Are food additives harmful? 

When people think of food additives, visions of harmful chemicals pop into mind. But additives like preservatives, colors, and flavors actually make up a very small percentage of our daily diet. Food additives will not cause hyperactivity, or harm to your children. In fact, preservatives help prevent spoilage, such as the growth of mold, which can be harmful to our health. 

Melinda Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D., Former Nutritional Sciences Specialist, University of Missouri-Columbia