Explain the term food preservative with one example .

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Food Preservative**:
- A food preservative is a substance added to food to prevent spoilage and extend its shelf life. The primary function of a food preservative is to inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can cause food to spoil.

2. **Functionality of Food Preservatives**:
- Food preservatives work by creating an environment that is unfavorable for microbial growth. They can do this through various mechanisms, such as lowering the pH, reducing moisture content, or releasing chemicals that are toxic to microorganisms.

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