### Question
Can you define what chemical preservative means?


### Answer
**Chemical preservative** is defined as the following in *21 CFR § 101.22*:

> any chemical that, when added to food, tends to prevent or retard deterioration thereof, but does not include common salt, sugars, vinegars, spices, or oils extracted from spices, substances added to food by direct exposure thereof to wood smoke, or chemicals applied for their insecticidal or herbicidal properties.

#### Citation:
  - *21 CFR § 101.22*
  - Heading: **Subpart B—Specific Food Labeling Requirements**

