Food additive is

Options

A. Preservative and flavour
B. Sweetener
C. Stabilizer
D. All the above

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Food Additive**: A food additive is defined as a natural or synthetic substance that is added to food to perform specific functions.

2. **Functions of Food Additives**: Food additives serve various purposes, including:
- **Preservation**: They help in preventing spoilage of food. For example, sodium benzoate is a common preservative.
- **Flavor Enhancement**: They can enhance the aroma and taste of food. For instance, saffron is used for both color and flavor.
- **Sweetening**: Sweeteners are added to improve the taste of food. Saccharin is a well-known sweetener.
- **Stabilization**: Stabilizers prevent reactions in food, especially in low-fat foods, ensuring consistency and texture.

3. **Categories of Food Additives**: Based on their functions, food additives can be categorized into:
- Preservatives
- Flavor enhancers
- Sweeteners
- Stabilizers

4. **Conclusion**: Since food additives encompass all the mentioned functions (preservation, flavor enhancement, sweetening, and stabilization), the correct answer to the question is "all the above."

**Final Answer**: Food additive is all of the above (preservative, flavor, sweetener, stabilizer).

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