This document provides information on various food additives and how they are used. It begins by defining a food additive as anything intentionally added to food to produce a specific beneficial result. There are approximately 3000 compounds added to foods in Canada. Food additives are added to foods to make them more appealing, nutritious, preserve freshness, make processing easier, and keep foods stable during storage. Some major categories of food additives discussed are preservatives, antioxidants, sequestrants, pH control agents, stabilizers/thickeners/emulsifiers, and food flavors. The document also discusses artificial sweeteners and food coloring.