Identifying critical factors influencing the use of additives by food enterprises in China

► We investigated the use of additives by 88 food manufacturers and processors in China. ► We quantitatively analyzed the interaction among the factors using fuzzy DEMATEL. ► We identified critical influential factors in the use of additives by Chinese food enterprises. ► Chinese enterprises will not develop social responsibility for food safety spontaneously. ► It is imperative to improve government regulation of enterprises' use of food additives.