Final answer:
The largest single group of food additives consists of flavor enhancers, with sodium chloride (salt) being the most common. Artificial food colorings are also widely used in various food products.
Step-by-step explanation:
The largest single group of food additives is flavor enhancers. These additives enhance the natural flavors of food without adding a flavor of their own. Among these, one of the most commonly used flavor enhancers is sodium chloride (salt), which has been utilized since ancient times and is consumed in much higher quantities than necessary for physiological needs in modern diets. Flavors, whether derived from natural sources or created artificially, play a significant role in the appeal of foods. Additionally, artificial food colorings are widely used in the food industry, with some of the most common being FD&C Blue No.1, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&A Yellow No.5, and FD&C Yellow No.6.