It's important to understand that "chemical" doesn't necessarily mean "harmful." All food is made of chemicals! Here are ten chemical ingredients commonly found in food, along with their purposes:

• 1. Sodium Chloride (NaCl): This is table salt. It's used to enhance flavor and as a preservative.
• 2. Citric Acid (C6H8O7): Found naturally in citrus fruits, it's used as a flavoring agent and preservative, and to regulate acidity.
• 3. Ascorbic Acid (C6H8O6): Also known as Vitamin C, it's used as an antioxidant to prevent food from spoiling and to add nutritional value.
• 4. Potassium Sorbate (C6H7KO2): A preservative that inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi in foods.
• 5. Sodium Benzoate (NaC7H5O2): Another preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi, particularly in acidic foods.
• 6. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (C5H8NO4Na): A flavor enhancer that provides an umami (savory) taste.
• 7. Lecithin: A fat that is used as an emulsifier, to keep oil and water from separating, it is found in Soybeans, and egg yolks.
• 8. Calcium Chloride (CaCl2): Used as a firming agent in canned vegetables and to maintain the texture of cheese.
• 9. Nitrates/Nitrites: These are used in cured meats as preservatives, and to add color.
• 10. Food coloring's: There are many different types of these, and they are used to add color to foods, to make them more visually appealing.

It's important to note that the safety of food additives is rigorously tested by regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and similar organizations in other countries.