Key Points/Overview
Preservatives are added to food to fight spoilage caused by bacteria, molds, fungus and yeast.
Preservatives are commonly used in medicines such as acetaminophen, insulin and cough syrup to help prevent microbial contamination. In cosmetics and personal care products, preservatives help prevent contamination and the growth of harmful bacteria.
The use of preservatives in food products is studied and regulated by the FDA.
Preservatives in medicines and drugs are generally considered to be “inactive ingredients” by the FDA. Its Inactive Ingredients Database provides information on inactive ingredients in FDA-approved drug products.
