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 used for years to flavor, preserve, thicken, and color foods. But while our eyes and palettes may be well satisfied, Federal Regulations require evidence that additives are safe, and MSG, a popular additive made notorious by Chinese take-out, is under infamously close scrutiny.