Description - Figure 1: Decision tree to identify food additives and processing aids based on the regulatory definition of food additive. (Policy for Differentiating Food Additives and Processing Aids)

Step 1: Substance excluded from definition of food additive?
If yes, substance must be used in accordance with Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations.
If no, step 2.

Step 2: Use of substance affects characteristic(s) of the food?
If yes, food additive.
If no, step 3.

Step 3: Substance becomes part of the food?
If no, processing aid.
If yes, step 4.

Step 4: "Negligible" residues of substance in food in accordance with policy?
If yes, processing aid.
If no, food additive.