Food and Packaging Technology

A food additive is any substance added to food. Legally, the term refers to "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." This definition includes any substance used in the production, processing, treatment, packaging, transportation or storage of food. Flavor enhancers are used in savory foods to enhance the existing flavor in the food. Food flavor enhancers are commercially produced in the form of instant soups, frozen dinners and snack foods etc. Flavor enhancers modify flavors in the food without contributing to any significant flavor of their own. Controlled quantities of these are safe but if ingested in large quantities, they may lead to high blood pressure or some allergies.