Every E-number, demystified.

Banned in the EU since 2022 over genotoxicity concerns.

E216

Propylparaben

Paraben banned as a food additive in the EU since 2006.

E217

Sodium Propyl Para-hydroxybenzoate

Paraben removed from EU permitted food additives in 2006.

E924

Potassium Bromate

Flour bleacher banned in the EU and many countries; possible carcinogen.

High risk

Banned in ≥1 country or IARC group 2B.

E102

Tartrazine

Synthetic yellow dye linked to hyperactivity in children.

E104

Quinoline Yellow

Synthetic yellow dye from the Southampton six; banned in the US.

E110

Sunset Yellow FCF

Synthetic orange dye with EU warning label requirement.

E122

Carmoisine

Synthetic red dye banned in Japan, the US and Norway.

E124

Ponceau 4R

Synthetic red dye banned in the US and Norway.

E129

Allura Red AC

Synthetic red dye banned in Denmark, Switzerland and Sweden.

E142

Green S

Synthetic green dye banned in the US, Japan and Norway.

E151

Brilliant Black BN

Synthetic black azo dye banned in the US, Canada and Japan.

E155

Brown HT

Synthetic brown dye banned in the US, Canada and Norway.

E249

Potassium Nitrite

Forms nitrosamines in cured meats — probable carcinogen.

E250

Sodium Nitrite

Forms nitrosamines in cured meats — probable carcinogen.

E251

Sodium Nitrate

Converts to nitrite in the body; same nitrosamine concerns.

E252

Potassium Nitrate

Curing salt; converts to nitrite with the same nitrosamine concerns.

E319

TBHQ

Synthetic antioxidant with endocrine and immune concerns.

E320

BHA

IARC group 2B — possibly carcinogenic to humans.

E321

BHT

Endocrine-disruption signals; banned in several countries.

E951

Aspartame

IARC group 2B (2023); WHO ADI tightened.

E952

Cyclamate

Artificial sweetener banned in the US since 1970.

Moderate risk

Mixed evidence; some regulators restrict.

E127

Erythrosine

Iodine-containing red dye; restricted to limited uses.

E131

Patent Blue V

Synthetic blue dye that can cause allergic reactions; not permitted in the US.

E132

Indigotine (Indigo Carmine)

Synthetic blue dye; occasional allergic reactions reported.

E133

Brilliant Blue FCF

Synthetic blue dye historically restricted in parts of Europe.

E150c

Ammonia Caramel

Ammonia-process caramel colour that can contain 4-MEI.

E150d

Sulphite Ammonia Caramel

Caramel colour containing 4-MEI, a possible carcinogen.

E161g

Canthaxanthin

Carotenoid colour; high doses caused retinal deposits, so use is limited.

E173

Aluminium

Metallic surface colour; intake limited over aluminium exposure.

E180

Litholrubine BK

Synthetic red dye permitted only for edible cheese rind.

E210

Benzoic Acid

Preservative that can form trace benzene with vitamin C; a pseudo-allergen.

E211

Sodium Benzoate

Forms benzene when combined with vitamin C.

E212

Potassium Benzoate

Benzoate preservative; same benzene-with-vitamin-C concern.

E213

Calcium Benzoate

Benzoate preservative; same benzene-with-vitamin-C concern.

E214

Ethylparaben

Paraben preservative with possible weak endocrine activity.

E215

Sodium Ethyl Para-hydroxybenzoate

Paraben preservative; tightly limited in the EU.

E218

Methylparaben

Paraben preservative with possible weak endocrine activity.

E219

Sodium Methyl Para-hydroxybenzoate

Paraben preservative; tightly limited in the EU.

E220

Sulphur Dioxide

Asthma trigger; allergen disclosure required.

E221

Sodium Sulphite

Sulphite preservative; can trigger asthma, requires disclosure.

E222

Sodium Bisulphite

Sulphite preservative; asthma trigger, requires disclosure.

E223

Sodium Metabisulphite

Common sulphite preservative; asthma trigger, requires disclosure.

E224

Potassium Metabisulphite

Sulphite used in wine and dried fruit; asthma trigger.

E228

Potassium Bisulphite

Sulphite preservative; asthma trigger, requires disclosure.

E310

Propyl Gallate

Synthetic antioxidant with possible endocrine effects.

E311

Octyl Gallate

Synthetic gallate antioxidant; intake limited.

E312

Dodecyl Gallate

Synthetic gallate antioxidant; intake limited.

E385

Calcium Disodium EDTA

Metal-binding stabiliser; intake limited.

E407

Carrageenan

Linked to gut inflammation in animal studies.

E407a

Processed Eucheuma Seaweed

Semi-refined carrageenan with the same gut-inflammation debate.

E432

Polysorbate 20

Synthetic emulsifier; this class is studied for gut-microbiome effects.

E433

Polysorbate 80

Synthetic emulsifier studied for gut-microbiome effects.

E434

Polysorbate 40

Synthetic emulsifier; gut-microbiome watch-point.

E435

Polysorbate 60

Synthetic emulsifier; gut-microbiome watch-point.

E436

Polysorbate 65

Synthetic emulsifier; gut-microbiome watch-point.

E466

Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

Emulsifier shown to disrupt gut microbiome in studies.

E520

Aluminium Sulphate

Aluminium firming agent; intake limited over aluminium exposure.

E521

Aluminium Sodium Sulphate

Aluminium firming agent; intake limited.

E541

Sodium Aluminium Phosphate

Aluminium-containing raising agent; intake limited over aluminium exposure.

E554

Sodium Aluminium Silicate

Aluminium-containing anti-caking agent; intake limited.

E555

Potassium Aluminium Silicate

Aluminium-containing anti-caking agent; intake limited.

E556

Calcium Aluminium Silicate

Aluminium-containing anti-caking agent; intake limited.

E559

Aluminium Silicate (Kaolin)

Aluminium-containing clay; intake limited.

E950

Acesulfame Potassium

Artificial sweetener with gut microbiome concerns.

E954

Saccharin

Artificial sweetener once linked to bladder cancer in rats.

E955

Sucralose

Forms toxic compounds when heated; impacts microbiome.

E962

Salt of Aspartame-Acesulfame

Combined aspartame and acesulfame sweetener.

Low risk

Mild controversy, mostly fine at typical exposure.

E1105

Lysozyme

Egg-derived enzyme preservative; an allergen.

E120

Cochineal / Carmines

Natural red from cochineal insects; can trigger allergic reactions.

E1201

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)

Synthetic binder and clarifying agent.

E1202

Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone

Insoluble clarifying agent for drinks.

E141

Copper Complexes of Chlorophylls

Copper-stabilised green pigment; safe within intake limits.

E1452

Starch Aluminium Octenyl Succinate

Aluminium-containing modified starch; intake limited.

E150

Caramel Colour (type not stated)

Caramel colour where the label does not say which of the four types (E150a–d) is used.

E150a

Plain Caramel

Caramel colour made by heating sugars without ammonia or sulphites.

E150b

Caustic Sulphite Caramel

Caramel colour produced with sulphite compounds.

E1510

Ethanol

Food-grade alcohol used as a solvent and carrier.

E1517

Glyceryl Diacetate (Diacetin)

Glycerin-based solvent and carrier.

E1520

Propylene Glycol

Solvent and humectant; intake limited.

E153

Vegetable Carbon

Charcoal-based black colour; food grade considered safe.

E160b

Annatto (Bixin / Norbixin)

Natural orange-red colour from achiote seeds; occasional allergy.

E160e

Beta-apo-8'-carotenal

Synthetic orange carotenoid colour.

E174

Silver

Metallic silver used for decoration on confectionery.

E175

Gold

Metallic gold leaf used for decoration.

E203

Calcium Sorbate

Sorbate preservative no longer authorised in the EU.

E235

Natamycin

Antifungal used on cheese and cured-meat surfaces.

E242

Dimethyl Dicarbonate

Cold-sterilising agent for soft drinks; breaks down before consumption.

E280

Propionic Acid

Mould inhibitor in bread; generally safe at use levels.

E281

Sodium Propionate

Bread mould inhibitor.

E282

Calcium Propionate

Bread mould inhibitor; a few studies probe behavioural effects in children.

E283

Potassium Propionate

Mould inhibitor used in baked goods.

E338

Phosphoric Acid

Cola acid; heavy phosphate intake linked to bone and kidney concerns.

E339

Sodium Phosphates

Phosphate salts; high added-phosphate intake is a watch-point.

E340

Potassium Phosphates

Phosphate salts used as buffers and emulsifying salts.

E341

Calcium Phosphates

Phosphate salts; raising agent and calcium source.

E343

Magnesium Phosphates

Phosphate salts; anti-caking and acidity regulator.

E405

Propylene Glycol Alginate

Modified alginate thickener and foam stabiliser.

E420

Sorbitol

Sugar alcohol; laxative effect in large amounts.

E421

Mannitol

Sugar alcohol; laxative effect in large amounts.

E425

Konjac

Gel-forming fibre; choking risk banned it from jelly mini-cups.

E431

Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate

Synthetic emulsifier; intake limited.

E442

Ammonium Phosphatides

Emulsifier used in chocolate.

E444

Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate

Weighting and emulsifying agent for drinks.

E445

Glycerol Esters of Wood Rosin

Citrus-oil emulsifier for cloudy drinks.

E450

Diphosphates

Phosphate raising/stabilising salts; added-phosphate watch-point.

E451

Triphosphates

Phosphate salts used in processed meat and fish; added-phosphate watch-point.

E452

Polyphosphates

Phosphate salts used to retain water in processed foods.

E471

Mono- and Diglycerides

Common emulsifier; may contain trace trans fats.

E472a

Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

Glyceride-based emulsifier common in baked goods.

E472b

Lactic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

Emulsifier used in whipped and baked products.

E472c

Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

Emulsifier and antioxidant synergist.

E472d

Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

Glyceride-based emulsifier.

E472e

DATEM

Bread dough conditioner; limited evidence of harm.

E472f

Mixed Tartaric/Acetic Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

Dough-conditioning emulsifier.

E473

Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids

Sugar-based emulsifier.

E474

Sucroglycerides

Sugar-and-fat emulsifier.

E475

Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids

Emulsifier used in cakes and spreads.

E476

Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR)

Castor-oil emulsifier that thins melted chocolate.

E477

Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids

Emulsifier used in whipped toppings.

E481

Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate

Dough strengthener and emulsifier.

E482

Calcium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate

Dough strengthener and emulsifier.

E483

Stearyl Tartrate

Flour-treatment emulsifier.

E491

Sorbitan Monostearate

Sorbitan-ester emulsifier (Span 60).

E492

Sorbitan Tristearate

Sorbitan-ester emulsifier.

E493

Sorbitan Monolaurate

Sorbitan-ester emulsifier.

E494

Sorbitan Monooleate

Sorbitan-ester emulsifier.

E495

Sorbitan Monopalmitate

Sorbitan-ester emulsifier.

E512

Stannous Chloride

Tin salt used as an antioxidant in canned asparagus.

E535

Sodium Ferrocyanide

Anti-caking agent for salt; safe within strict limits.

E536

Potassium Ferrocyanide

Anti-caking agent for salt; safe within strict limits.

E553b

Talc

Talc release and anti-caking agent.

E620

Glutamic Acid

Umami amino acid; the acid form of MSG.

E621

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

Mostly overhyped; small minority report sensitivity.

E622

Monopotassium Glutamate

Potassium form of glutamate; umami enhancer.

E623

Calcium Diglutamate

Calcium form of glutamate; umami enhancer.

E624

Monoammonium Glutamate

Ammonium form of glutamate; umami enhancer.

E625

Magnesium Diglutamate

Magnesium form of glutamate; umami enhancer.

E626

Guanylic Acid

Ribonucleotide umami enhancer; high in purines.

E627

Disodium Guanylate

Umami enhancer paired with MSG; high in purines.

E628

Dipotassium Guanylate

Ribonucleotide umami enhancer.

E629

Calcium Guanylate

Ribonucleotide umami enhancer.

E630

Inosinic Acid

Ribonucleotide umami enhancer; high in purines.

E631

Disodium Inosinate

Umami enhancer paired with MSG; high in purines.

E632

Dipotassium Inosinate

Ribonucleotide umami enhancer.

E633

Calcium Inosinate

Ribonucleotide umami enhancer.

E635

Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides

Blend of guanylate and inosinate umami enhancers.

E900

Dimethylpolysiloxane

Silicone anti-foaming agent used in fryer oils.

E905

Microcrystalline Wax

Petroleum-derived wax used as a glaze.

E914

Oxidised Polyethylene Wax

Synthetic wax used as a surface glaze.

E927b

Carbamide (Urea)

Used in chewing gum to drive flavour release.

E953

Isomalt

Sugar alcohol; laxative effect in large amounts.

E959

Neohesperidine DC

Citrus-derived intense sweetener.

E961

Neotame

Intense artificial sweetener related to aspartame.

E965

Maltitol

Sugar alcohol; laxative effect in large amounts.

E966

Lactitol

Sugar alcohol; laxative effect in large amounts.

E967

Xylitol

Tooth-friendly sugar alcohol; laxative in quantity and toxic to dogs.

E968

Erythritol

Sugar alcohol; recent studies probe a possible link to blood clotting.

E969

Advantame

Intense artificial sweetener related to aspartame.

Safe

Recognised safe by EFSA, FDA and FSANZ.

143

E100

Curcumin

Natural yellow pigment from turmeric.

E101

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Vitamin B2 used as a yellow-orange colour.

E1100

Amylase

Starch-digesting enzyme used as a processing aid.

E1103

Invertase

Enzyme that softens sugar centres in confectionery.

E1200

Polydextrose

Soluble-fibre bulking agent.

E140

Chlorophylls

Natural green pigment from plants.

E1404

Oxidised Starch

Modified starch thickener.

E1410

Monostarch Phosphate

Modified starch thickener.

E1412

Distarch Phosphate

Modified starch thickener.

E1413

Phosphated Distarch Phosphate

Modified starch thickener.

E1414

Acetylated Distarch Phosphate

Modified starch thickener.

E1420

Acetylated Starch

Modified starch thickener.

E1422

Acetylated Distarch Adipate

Modified starch thickener and stabiliser.

E1440

Hydroxypropyl Starch

Modified starch thickener.

E1442

Hydroxypropyl Distarch Phosphate

Modified starch thickener and stabiliser.

E1450

Starch Sodium Octenyl Succinate

Modified starch emulsifier and stabiliser.

E1451

Acetylated Oxidised Starch

Modified starch thickener.

E14xx

Modified Starch (type not stated)

Starch treated to thicken or stabilise; the label does not say which type.

E1505

Triethyl Citrate

Citrate solvent and foam stabiliser.

E1518

Glyceryl Triacetate (Triacetin)

Glycerin-based humectant and carrier.

E160a

Beta-Carotene

Natural orange pigment and vitamin A precursor.

E160c

Paprika Extract (Capsanthin)

Natural red-orange colour from paprika.

E160d

Lycopene

Natural red pigment found in tomatoes.

E161b

Lutein

Natural yellow carotenoid from marigold and leafy greens.

E162

Beetroot Red (Betanin)

Natural red colour from beetroot.

E163

Anthocyanins

Natural purple-red pigments from fruit and vegetables.

E170

Calcium Carbonate

Chalk; used as a white colour, mineral source and acidity regulator.

E172

Iron Oxides and Hydroxides

Mineral pigments giving red, yellow and black tones.

E200

Sorbic Acid

Widely used mould and yeast inhibitor; well tolerated.

E202

Potassium Sorbate

Common mould inhibitor; recognised safe.

E234

Nisin

Natural antibacterial peptide used in cheese.

E260

Acetic Acid

Vinegar acid; used to acidify and preserve.

E261

Potassium Acetate

Potassium salt of acetic acid; controls acidity.

E262

Sodium Acetates

Sodium salt of acetic acid; gives salt-and-vinegar tang.

E263

Calcium Acetate

Calcium salt of acetic acid; preservative and firming agent.

E270

Lactic Acid

Naturally occurring acid from fermentation.

E290

Carbon Dioxide

Carbonation and packaging gas.

E296

Malic Acid

Tart acid naturally found in apples.

E297

Fumaric Acid

Tart acid used in baking and drinks.

E300

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Vitamin C — essential nutrient and natural antioxidant.

E301

Sodium Ascorbate

Sodium form of vitamin C used as an antioxidant.

E302

Calcium Ascorbate

Calcium form of vitamin C used as an antioxidant.

E304

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Fat-soluble form of vitamin C; protects oils.

E306

Tocopherols (Vitamin E)

Natural vitamin E — beneficial antioxidant.

E307

Alpha-Tocopherol

Synthetic vitamin E antioxidant.

E308

Gamma-Tocopherol

Vitamin E antioxidant.

E309

Delta-Tocopherol

Vitamin E antioxidant.

E315

Erythorbic Acid

Vitamin C isomer used as an antioxidant.

E316

Sodium Erythorbate

Antioxidant used to fix colour in cured meats.

E322

Lecithins

Natural emulsifier from soy or sunflower.

E325

Sodium Lactate

Sodium salt of lactic acid; humectant and acidity regulator.

E326

Potassium Lactate

Potassium salt of lactic acid.

E327

Calcium Lactate

Calcium salt of lactic acid; firming agent.

E330

Citric Acid

Naturally occurring in citrus fruit.

E331

Sodium Citrates

Sodium salts of citric acid; buffer and emulsifying salt.

E332

Potassium Citrates

Potassium salts of citric acid.

E333

Calcium Citrates

Calcium salts of citric acid; firming agent.

E334

Tartaric Acid

Natural fruit acid from grapes.

E335

Sodium Tartrates

Sodium salts of tartaric acid.

E336

Potassium Tartrates (Cream of Tartar)

Cream of tartar; raising and stabilising agent.

E337

Potassium Sodium Tartrate

Rochelle salt; stabiliser and acidity regulator.

E350

Sodium Malates

Sodium salts of malic acid.

E351

Potassium Malate

Potassium salt of malic acid.

E352

Calcium Malates

Calcium salts of malic acid.

E353

Metatartaric Acid

Acid used to stabilise wine.

E354

Calcium Tartrate

Calcium salt of tartaric acid.

E355

Adipic Acid

Tart acid used in drink powders and gels.

E363

Succinic Acid

Mild acid used as a flavouring and buffer.

E380

Triammonium Citrate

Citrate buffer and emulsifying salt.

E392

Rosemary Extract

Natural antioxidant from rosemary that slows fats going rancid.

E400

Alginic Acid

Seaweed-derived thickener and gelling agent.

E401

Sodium Alginate

Seaweed extract used to thicken and gel.

E402

Potassium Alginate

Seaweed-derived thickener.

E403

Ammonium Alginate

Seaweed-derived thickener.

E404

Calcium Alginate

Seaweed-derived gelling agent.

E406

Agar

Seaweed-derived gelling agent used in jellies.

E410

Locust Bean Gum

Carob-seed gum used to thicken and stabilise.

E412

Guar Gum

Legume-seed gum used as a thickener.

E413

Tragacanth

Plant gum used as a thickener and binder.

E414

Acacia Gum (Gum Arabic)

Tree-sap gum and soluble fibre used as a stabiliser.

E415

Xanthan Gum

Fermentation-derived thickener; common gluten-free binder.

E416

Karaya Gum

Plant gum used as a thickener.

E417

Tara Gum

Seed gum used as a thickener.

E418

Gellan Gum

Fermentation-derived gelling agent.

E422

Glycerol

Glycerine; keeps foods moist.

E426

Soybean Hemicellulose

Soy-derived stabiliser.

E427

Cassia Gum

Seed gum used as a thickener.

E428

Gelatine

Animal-derived protein used to set and thicken; not vegetarian.

E440

Pectin

Soluble fibre extracted from fruit.

E459

Beta-Cyclodextrin

Starch-derived carrier and stabiliser.

E460

Cellulose

Plant fibre used as a bulking and anti-caking aid.

E461

Methyl Cellulose

Plant-fibre-derived thickener and binder.

E463

Hydroxypropyl Cellulose

Modified cellulose thickener.

E464

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose

Modified cellulose thickener and film-former.

E465

Ethyl Methyl Cellulose

Modified cellulose thickener.

E468

Croscarmellose Sodium

Cross-linked cellulose gum.

E469

Enzymatically Hydrolysed Carboxymethylcellulose

Cellulose-gum derivative.

E470a

Sodium, Potassium & Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids

Soap-like emulsifiers and anti-caking agents from fatty acids.

E470b

Magnesium Salts of Fatty Acids

Emulsifier and anti-caking agent from fatty acids.

E500

Sodium Carbonates

Baking soda and washing soda; raising agent and acidity regulator.

E501

Potassium Carbonates

Potassium carbonate; acidity regulator.

E503

Ammonium Carbonates

Baker's ammonia; traditional raising agent.

E504

Magnesium Carbonates

Magnesium carbonate; anti-caking and acidity regulator.

E507

Hydrochloric Acid

Strong acid used in tiny amounts to adjust acidity.

E508

Potassium Chloride

Potassium salt used as a salt substitute and gelling aid.

E509

Calcium Chloride

Calcium salt used as a firming agent.

E511

Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium salt; firming agent and tofu coagulant.

E513

Sulphuric Acid

Strong acid used in tiny amounts to adjust acidity.

E514

Sodium Sulphates

Sodium sulphate; acidity regulator.

E515

Potassium Sulphates

Potassium sulphate; seasoning and acidity regulator.

E516

Calcium Sulphate

Gypsum; firming agent and tofu coagulant.

E517

Ammonium Sulphate

Dough conditioner and acidity regulator.

E524

Sodium Hydroxide

Caustic soda; used in tiny amounts, e.g. on pretzels.

E525

Potassium Hydroxide

Alkali used to adjust acidity.

E526

Calcium Hydroxide

Slaked lime; firming agent and acidity regulator.

E527

Ammonium Hydroxide

Alkali used to adjust acidity.

E528

Magnesium Hydroxide

Alkali used to adjust acidity.

E529

Calcium Oxide

Quicklime; acidity regulator and dough conditioner.

E551

Silicon Dioxide

Silica; keeps powders free-flowing.

E552

Calcium Silicate

Anti-caking agent for powders.

E553a

Magnesium Silicates

Anti-caking agent.

E558

Bentonite

Clay used as an anti-caking and clarifying agent.

E570

Fatty Acids (Stearic Acid)

Fatty acids used as anti-caking and glazing agents.

E575

Glucono Delta-Lactone

Slow-release acid used in tofu and cured meats.

E576

Sodium Gluconate

Gluconate sequestrant.

E577

Potassium Gluconate

Gluconate sequestrant.

E578

Calcium Gluconate

Calcium source and firming agent.

E579

Ferrous Gluconate

Iron salt used to fix the colour of black olives.

E585

Ferrous Lactate

Iron salt used to fix the colour of black olives.

E640

Glycine and its Sodium Salt

Amino acid used as a mild flavour enhancer.

E901

Beeswax

Natural wax used to glaze confectionery.

E902

Candelilla Wax

Plant wax used as a glaze.

E903

Carnauba Wax

Palm-leaf wax used to glaze sweets and pills.

E904

Shellac

Resin from the lac insect used as a glaze.

E920

L-Cysteine

Amino acid dough conditioner.

E938

Argon

Inert packaging gas.

E939

Helium

Inert packaging gas.

E941

Nitrogen

Inert packaging and propellant gas.

E942

Nitrous Oxide

Propellant for whipped cream.

E948

Oxygen

Packaging gas.

E949

Hydrogen

Packaging gas.

E957

Thaumatin

Natural protein sweetener.

E960

Steviol Glycosides (Stevia)