This study investigated rural residents' risk perception on food additives and the influence factors.Methods Rural residents from seven provinces of China was randomly enrolled into the survey and filled the self-reported questionnaire. Results Participants perceived food additives as high risk. About 65.5% of the participants misunderstood the concept of food additives, perceiving illegal adulteration as food additives. Despite of knowledge, social trust on government and food industry significantly affected the risk perception.Conclusion The key strategy should be building trust on the governments to help rural residents construct a scientific and rational perception of food additives.