Printable link to food additives listings

THE GLYCEMIC INDEX LINK

About Food Additives

Additives are intended to improve food. They can:

improve the keeping quality of a food by making it last longer on the shelf or in the fridge, for example a preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria or a humectant to stop food from drying out;
·improve the taste or appearance of a food, for example by the use of flavours, thickeners and colours.

Another benefit of food additives is that consumers can be offered a wider choice of foods. Many processed foods contain additives. Some common examples are bacon, margarine, ice cream and bread.

Some people believe that because food additives are chemicals they should be banned. Many food additives occur naturally, such as red colour from beetroot (Beet red), and purple colour from grape skins (anthocyanins). These colours can be extracted and added to foods.

Some food additives found in nature can be manufactured, for example, ascorbic acid. Other additives are manufactured but not found in nature, such as aspartame, which is used to replace sugar.

Controlling the use of additives

Before an additive can be used in foods, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) carries out a safety assessment. All additives go through a safety assessment process. FSANZ checks that the food additive is safe at the level proposed to be used, and that there are good technological reasons for the use of the additive. If FSANZ agrees that a food additive should be permitted, approval of government Ministers is sought. It is only after Ministerial approval that a food additive can be used in foods. The Food Standards Code (this is the joint food law between Australia and New Zealand) says which additives can be used and in what foods.

Additives and adverse reactions (Intolerance, allergies)

A small number of people may have adverse reactions to some food additives, just as some people may be allergic to or have adverse reactions to peanuts, milk or shellfish. Food labelling helps people who are sensitive to certain food additives to avoid them.

Reading the food label

To check what additives are in foods, read the label. All food ingredients, including any additives, must be listed on the labelof a food. The ingredients are listed in descending order of ingoing weight. On the label, within the list of ingredients, the class name of the additive will be listed and then the additive name or code number in brackets.

For example:

Thickener (pectin) or Thickener (440)

(class name) (additive name) (class name) (code number)

Class name

Food additives are grouped into classes according to their function. For example, all colour additives are used to colour food, so are in one group in this booklet. Some food additives have more than one use. See for example Lecithin (number 322). It can be used as an antioxidant, and also as an emulsifier. It therefore has two entries in this booklet. Where an additive is capable of being classified in more than one class, the most appropriate class name is used on the label of a food.

In some cases there are optional or alternative class names not listed in this booklet that can be used on the label. For example, some thickeners can also be called modified starches.

Some additives do not have a legally defined class name. The group of additives that function as propellants (see table in this booklet) have no legally defined class name, so are listed on the label by the specific name of the additive, with no reference to a class name.

Code numbers

Most food additives have code numbers. The numbers listed in this booklet are part of an international numbering system. Code numbers use less space on labels than names of additives. They also help avoid the confusion caused by some additives having more than one name, or additives with similar names.

Enzymes and flavours are not required to be specifically named, or identified with code numbers. These additives are required to be labelled by their class name only.

Some code numbers may have an "E" in front of them. This means that the food is labelled for the European Union market.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are no longer classified as additives, under the Food Standards Code (they were under previous New Zealand food law). Some vitamins and minerals have a code number however, as they perform another function. An example of this is Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which is an antioxidant but can also be added as a vitamin to some foods. Those additives that can also function as a vitamin or mineral are identified in this booklet with an asterisk.

What food additives do

In this booklet, food additives are listed under their class name in numerical order. Look at the beginning of each class to find out what they do. For example under COLOURS it states what they do and why they are used. You will find, for example, that colour (110) is Sunset yellow FCF.

Further information

Further information on food and the regulations for food can be obtained from your local public health service or on

www.foodstandards.govt.nz.

FOOD ADDITIVES LISTS

Food Additive Lists

When you are shopping you may wish to check the additives in the foods you buy. The food additives allowed in New Zealand and Australia are listed below. They are listed in their classes in numerical order.

Colours

Colours make foods look more attractive. They are added to help identify flavours, to make food look brighter and to restore colour that may have been lost during processing.

100	Curcumim or Turmeric
101*	Riboflavin or Riboflavin 5'-phosphate sodium
102	Tartrazine
103	Alkanet or Alkannin
104	Quinoline yellow
110	Sunset yellow FCF
120	Cochineal or Carmines or Carminic acid
122	Azorubine or Carmoisine
123	Amaranth
124	Ponceau 4R
127	Erythrosine
129	Allura red AC
132	Indigotine
133	Brilliant Blue FCF
140	Chlorophyll
141	Chlorophyll-copper complex or Chlorophyllin copper complex,
	sodium and potassium salts
142	Green S
143	Fast green FCF
150a	Caramel I
150b	Caramel II
150c	Caramel III
150d	Caramel IV
151	Brilliant black BN or Brilliant Black PN
153	Carbon blacks or Vegetable carbon
155	Brown HT
160a*	Carotene
160b	Annatto extracts
160c	Paprika oleoresins
160d	Lycopene
160e*	beta-apo-8' Carotenal
160f*	beta-apo-8' Carotenoic acid, methyl or ethyl ester
161a	Flavoxanthin
161b	Lutein
161c	Kryptoxanthin
161d	Rubixanthin
161e	Violoxanthin
161f	Rhodoxanthin
162	Beet red
163	Anthocyanins or Grape skin extract or Blackcurrant extract
164	Saffron or Crocetin or Crocin
170*	Calcium carbonate
171	Titanium dioxide
172	Iron oxide
173	Aluminium
174	Silver
175	Gold
181	Tannic acid or Tannins

Preservatives

200	Sorbic acid
201	Sodium sorbate
202	Potassium sorbate
203	Calcium sorbate
210	Benzoic acid
211	Sodium benzoate
212	Potassium benzoate
213	Calcium benzoate
216	Propylparaben or Propyl-p-hydroxy-benzoate
218	Methylparaben or Methyl-p-hydroxy-benzoate
220	Sulphur dioxide
221	Sodium sulphite
222	Sodium bisulphite
223	Sodium metabisulphite
224	Potassium metabisulphite
225	Potassium sulphite
228	Potassium bisulphite
234	Nisin
235	Natamycin or Pimaricin
242	Dimethyl dicarbonate
249	Potassium nitrite
250	Sodium nitrite
251	Sodium nitrate
252	Potassium nitrate
280	Propionic acid
281	Sodium propionate
282	Calcium propionate
283	Potassium propionate
385	Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate or Calcium disodium EDTA
1105	Lysozyme

Acidity Regulators

260	Acetic acid, glacial
261	Potassium acetate
262	Sodium acetate or Sodium diacetate
263	Calcium acetate
264	Ammonium acetate
270	Lactic acid
296	Malic acid
297	Fumaric acid
325	Sodium lactate
326	Potassium lactate
327*	Calcium lactate
328	Ammonium lactate
329	Magnesium lactate
330	Citric acid
331	Sodium citrates
332	Potassium citrates
333*	Calcium citrate
334	Tartaric acid
335	Sodium tartrate
336	Potassium tartrate or Potassium acid tartrate
337	Potassium sodium tartrate
338*	Phosphoric acid
339*	Sodium phosphates
340*	Potassium phosphates
341*	Calcium phosphates
342	Ammonium phosphates
343*	Magnesium phosphates
349	Ammonium malate
350	Sodium malates
351	Potassium malate
352	Calcium malate
353	Metatartaric acid
354	Calcium tartrate
355	Adipic acid
357	Potassium adipate
359	Ammonium adipates
363	Succinic acid
365	Sodium fumarate
366	Potassium fumarate
367	Calcium fumarate
368	Ammonium fumarate
380	Ammonium citrate or Triammonium citrate
381*	Ferric ammonium citrate
450	Potassium pyrophosphate or Sodium acid pyrophosphate or
	Sodium pyrophosphate
451	Potassium tripolyphosphate or Sodium tripolyphosphate
500	Sodium carbonate or Sodium bicarbonate
501	Potassium carbonate or Potassium bicarbonate
503	Ammonium bicarbonate or Ammonium hydrogen carbonate
504*	Magnesium carbonate
507	Hydrochloric acid
514	Sodium sulphate
515	Potassium sulphate
526*	Calcium hydroxide
529*	Calcium oxide
541	Sodium aluminium phosphate
575	Glucono delta-lactone
578*	Calcium gluconate
580*	Magnesium gluconate

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help to stop oils and fats from deteriorating and developing rancid flavours. They also slow down colour and flavour changes so foods made using oils and fats can be kept for longer.

300*	Ascorbic acid
301*	Sodium ascorbate
302*	Calcium ascorbate
303*	Potassium ascorbate
304*	Ascorbyl palmitate
306*	Tocopherols concentrate, mixed
307*	alpha -Tocopherol
308	gamma - Tocopherol
309	delta - Tocopherol
310	Propyl gallate
311	Octyl gallate
312	Dodecyl gallate
315	Erythorbic acid
316	Sodium erythorbate
319	tert-Butylhydroquinone
320	Butylated hydroxyanisole
321	Butylated hydroxytoluene
322	Lecithin
330	Citric acid
334	Tartaric acid
385	Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate or
	Calcium disodium EDTA
512	Stannous chloride
586	4-hexylresorcinol
1102	Glucose oxidase

Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners and Gelling Agents

Emulsifiers are used to ensure that mixtures of oil and water based ingredients stay mixed together. Stabilisers make it possible for two or more ingredients (which usually don't stay mixed) to stay together. Thickeners thicken food and ensure uniform consistency. These include modified starches. Gelling agents modify food texture through the formation of a gel, helping food to set.

181	Tannic acid or tannins
322	Lecithin
331	Sodium citrates
332	Potassium citrates
333*	Calcium citrate
336	Potassium tartrate or Potassium acid tartrate
337	Potassium sodium tartrate
339*	Sodium phosphates
340*	Potassium phosphates
341*	Calcium phosphates
400	Alginic acid
401	Sodium alginate
402	Potassium alginate
403	Ammonium alginate
404	Calcium alginate
405	Propylene glycol alginate
406	Agar
407	Carrageenan
407a	Processed eucheuma seaweed
409	Arabinogalactan or Larch gum
410	Locust bean gum or Carob bean gum
412	Guar gum
413	Tragacanth gum
414	Acacia or Gum arabic
415	Xanthan gum
416	Karaya gum
418	Gellan gum
420	Sorbitol or Sorbitol syrup
431	Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate
433	Polysorbate 80 or Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate
435	Polysorbate 60 or Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate
436	Polysorbate 65 or Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate
440	Pectin
442	Ammonium salts of phosphatidic acid
444	Sucrose acetate isobutyrate
445	Glycerol esters of wood rosins
450	Potassium pyrophosphate or Sodium acid pyrophosphate or
	Sodium pyrophosphate
452	Potassium polymetaphosphate or Sodium metaphosphate,
	insoluble or Sodium polyphosphates, glassy
461	Methyl cellulose
463	Hydroxypropyl cellulose
464	Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
465	Methyl ethyl cellulose
466	Sodium carboxymethylcellulose
470	Aluminium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium and ammonium
	salts of fatty acids
471	Mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids
472a	Acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol
472b	Lactic and fatty acid esters of glycerol
472c	Citric and fatty acid esters of glycerol
472e	Diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol
472f	Mixed tartaric, acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol
473	Sucrose esters of fatty acids
475	Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids
476	Polyglycerol esters of interesterified ricinoleic acid
477	Propylene glycol mono - and di-esters or Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids
480	Dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate
481	Sodium lactylate or Sodium oleyl lactylate or Sodium stearoyl lactylate
482	Calcium lactylate or Calcium oleyl lactylate or Calcium stearoyl lactylate
491	Sorbitan monostearate
492	Sorbitan tristearate
501	Potassium carbonate or Potassium bicarbonate
508	Potassium chloride
541	Sodium aluminium phosphate
542*	Bone phosphate
900a	Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane
965	Maltitol and Maltitol syrup or Hydrogenated glucose syrup
967	Xylitol
1001	Choline salts
1101	Proteases (papain, bromelain, ficin)
1200	Polydextrose
1201	Polyvinylpyrolidone
1400	Dextrin roasted starch
1401	Acid treated starch
1402	Alkaline treated starch
1403	Bleached starch
1404	Oxidised starch
1405	Enzyme treated starches
1410	Monostarch phosphate
1412	Distarch phosphate
1413	Phosphated distarch phosphate
1414	Acetylated distarch phosphate
1420	Starch acetate esterified with acetic anhydride
1422	Acetylated distarch adipate
1440	Hydroxypropyl starch
1442	Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate
1450	Starch sodium octenylsuccinate

Anticaking Agents

Anticaking agents reduce the tendency of particles to stick together so that products like salt flow freely.

170*	Calcium carbonate
341*	Calcium phosphates
343*	Magnesium phosphates
381*	Ferric ammonium citrate
460	Cellulose, microcrystalline and powdered
470	Aluminium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium and
	ammonium salts of fatty acids
500	Sodium carbonate or Sodium bicarbonate
504*	Magnesium carbonate
530*	Magnesium oxide
535	Sodium ferrocyanide
536	Potassium ferrocyanide
542*	Bone phosphate
551	Silicon dioxide, amorphous
552	Calcium silicate
553	Magnesium silicate or Talc
554	Sodium aluminosilicate
555	Potassium aluminium silicate
556	Calcium aluminium silicate
558	Bentonite
559	Aluminium silicate
560	Potassium silicate
900a	Polydimethylsiloxane or Dimethylpolysiloxane
953	Isomalt

Humectants

Humectants keep food moist and stop it from drying.

325	Sodium lactate
326	Potassium lactate
350	Sodium malates
420	Sorbitol or sorbitol syrup
421	Mannitol
422	Glycerin or glycerol
914	Oxidised polyethylene
953	Isomalt
965	Maltitol and Maltitol syrup or Hydrogenated glucose syrup
966	Lactitol
967	Xylitol
968	Erythritol
1200	Polydextrose
1518	Triacetin
1520	Propylene glycol

Raising Agents

Raising agents are used in bakery products to make them rise.

500	Sodium carbonate or Sodium bicarbonate
503	Ammonium bicarbonate or Ammonium hydrogen carbonate
575	Glucono delta-lactone
920	L-cysteine monohydrochloride

Firming Agents

Firming agents contribute to firmness of food or interact with gelling agents to produce or strengthen a gel.

509*	Calcium chloride
511*	Magnesium chloride
516*	Calcium sulphate
518*	Magnesium sulphate
526	Calcium hydroxide
578*	Calcium gluconate
580*	Magnesium gluconate

Foaming Agents

Foaming agents maintain the uniform dispersion of gases in aerated food.

465	Methyl ethyl celluloid
570	Stearic acid or fatty acid

Flavour Enhancers

Flavour enhancers improve the existing flavour and/or taste of food.

620	L-glutamic acid
621	Monosodium L-glutamate or MSG
622	Monopotassium L-glutamate
623	Calcium glutamate
624	Monoammonium L-glutamate
625	Magnesium glutamate
627	Disodium 5' -guanylate
631	Disodium 5' -inosinate
635	Disodium 5' -ribonucleotides
636	Maltol
637	Ethyl maltol
640	Glycine
641	L-Leucine
957	Thaumatin

Glazing Agents

Glazing agents help protect a food and make it look shiny.

570	Stearic acid or fatty acid
901	Beeswax, white and yellow
903	Carnauba wax
904	Shellac
905b	Petrolatum or Petroleum jelly

Propellants

Propellants are sealed under pressure in an aerosol food container. This enables an aerosol can to spray out its contents, eg, cream in a can with a nozzle. Note: Propellants should be listed on the label by name (eg, carbon dioxide) rather than using the class name propellant followed by the code number.

290	Carbon dioxide
941	Nitrogen
942	Nitrous oxide
943a	Butane
943b	Isobutane
944	Propane
946	Octafluorocyclobutane

Sweeteners

Sweeteners replace the sweetness normally provided by sugars in foods. Some are intense sweeteners and do not contribute significantly to the available energy of foods.

420	Sorbitol or sorbitol syrup
421	Mannitol
950	Acesulphame potassium
951	Aspartame
952	Cyclamate or Calcium cyclamate or Sodium cyclamate
953	Isomalt
954	Saccharin
955	Sucralose
956	Alitame
957	Thaumatin
961	Neotame
965	Maltitol and Maltitol syrup or Hydrogenated glucose syrup
966	Lactitol
967	Xylitol
968	Erythritol

Bulking Agents

Bulking agents contribute to the volume of a food without contributing significantly to its available energy.

325	Sodium lactate
326	Potassium lactate
510	Ammonium chloride
953	Isomalt
1200	Polydextrose

Enzymes

Enzymes describe a group of substances that may have diverse functions. For example lipases assist in cheesemaking where milk is broken down into curds and whey. Others can act as a stabiliser or preservative.

1100	alpha-Amylase
1101	Proteases (papain, bromelain, ficin)
1104	Lipases
1105	Lysozyme

Antifoaming Agents

Antifoaming agents stop or reduce foaming

1505	Triethyl citrate
1521	Polyethylene glycol 8000

Miscellaneous Additives

Some additives cannot be classified by one of the classes listed.

519*	Cupric sulphate (mineral salt)
577	Potassium gluconate (sequestrant)
579*	Ferrous gluconate (colour retention agent)

All information on this website is subject to a disclaimer.

Contact for enquiries

New Zealand Food Safety Authority
68-86 Jervois Quay
PO Box 2835
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Phone: +64 4 894 2500
Fax: +64 4 894 2501

Printable link to E-numbers list

E-NUMBERS AND YOUR HEALTH

E-numbers are present on European food labels. To find out the status of a food additive and its potential affects on your health just find the number (with or without the "E") below.

Food Additives - E - NUMBERS

Guide to food additives - E-Numbers

What they are and what they do. Additives without the E-Prefix

It is extremely wise to avoid eating food with harmful food additives - E Numbers in them. Not all E Numbers are bad for you. The following list is based on information from the Ministries of Health of the United States, France, UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Russia & Italy.

E-Number	Name	Category	Side Effects
E100	Curcumin	Colour - Yellow and Orange	Safe
E101	Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	Colour - Yellow and Orange	Safe
E102	Tartrazine	Colour - Yellow and Orange	May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E104	Quinoline Yellow	Colour - Yellow and Orange	May increase hyperactivity in affected children.
E110	Sunset Yellow FCF / Orange Yellow S	Colour - Yellow and Orange	May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E120	Cochineal / Carminic Acid	Colour - Red	Same as E104
E122	Carmoisine / Azorubine	Colour - Red	May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E123	Amaranth	Colour - Red	Very Dangerous May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E124	Ponceau 4R / Cochineal Red A	Colour - Red	May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin.
E127	Erythrosine BS	Colour - Red	Same as E104
E131	Patent Blue V	Colour - Blue	May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E132	Indigo Carmine / Idigotine	Colour - Blue	Same as E131
E140	Chlorophyll	Colour - Green	Safe
E141	Copper Complex of Chlorophyll	Colour - Green	Suspicious
E142	Green S / Acid Brilliant Green BS	Colour - Green	Cancer
E150	Caramel	Colour - Brown and Black	Suspicious
E151	Black PN / Brilliant Black BN	Colour - Brown and Black	Same as E104
E153	Carbon Black / Vegetable Carbon (Charcoal)	Colour - Brown and Black	May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E160a	Alpha, Beta, Gamma Carotene	Colour - Carotene derivative	Safe
E160b	Annatto, Bixin, Norbixin	Colour - Carotene derivative
E160c	Capsanthin / Capsorbin	Colour - Carotene derivative
E160d	Lycopene	Colour - Carotene derivative
E160e	Beta-apo-8-carotenal	Colour - Carotene derivative
E160f	Ethyl ester of Beta-apo-8-cartonoic acid	Colour - Carotene derivative
E161a	Flavoxanthin	Colour - Plant	Safe ??
E161b	Lutein	Colour - Plant
E161c	Cryptoxanthin	Colour - Plant
E161d	Rubixanthin	Colour - Plant
E161e	Violaxanthin	Colour - Plant
E161f	Rhodoxanthin	Colour - Plant
E161g	Canthaxanthin	Colour - Plant
E162	Beetroot Red / Betanin	Colour - Plant
E163	Anthocyanins	Colour - Plant
E170	Calcium Carbonate (Chalk)	Colour - Inorganic	Safe
E171	Titanium Dioxide	Colour - Inorganic
E172	Iron Oxides and Hydroxides	Colour - Inorganic
E173	Aluminium	Colour - Inorganic
E174	Silver	Colour - Inorganic
E175	Gold	Colour - Inorganic	Safe ??
E180	Pigment Rubine / Lithol Rubine BK	Colour - Inorganic
E200	Sorbic Acid	Preservative - Sorbic Acid and its salts	Headaches Intestine Upset
E201	Soduim Sorbate	Preservative - Sorbic Acid and its salts	Headaches Intestine Upset
E202	Potassium Sorbate	Preservative - Sorbic Acid and its salts	Headaches Intestine Upset
E203	Calcium Sorbate	Preservative - Sorbic Acid and its salts	Headaches Intestine Upset
E210	Benzoic Acid	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Headaches Intestine Upset May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E211	Sodium Benzoate	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Same as E210
E212	Potassium Benzoate	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Same as E210
E213	Calcium Benzoate	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Same as E210
E214	Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Same as E210
E215	Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Same as E210
E216	Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Same as E210
E217	Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Same as E210
E218	Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Same as E210
E219	Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, Sodium Salt	Preservative - Benzoic Acid and its salts	Same as E210
E220	Sulphur Dioxide	Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts	Headaches Intestine Upset Skin Disorders Destroys Vitamin B12
E221	Sodium Sulphite	Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts	Same as E221
E222	Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite	Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts	Same as E221
E223	Sodium Metabisulphite	Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts	Same as E221
E224	Potassium Metabisulphite	Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts	Same as E221
E226	Calcium Sulphite	Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts	Same as E221
E227	Calcium Hydrogen Sulphite	Preservative - Sulphur Dioxide and its salts	Same as E221
E230	Biphenyl / Diphenyl	Preservative - Biphenyl and its derivatives	Headaches Intestine Upset Skin Disorders
E231	2-Hydroxybiphenyl	Preservative - Biphenyl and its derivatives	Same as E230
E232	Sodium Biphenyl-2-yl Oxide	Preservative - Biphenyl and its derivatives	Same as E230
E233	2-(Thiazol-4-yl) Benzimidazole	Preservative - other	Same as E230
E239	Hexamine	Preservative - other	Same as E230
E249	Potassium Nitrate	Preservative - Pickling Salts	Same as E230
E250	Sodium Nitrite	Preservative - Pickling Salts	Same as E230
E251	Sodium Nitrate	Preservative - Pickling Salts	Same as E230
E252	Potassium Nitrate(Saltpetre)	Preservative - Pickling Salts	Same as E230
E260	Acetic Acid	Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts	Headaches Intestine Upset Skin Disorders
E261	Potassium Acetate	Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts	Headaches Intestine Upset Skin Disorders
E262	Potassium Hydrogen Diacetate	Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts	Headaches Intestine Upset Skin Disorders
E263	Calcium Acetate	Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
E270	Lactic Acid	Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
E280	Propionic Acid	Preservative - Acids and their Salts
E281	Sodium Propionate	Preservative- Acids and their Salts
E282	Calcium Propionate	Preservative- Acids and their Salts
E283	Potassuim Propionate	Preservative- Acids and their Salts
E290	Carbon Dioxide	Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts	Intestine Upset
E300	L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)	Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives	Safe
E301	Sodium-L-Ascorbate	Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives	Safe
E302	Calcium-L-Ascorbate	Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives	Safe
E304	Ascorbyl Palmitate	Antioxidants- Vitamin C and derivatives	Safe
E306	Natural Extracts rich in Tocopherols	Antioxidants- Vitamin E	Safe
E307	Synthetic Alpha-Tocopherol	Antioxidants- Vitamin E	Safe
E308	Synthetic Gamma-Tocopherol	Antioxidants- Vitamin E	Safe
E309	Synthetic Delta-Tocopherol	Antioxidants- Vitamin E	Safe
E310	Propyl Gallate	Antioxidants- other
E311	Octyl Gallate	Antioxidants- other
E312	Dodecyl Gallate	Antioxidants- other
E320	Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)	Antioxidants- other	May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances. May not be suitable for babies
E321	Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)	Antioxidants- other	Same as E320
E322	Lecithins	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers
E325	Sodium Lactate	Miscellaneous - Salts of Lactic Acid
E326	Potassium Lactate	Miscellaneous - Salts of Lactic Acid
E327	Calcium Lactate	Miscellaneous - Salts of Lactic Acid
E330	Citric Acid	Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts	Intestine Upset
E331	Sodium Citrates	Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts
E332	Potassium Citrates	Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts
E333	Calcium Citrates	Miscellaneous - Citric Acid and its Salts
E334	Tartaric Acid	Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts	Intestine Upset
E335	Sodium Tartrate	Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts
E336	Potassium Tartrate (Cream of Tartar)	Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts
E337	Potassium Sodium Tartrate	Miscellaneous - Tartaric Acid and its Salts
E338	Orthophosphoric Acid	Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts
E339	Sodium Phosphates	Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts
E340	Potassium Phosphates	Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts
E341	Calcium Phosphates	Miscellaneous - Phosphoric Acid and its Salts
E400	Alginic Acid	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates
E401	Sodium Alginate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates	Safe
E402	Potassium Alginate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates	Safe
E403	Ammonium Alginate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates	Safe
E404	Calcium Alginate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates
E405	Propane-1,2-Diol Alginate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Alginates
E406	Agar	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums	Safe
E407	Carrageenan	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums	Safe
E410	Locust Bean Gum (Carob Gum)	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums
E412	Guar Gum	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums	Safe
E413	Tragacanth	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums	Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
E414	Gum Acacia (Gum Arabic)	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums	Safe ?
E415	Xanthan Gum	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - other plant gums	Safe ?
E420	Sorbitol	Sugar Alcohols
E421	Mannitol	Sugar Alcohols
E422	Glycerol	Sugar Alcohols
E440a	Pectin	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Pectin and derivatives
E440b	Amidated Pectin	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Pectin and derivatives
E450a,b,c	Sodium and Potassium Phosphates and Polyphosphates	Miscellaneous
E460	Microcrystalline / Powdered Cellulose	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
E461	Methylcellulose	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
E463	Hydroxypropylcellulose	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
E464	Hydroxypropyl-Methylcellulose	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
E465	Ethylmethylcellulose	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
E466	Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium Salt	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Cellulose and derivatives
E470	Sodium, Potassium and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
E471	Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
E472	Various Esters of Mono-and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
E473	Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
E474	Sucroglycerides	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
E475	Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
E477	Propane-1,2-Diol Esters of Fatty Acids	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
E481	Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
E482	Calcium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
E483	Stearyl Tartrate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids

FOOD ADDITIVES - NUMBERS WITH NO E-PREFIX

Number	Name	Category	Affects
107	Yellow 2G	Colours - Yellow and Orange
128	Red 2G	Colours - Red	May increase hyperactivity in affected children.
133	Brilliant Blue FCF	Colours - Blue	May increase hyperactivity in affected children.
154	Brown FK	Colours - Brown and Black
155	Brown HT	Colours - Brown and Black	May increase hyperactivity in affected children. Asthmatics sometimes react badly. Take care if you are sensitive to Aspirin. Be cautious if you suffer from allergies or intolerances.
234	Nisin	Preservative - other
262	Sodium Acetate	Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
296	Malic Acid	Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
297	Fumaric Acid	Miscellaneous - Acids and their Salts
350	Sodium Malate	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
351	Potassium Malate	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
352	Calcium Malate	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
353	Metataric Acid	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
355	Adipic Acid	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
363	Succinic Acid	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
370	1,4-Heptonolactane	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
375	Nicotinic Acid	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
380	Triammonium Citrate	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
381	Ammonium Ferric Citrate	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
385	Calcium Disodium EDTA	Miscellaneous - Salts of Malic Acid
416	Karaya Gum	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers
430	Polyoxyethane (8) Stearate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
431	Polyoxyethane (40) Stearate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
432	Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan / Polysorbate 20	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
433	Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan Mono-oleate / Polysorbate 80	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
434	Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan Monopalmitate / Polysorbate 40	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
435	Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan Monostearate / Polysorbate 60	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
436	Polyoxyethane (20) Sorbitan Tristearate / Polysorbate 65	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - Fatty Acid derivatives
476	Polyglycerol Esters of Polycondensed Esters of Caster Oil	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
478	Lactylated Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol and Propane-1,2-Diol	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
491	Sorbitan Monostearate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
492	Sorbitan Tristearate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
493	Sorbitan Monolaurate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
494	Sorbitan Mono-oleate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
495	Sorbitan Monopalmitate	Emulsifiers and Stabilisers - salts or Esters of Fatty Acids
500	Sodium Carbonate / Sodium Bicarbonate	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Carbonates
501	Potassium Carbonate / Potassium Bicarbonate	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Carbonates
503	Ammonium Carbonate	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Carbonates
504	Magnesium Carbonate	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Carbonates
507	Hydrochloric Acid	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Hydrochloric Acid and its Salts
508	Potassium Chloride	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Hydrochloric Acid and its Salts
509	Calcium Chloride	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Hydrochloric Acid and its Salts
510	Ammonium Chloride	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Hydrochloric Acid and its Salts
513	Sulphuric Acid	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
514	Sodium Sulphate	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
515	Potassium Sulphate	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
516	Calcium Sulphate	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
518	Magnesium Sulphate	Miscellaneous - Acids and Salts: Sulphuric Acid and its Salts
524	Sodium Hydroxide	Miscellaneous - Alkalis
525	Potassium Hydroxide	Miscellaneous - Alkalis
526	Calcium Hydroxide	Miscellaneous - Alkalis
527	Ammonium Hydroxide	Miscellaneous - Alkalis
528	Magnesium Hydroxide	Miscellaneous - Alkalis
529	Calcium Oxide	Miscellaneous - Alkalis
530	Magnesium Oxide	Miscellaneous - Alkalis
535	Sodium Ferrocyanide	Miscellaneous - other Salts
536	Potassium Ferrocyanide	Miscellaneous - other Salts
540	Dicalcium Ferrocyanide	Miscellaneous - other Salts
541	Sodium Aluminium Phosphate	Miscellaneous - other Salts
542	Edible Bone Phosphate (Bone-Meal)	Miscellaneous - Anti-Caking Agents
544	Calcium Polyphosphates	Miscellaneous - Anti-Caking Agents
545	Ammonium Polyphosphates	Miscellaneous - Anti-Caking Agents
551	Silicon Dioxide (Silica Salt)	Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
552	Calcium Silicate	Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
553	Magnesium Silicate / Magnesium Trisilicate (Talc)	Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
554	Aluminium Sodium Silicate	Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
556	Aluminium Calcium Silicate	Miscellaneous - Silicon Salts
558	Bentonite	Miscellaneous - other compounds
559	Kaolin (Aluminium Silicate)	Miscellaneous - other compounds
570	Stearic Acid	Miscellaneous - other compounds
572	Magnesium Stearate	Miscellaneous - other compounds
575	Glucono Delta-Lactone	Miscellaneous - other compounds
576	Sodium Gluconate	Miscellaneous - other compounds
577	Potassium Gluconate	Miscellaneous - other compounds
578	Calcium Gluconate	Miscellaneous - other compounds
620	L-Glutamic Acid	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
621	Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers	TOXIC Headaches Intestine Upset Skin Disorders
622	Monopotassium Glutamate	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
623	Calcium Glutamate	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
627	Sodium Guanylate	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
631	Sodium Inosinate	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
635	Sodium5-Ribonucleotide	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
636	Maltol	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
637	Ethyl Maltol	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
900	Dimethylpolysiloxane	Miscellaneous - Flavour Enhancers
901	Beeswax	Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
903	Carnauba Wax	Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
904	Shellac	Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
905	Mineral Hydrocarbons	Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
907	Refined Microcrystalline Wax	Miscellaneous - Glazing Agents
920	L-Cysteine Hydrochloride	Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour
924	Potassium Bromate	Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour
925	Chlorine	Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour
926	Chlorine Dioxide	Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour
927	Azodicarbonamide	Miscellaneous - Compounds used to treat Flour

E Numbers, food additives and your health

No.	Description
E100	Safe ??
E101	Safe ??
E102	Dangerous
E103	Forbidden
E104	Suspicious
E105	Forbidden
E110	Dangerous
E111	Forbidden
E120	Dangerous
E121	Forbidden
E122	Suspicious
E123	Very Dangerous
E124	Dangerous
E125	Forbidden
E126	Forbidden
E127	Dangerous
E130	Forbidden
E131	Cancer
E132	Safe ??
E140	Safe ??
E141	Suspicious
E142	Cancer
E150	Suspicious
E151	Suspicious
E152	Forbidden
E153	Suspicious
E160	Safe ??
E161	Safe ??
E163	Safe ??
E170	Safe ??
E171	Suspicious
E173	Suspicious
E174	Safe ??
E175	Safe ??
E180	Suspicious
E181	Forbidden
E210	Cancer
E211	Cancer
E212	Cancer
E213	Cancer
E214	Cancer
E215	Cancer
E217	Cancer
E220	Destroys Vitamin B12
E221	Intestine Upset
E222	Intestine Upset
E223	Intestine Upset
E224	Intestine Upset
E226	Intestine Upset
E230	Skin Disorder
E232	Skin Disorder
E233	Skin Disorder
E236	Safe ??
E237	Safe ??
E238	Safe ??
E239	Cancer
E240	Suspicious
E241	Suspicious
E250	Blood Pressure Upset
E251	Blood Pressure Upset
E252	Blood Pressure Upset
E260	Safe ??
E262	Safe ??
E263	Safe ??
E270	Safe ??
E280	Safe ??
E281	Safe ??
E282	Safe ??
E300	Safe ??
E301	Safe ??
E302	Safe ??
E303	Safe ??
E304	Safe ??
E305	Safe ??
E306	Safe ??
E307	Safe ??
E308	Safe ??
E309	Safe ??
E311	Eczema
E312	Eczema
E320	Cholesterol
E321	Cholesterol
E322	Safe ??
E325	Safe ??
E326	Safe ??
E327	Safe ??
E330	Cancer
E331	Safe ??
E332	Safe ??
E333	Safe ??
E334	Safe ??
E335	Safe ??
E336	Safe ??
E337	Safe ??
E338	Peptic Disorder
E339	Peptic Disorder
E340	Peptic Disorder
E341	Peptic Disorder
E400	Safe ??
E401	Safe ??
E402	Safe ??
E403	Safe ??
E404	Safe ??
E406	Safe ??
E407	Peptic Disorder
E408	Safe ??
E410	Safe ??
E411	Safe ??
E413	Safe ??
E414	Safe ??
E420	Safe ??
E421	Safe ??
E422	Safe ??
E450	Peptic Disorder
E461	Peptic Disorder
E462	Peptic Disorder
E463	Peptic Disorder
E465	Peptic Disorder
E466	Peptic Disorder
E471	Safe ??
E472	Safe ??
E473	Safe ??
E474	Safe ??
E475	Safe ??
E477	Suspicious
E480	Safe ??