Thursday, 28 January, 2021, 08 : 00 AM [IST] Norina Fernandes The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32 per cent of the country's total food market, one of the largest industries in India and is ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export and expected growth. Food additives are substances added intentionally to foodstuffs to perform certain technological functions, for example to colour, to sweeten or to help preserve foods. Groups of food additives, such as: - Flavour and Flavor enhancers; Sweeteners; Food colourants;- Antioxidants; Preservatives; Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners and gelling agents and Enzymes . When ensuring the use of authorised flavours, FEMA GRAS is a common reference for Indian industry. These are used for enhancing quality and appearance of food products; food additives find diverse application in beverages, bakery, confectionary, dairy and meat and poultry products. Four categories of Food additives: nutritional additives, processing agents, preservatives, and sensory agents.