency), thickeners, and sweeteners. Outside food, additives may function as solvents, plasticizers, stabilizers, or processing aids.

Regulation and safety: Additives undergo safety assessment by regulatory authorities before they can be marketed. In the European Union, many are labeled with E-numbers; in the United States, the FDA evaluates safety through toxicological studies. National authorities in other regions perform similar reviews. Labeling requirements typically require listing the additive by name or code.

Controversies and consumer information: Some individuals experience sensitivities or intolerances to certain additives, and public debates have addressed potential long-term effects. Regulatory bodies periodically review evidence and may ban or restrict specific substances.

See also: Food additive, Food safety, Flavor enhancer, Emulsifier.