What is primarily controlled by additives in processed foods?

Additives in processed foods play a crucial role in enhancing color and texture, which significantly impacts the overall appeal and quality of the food product. Colors can be adjusted using artificial or natural colorants, which not only make the food look more appetizing but also help in standardizing the visual characteristics across different batches. Additionally, texture-improving additives, such as gums or starches, can alter how food feels in the mouth, contributing to the desired mouthfeel and consistency.

While flavor is also affected by additives, the question specifically asks about aspects that are "primarily" controlled. Color and texture are often more directly manipulated through the use of specific additives to achieve the intended visual and tactile qualities of processed foods. Therefore, focusing on these two aspects illustrates the critical role that additives play in food processing. Other choices relate to different elements of the food industry that are not primarily governed by food additives themselves.