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.
Additives that are added to a food for a specific purpose are known as direct additives. For example, the low calorie sweetener, aspartame, is a direct additive that is added to puddings, soft drinks, yogurt, and many other foods. Direct additives are identified on a foodâs ingredient label. Artificial or synthetic colors and flavors are examples of this type of additive. 2  These additives are added in minute amounts that can have a large impact. 3  By FDA regulations, colorings can only be used to enhance visual appeal, not to misrepresent the food (Jones 1992).