An accessory food substance, also known as a food additive, is any non-nutritive substance added to food to improve taste, texture, appearance or preservation. Synonyms for accessory food substances include food enhancers, flavorings, colorings, sweeteners, emulsifiers, antioxidant agents, and preservatives. Flavorings and sweeteners are most commonly used to enhance the taste of processed foods, while colorings help to improve the visual appeal of products. Emulsifiers and antioxidant agents are used to improve the texture and shelf life of many food products, making them more appealing to consumers. Across the food industry, the use of accessory food substances is regulated by government agencies to ensure food safety and to manage consumer health concerns.