formulation - a substance prepared according to a formula; the physician prescribed a commercial preparation of the medicine. preparation. cleaner, cleanser, cleansing agent - a preparation used in cleaning something.
A food additive is any chemical substance that is added to food during preparation or storage and either becomes a part of the food or affects its characteristics for the purpose of achieving a particular technical effect.
Food additives have been developed over the years to meet the needs of food production, as making foods on a large scale is a very different task to making them in the kitchen at home. Additives are needed to ensure processed food remains in a good condition throughout its journey from the factory to the shop and to the consumer at home. Some are so essential that they are even used in organic foods. Preservatives are especially important.