E number explained

E numbers, short for Europe numbers, are codes for substances used as food additives, including those found naturally in many foods, such as vitamin C, for use within the European Union (EU)[1] and European Free Trade Association (EFTA).[2] Commonly found on food labels, their safety assessment and approval are the responsibility of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).[3] The fact that an additive has an E number implies that its use was at one time permitted in products for sale in the European Single Market; some of these additives are no longer allowed today.

Having a single unified list for food additives was first agreed upon in 1962 with food colouring. In 1964, the directives for preservatives were added, in 1970 antioxidants were added, in 1974 emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners and gelling agents were added as well.[4]

Numbering schemes

The numbering scheme follows that of the International Numbering System (INS) as determined by the Codex Alimentarius committee,[5] though only a subset of the INS additives are approved for use in the European Union as food additives. Outside the European continent plus Russia, E numbers are also encountered on food labelling in other jurisdictions, including the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand,[6] Malaysia, Hong Kong,[7] and India.

Colloquial use

In some European countries, the "E number" is used informally as a derogatory term for artificial food additives. For example, in the UK, food companies are required to include the 'E Number(s)' in the ingredients that are added as part of the manufacturing process. Many components of naturally occurring healthy foods and vitamins have assigned E numbers (and the number is a synonym for the chemical component), e.g. vitamin C (E300) and lycopene (E160d), found in carrots. At the same time, "E number" is sometimes misunderstood to imply approval for safe consumption. This is not necessarily the case, e.g. Avoparcin (E715) is an antibiotic once used in animal feed, but is no longer permitted in the EU, and has never been permitted for human consumption.

Classification by numeric range

E number rangeSubrangesDescription
100–199 (full list)
Colours
100–107 yellows
110–111 oranges
120–129 reds
130–139 blues and violets
140–149 greens
150–159 browns and blacks
160–199 gold and others
200–299 (full list)
Preservatives
200–209 sorbates
210–219 benzoates
220–229 sulfites
230–239 phenols and formates (methanoates)
240–259 nitrates
260–269 acetates (ethanoates)
270–279 lactates
280–289 propionates (propanoates)
290–299 others
300–399 (full list)
Antioxidants and acidity regulators
300–305 ascorbates (vitamin C)
306–309 Tocopherol (vitamin E)
310–319 gallates and erythorbates
320–329 lactates
330–337 citrates and tartrates
338–343 phosphates
344–345 citrates
349–359 malates and adipates
360–369 succinates and fumarates
370–399 others
400–499 (full list)
Thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers
400–409 alginates
410–419 natural gums
420–429 other natural agents
430–439 polyoxyethene compounds
440–449 natural emulsifiers
450–459 phosphates
460–469 cellulose compounds
470–489 fatty acids and compounds
490–499 others
500–599 (full list)
pH regulators and anti-caking agents
500–509 mineral acids and bases
510–519 chlorides and sulfates
520–529 sulfates and hydroxides
530–549 alkali metal compounds
550–559 silicates
570–579 stearates and gluconates
580–599 others
600–699 (full list)
Flavour enhancers
620–629 glutamates and guanylates
630–639 inosinates
640–649 others
700–799 (full list)
Antibiotics
700–713
900–999 (full list)
Glazing agents, gases and sweeteners
900–909 waxes
910–919 synthetic glazes
920–929 improving agents
930–949 packaging gases
950–969 sweeteners
990–999 foaming agents
1000–1599 (full list)
Additional additives
1100–1599New chemicals that do not fall into standard classification schemes
Not all examples of a class fall into the given numeric range; moreover, certain chemicals (particularly in the E400–499 range) have a variety of purposes.

Full list

The list shows all components that have an E-number assigned, even those no longer allowed in the EU.

E100–E199 (colours)

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E100Curcumin (from turmeric)Yellow-orangeApproved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9]
E101Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), formerly called lactoflavinYellow-orangeApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E101aRiboflavin-5'-PhosphateYellow-orangeApproved in the EU.
E102Tartrazine (FD&C Yellow 5)YellowApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E103Alkannin[10] Red-brown
E104Quinoline Yellow WSDull or greenish yellowRestricted use approved in the EU.
E105Fast Yellow ABYellowForbidden in the EU and US.
E106Riboflavin-5-Sodium PhosphateYellow
E107Yellow 2GYellow
E110Sunset Yellow FCF (Orange Yellow S, FD&C Yellow 6)Yellow-orangeRestricted use approved in the EU. Banned in Norway.[11] Products in the EU require warnings and its use is being phased out. Approved in the US.
E111Orange GGNOrange
E120Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmine (Natural Red 4)CrimsonApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E121Citrus Red 2Orange to pinkApproved in the United States only for use in colouring the skin of oranges.
E122Carmoisine (azorubine)Red to maroonApproved in the EU. Undergoing a voluntary phase-out in the UK. Currently banned in Canada, Japan, Norway, USA . EU currently evaluating health risks.
E123Amaranth (FD&C Red 2)RedApproved in the EU. Banned in the United States.[12]
E124Ponceau 4R (Cochineal Red A, Brilliant Scarlet 4R)PinkRestricted use approved in the EU.
E125Ponceau SX, Scarlet GNRedOnly permitted for externally applied drugs and cosmetics in the US.
E126Ponceau 6RRed
E127Erythrosine (FD&C Red 3)RedApproved in the EU. Approved in the US except for lake variant.
E128Red 2GRed or pinkNot approved in the EU.
E129Allura Red AC (FD&C Red 40)RedApproved in the EU. Banned in Switzerland. Undergoing a voluntary phase out in the UK. Approved in the US.
E130Indanthrene blue RSBlue
E131Patent Blue VDark blueApproved in the EU.Banned in the US and Australia.
E132Indigo carmine (indigotine, FD&C Blue 2)IndigoApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E133Brilliant blue FCF (FD&C Blue 1)BlueApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E140Chlorophylls and Chlorophyllins: (i) Chlorophylls (ii) ChlorophyllinsGreenApproved in the EU.
E141Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins (i) Copper complexes of chlorophylls (ii) Copper complexes of chlorophyllinsGreenApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E142Green SGreenApproved in the EU.
E143Fast Green FCF (FD&C Green 3)GreenApproved in the US. Banned in the EU.
E150aPlain caramelBrownApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E150bCaustic sulfite caramelBrownApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E150cAmmonia caramelBrownApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E150dSulfite ammonia caramelBrownApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E151Black PN, Brilliant Black BNBlackApproved in the EU.
E152Carbon black (hydrocarbon)Black
E153Vegetable carbonBlackApproved in the EU.
E154Brown FK (kipper brown)BrownPreviously approved in the EU for dyeing kippers only: approval withdrawn November 2011.[13]
E155Brown HT (chocolate brown HT)BrownApproved in the EU.
E160aAlpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, Gamma-caroteneYellow-orange to brownApproved in the EU. Only beta-carotene is approved in the US
E160bAnnatto, bixin, norbixinOrangeApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E160cPaprika oleoresin

(i) capsanthin, (ii) capsorubin

RedApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E160dLycopeneBright to deep redRestricted use approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E160eBeta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30)Orange-red to yellowApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E160fEthyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic acid (C 30)Orange-red to yellowNot approved in the EU.
E161aFlavoxanthinGolden-yellow and brownish
E161bLuteinOrange-red to yellowApproved in the EU.
E161cCryptoxanthinOrange-red
E161dRubixanthinOrange-red
E161eViolaxanthinOrange
E161fRhodoxanthinPurple
E161gCanthaxanthinVioletNot approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E161hZeaxanthinOrange-red
E161iCitranaxanthinDeep violet
E161jAstaxanthinRed
E162Beetroot Red, BetaninRedApproved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E163AnthocyaninspH dependent(Red, green and purple ranges)Approved in the EU.
E164SaffronOrange-red[colour?]Approved in the US.
E170Calcium carbonate, ChalkWhiteApproved in the EU.
E171Titanium dioxideWhiteNo longer approved in the EU as of June 2022,[14] due to the identification of potential carcinogenic effects.[15] Approved in the US.
E172Iron oxides and iron hydroxidesBrownApproved in the EU. Approved in the US for sausage casings.
E173AluminiumSilver to greyApproved in the EU.
E174SilverSilverApproved in the EU.
E175GoldGoldApproved in the EU.
E180Pigment Rubine, Lithol Rubine BKRedApproved in the EU.
E181TanninBrown
E182Orcein, OrchilPurple

E200–E299 (preservatives)

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E200Sorbic acidpreservativeApproved in the EU.
E201Sodium sorbatepreservative
E202Potassium sorbatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E203Calcium sorbatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E209Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoatepreservative
E210Benzoic acidpreservativeApproved in the EU.
E211Sodium benzoatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E212Potassium benzoatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E213Calcium benzoatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E214Ethylparaben (ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate)preservativeApproved in the EU.
E215Sodium ethyl para-hydroxybenzoatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E216Propylparaben (propyl para-hydroxybenzoate)preservative
E217Sodium propyl para-hydroxybenzoatepreservative
E218Methylparaben (methyl para-hydroxybenzoate)preservativeApproved in the EU.
E219Sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E220Sulfur dioxidepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E221Sodium sulfitepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E222Sodium bisulfite (sodium hydrogen sulfite)preservativeApproved in the EU.
E223Sodium metabisulfitepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E224Potassium metabisulfitepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E225Potassium sulfitepreservative
E226Calcium sulfitepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E227Calcium hydrogen sulfite (preservative)firming agentApproved in the EU.
E228Potassium hydrogen sulfitepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E230Biphenyl, diphenylpreservativeNot approved in the EU.
E231Orthophenyl phenolpreservativeNot approved in the EU.
E232Sodium orthophenyl phenolpreservativeNot approved in the EU.
E233ThiabendazolepreservativeNot approved in the EU.
E234NisinpreservativeApproved in the EU.
E235Natamycin, PimaracinpreservativeApproved in the EU.
E236Formic acidpreservative
E237Sodium formatepreservative
E238Calcium formatepreservative
E239Hexamine (hexamethylene tetramine)preservativeApproved in the EU.
E240Formaldehydepreservative
E242Dimethyl dicarbonatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E249Potassium nitritepreservativeApproved in the EU. In April 2023 the French Court of Appeals of Limoges confirmed that food-watch NGO Yuka was legally legitimate in describing Potassium Nitrate E249 to E252 as a "cancer risk", and thus rejected an appeal by the French charcuterie industry against the organisation.[16]
E250Sodium nitritepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E251Sodium nitrate (Chile saltpetre)preservativeApproved in the EU.
E252Potassium nitrate (Saltpetre)preservativeApproved in the EU.
E260Acetic acid (preservative)acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.[17]
E261Potassium acetate (preservative)acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E262Sodium acetates (i) Sodium acetate (ii) Sodium diacetate (sodium hydrogen acetate)preservative, acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E263Calcium acetate (preservative)acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E264Ammonium acetatepreservativeApproved in Australia and New Zealand[18]
E265Dehydroacetic acidpreservative
E266Sodium dehydroacetatepreservative
E270Lactic acid (preservative)antioxidantApproved in the EU.
E280Propionic acidpreservativeApproved in the EU.
E281Sodium propionatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E282Calcium propionatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E283Potassium propionatepreservativeApproved in the EU.
E284Boric acidpreservativeApproved in the EU.
E285Sodium tetraborate (borax)preservativeApproved in the EU.
E290Carbon dioxideacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E296Malic acid (acid)acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E297Fumaric acidacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.

E300–E399 (antioxidants, acidity regulators)

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E300Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)antioxidantApproved in the EU.[19]
E301Sodium ascorbateantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E302Calcium ascorbateantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E303Potassium ascorbateantioxidant
E304Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid (Ascorbyl palmitate)antioxidantApproved in the EU.
E305Ascorbyl stearateantioxidant
E306Tocopherols (Vitamin E, natural)antioxidantApproved in the EU.
E307Alpha-Tocopherol (synthetic)antioxidantApproved in the EU.
E308Gamma-Tocopherol (synthetic)antioxidantApproved in the EU.
E309Delta-Tocopherol (synthetic)antioxidantApproved in the EU.
E310Propyl gallateantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E311Octyl gallateantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E312Dodecyl gallateantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E313Ethyl gallateantioxidant
E314Guaiac resinantioxidant
E315Erythorbic acidantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E316Sodium erythorbateantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E317Erythorbin acidantioxidant
E318Sodium erythorbinantioxidant
E319tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)antioxidantApproved in the EU.
E320Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)antioxidantApproved in the EU.
E321Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)antioxidantApproved in the EU.
E322LecithinemulsifierApproved in the EU.[20]
E323Anoxomerantioxidant
E324Ethoxyquinantioxidant
E325Sodium lactateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E326Potassium lactate (antioxidant)acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E327Calcium lactateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E328Ammonium lactateacidity regulator
E329Magnesium lactateacidity regulator
E330Citric acidacid, acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E331Sodium citrates (i) Monosodium citrate (ii) Disodium citrate (iii) Sodium citrate (trisodium citrate)acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E332Potassium citrates (i) Monopotassium citrate (ii) Potassium citrate (tripotassium citrate)acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E333Calcium citrates (i) Monocalcium citrate (ii) Dicalcium citrate (iii) Calcium citrate (tricalcium citrate)acidity regulator, firming agent, sequestrantApproved in the EU.
E334Tartaric acid (L(+)-)(acid)Approved in the EU.
E335Sodium tartrates (i) Monosodium tartrate (ii), Disodium tartrateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E336Potassium tartrates (i) Monopotassium tartrate (cream of tartar) (ii) Dipotassium tartrateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E337Sodium potassium tartrateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E338Phosphoric acidacidApproved in the EU.
E339Sodium phosphates (i) Monosodium phosphate (ii) Disodium phosphate (iii) Trisodium phosphateantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E340Potassium phosphates (i) Monopotassium phosphate (ii) Dipotassium phosphate (iii) Tripotassium phosphateantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E341Calcium phosphates (i) Monocalcium phosphate (ii) Dicalcium phosphate (iii) Tricalcium phosphateanti-caking agent, firming agentApproved in the EU.
E342Ammonium phosphates: (i) monoammonium phosphate (ii) diammonium phosphate
E343Magnesium phosphates (i) monomagnesium phosphate (ii) Dimagnesium phosphateanti-caking agentApproved in the EU. This additive is under discussion and may be included in a future amendment to the Directive on miscellaneous additives.
E344Lecithin citrateacidity regulatorNot approved in the UK[21]
E345Magnesium citrateacidity regulator
E349Ammonium malateacidity regulator
E350Sodium malates (i) Sodium malate (ii) Sodium hydrogen malateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E351Potassium malateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E352Calcium malates (i) Calcium malate (ii) Calcium hydrogen malateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E353Metatartaric acidemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E354Calcium tartrateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E355Adipic acidacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E356Sodium adipateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E357Potassium adipateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E359Ammonium adipateacidity regulator
E363Succinic acidacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E365Monosodium fumarateacidity regulator
E366Potassium fumarateacidity regulator
E367Calcium fumarateacidity regulator
E368Ammonium fumarateacidity regulator
E3701,4-Heptonolactoneacidity regulator
E375Niacinacidity regulator
E380Triammonium citrateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E381Ammonium ferric citrateacidity regulator
E383Calcium glycerylphosphateacidity regulator
E384Isopropyl citrateacidity regulator
E385Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetate, (Calcium disodium EDTA)sequestrantApproved in the EU.
E386Disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetate (Disodium EDTA)sequestrant
E387Oxystearinstabiliser
E388Thiodipropionic acid
E389Dilauryl thiodipropionate
E390Distearyl thiodipropionate
E391Phytic acid
E392Carnosic acidApproved in 2010[22]
E399Calcium lactobionate

E400–E499 (thickeners, stabilisers, emulsifiers)

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E400Alginic acid (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E401Sodium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E402Potassium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E403Ammonium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E404Calcium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E405Propane-1,2-diol alginate (Propylene glycol alginate) (thickener) (stabiliser)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E406Agar (thickener) (gelling agent)stabiliserApproved in the EU.
E407Carrageenan (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E407aProcessed eucheuma seaweed (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E408Bakers yeast glycan
E409Arabinogalactan
E410Locust bean gum (Carob gum) (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E411Oat gum (thickener)stabiliser
E412Guar gum (thickener)stabiliserApproved in the EU.
E413Tragacanth (thickener) (stabiliser)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E414Acacia gum (gum arabic) (thickener) (stabiliser)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E415Xanthan gum (thickener)stabiliserApproved in the EU.
E416Karaya gum (thickener) (stabiliser)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E417Tara gum (thickener)stabiliserApproved in the EU.
E418Gellan gum (thickener) (stabiliser)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E419Gum ghatti (thickener) (stabiliser)emulsifier
E420Sorbitol (i) Sorbitol (ii) Sorbitol syrup (emulsifier) (sweetener)humectantApproved in the EU.[23]
E421Mannitol (anti-caking agent)sweetenerApproved in the EU.
E422Glycerol (emulsifier)sweetenerApproved in the EU.
E424Curdlangelling agent
E425Konjac (i) Konjac gum (ii) Konjac glucomannaneemulsifierApproved in the EU. May not be used in confectionery owing to choking risk.
E426Soybean hemicelluloseApproved in the EU.
E427Cassia gumApproved in 2010
E428Gelatin
E429Peptones
E430Polyoxyethene (8) stearate (emulsifier)stabiliser
E431Polyoxyethene (40) stearateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E432Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E433Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E434Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate (polysorbate 40)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E435Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monostearate (polysorbate 60)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E436Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E440Pectins (i) pectin (ii) amidated pectinemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E441Gelatine (emulsifier)gelling agent
E442Ammonium phosphatidesemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E443Brominated vegetable oilemulsifier
E444Sucrose acetate isobutyrateemulsifier
E445Glycerol esters of wood rosinsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E446Succistearin
E450Diphosphates (i) Disodium diphosphate (ii) Trisodium diphosphate (iii) Tetrasodium diphosphate (iv) Dipotassium diphosphate (v) Tetrapotassium diphosphate (vi) Dicalcium diphosphate (vii) Calcium dihydrogen diphosphateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E451Triphosphates (i) Sodium triphosphate (pentasodium triphosphate) (ii) Pentapotassium triphosphateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E452Polyphosphates (i) Sodium polyphosphates (ii) Potassium polyphosphates (iii) Sodium calcium polyphosphate (iv) Calcium polyphosphates (v) Ammonium polyphosphateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E459Beta-cyclodextrinemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E460Cellulose (i) Microcrystalline cellulose (ii) Powdered celluloseemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E461Methyl celluloseemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E462Ethyl celluloseemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E463Hydroxypropyl celluloseemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E464Hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E465Ethyl methyl celluloseemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E466Carboxymethyl cellulose, Sodium carboxymethyl celluloseemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E467Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose
E468Crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Croscarmellose)emulsifierApproved in the EU. This additive is under discussion and may be included in a future amendment to the Directive on miscellaneous additives
E469Enzymically hydrolysed carboxymethylcelluloseemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E470aSodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids (emulsifier)anti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E470bMagnesium salts of fatty acids (emulsifier)anti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E471Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate)emulsifierApproved in the EU.
E472aAcetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E472bLactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E472cCitric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E472dTartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E472eMono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E472fMixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E472gSuccinylated monoglyceridesemulsifier
E473Sucrose esters of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E474SucroglyceridesemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E475Polyglycerol esters of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E476Polyglycerol polyricinoleateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E477Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol esters of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E478Lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propane-1emulsifier
E479bThermally oxidized soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acidsemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E480Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinateemulsifier
E481Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E482Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E483Stearyl tartrateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E484Stearyl citrateemulsifier
E485Sodium stearoyl fumarateemulsifier
E486Calcium stearoyl fumarateemulsifier
E487Sodium laurylsulfateemulsifier
E488Ethoxylated Mono- and Di-Glyceridesemulsifier
E489Methyl glucoside-coconut oil esteremulsifier
E490Propane-1,2-diol
E491Sorbitan monostearateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E492Sorbitan tristearateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E493Sorbitan monolaurateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E494Sorbitan monooleateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E495Sorbitan monopalmitateemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E496Sorbitan trioleateemulsifier
E497Polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene polymers
E498Partial polyglycerol esters of polycondensed fatty acids of castor oil
E499Stigmasterol-rich plant sterolsApproved in the EU.

E500–E599 (acidity regulators, anti-caking agents)

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E500Sodium carbonates: (i) Sodium carbonate (ii) Sodium bicarbonate (Sodium hydrogen carbonate) (iii) Sodium sesquicarbonate (acidity regulator)raising agentApproved in the EU.
E501Potassium carbonates: (i) Potassium carbonate (ii) Potassium bicarbonate (Potassium hydrogen carbonate)acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E503Ammonium carbonates: (i) Ammonium carbonate (ii) Ammonium bicarbonate (Ammonium hydrogen carbonate)acidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E504Magnesium carbonates: (i) Magnesium carbonate (ii) Magnesium bicarbonate Magnesium hydrogen carbonateacidity regulator, anti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E505Ferrous carbonateacidity regulator
E507Hydrochloric acidacidApproved in the EU.
E508Potassium chloride (gelling agent)seasoningApproved in the EU.
E509Calcium chloride (sequestrant)firming agentApproved in the EU.
E510Ammonium chloride, ammonia solution (acidity regulator)improving agent
E511Magnesium chloridefirming agentApproved in the EU.
E512Stannous chlorideantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E513Sulfuric acidacidApproved in the EU.
E514Sodium sulfates (i) Sodium sulfate (ii) sodium bisulfateacidApproved in the EU.
E515Potassium sulfates (i) potassium sulfate (ii) potassium bisulfateApproved in the EU.
E516Calcium sulfateApproved in the EU.
E517Ammonium sulfateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E518Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), (acidity regulator)firming agent
E519Copper(II) sulfatepreservative
E520Aluminium sulfatefirming agentApproved in the EU.
E521Aluminium sodium sulfatefirming agentApproved in the EU.
E522Aluminium potassium sulfateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E523Aluminium ammonium sulfateacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E524Sodium hydroxideacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E525Potassium hydroxideacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E526Calcium hydroxide (acidity regulator)firming agentApproved in the EU.
E527Ammonium hydroxideacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E528Magnesium hydroxideacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E529Calcium oxide (acidity regulator)improving agentApproved in the EU.
E530Magnesium oxide (acidity regulator)anti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E535Sodium ferrocyanide (acidity regulator)anti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E536Potassium ferrocyanideanti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E537Ferrous hexacyanomanganateanti-caking agent
E538Calcium ferrocyanideanti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E539Sodium thiosulfateantioxidant
E540Dicalcium diphosphate (acidity regulator)emulsifier
E541Sodium aluminium phosphate (i) Acidic (ii) BasicemulsifierApproved in the EU.
E542Bone phosphate (Essentiale Calcium Phosphate, Tribasic)anti-caking agent
E543Calcium sodium polyphosphateemulsifier
E544Calcium polyphosphateemulsifier
E545Ammonium polyphosphateemulsifier
E550Sodium Silicates (i) Sodium silicate (ii) Sodium metasilicateanti-caking agent
E551Silicon dioxide (Silica)anti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E552Calcium silicateanti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E553a(i) Magnesium silicate (ii) Magnesium trisilicateanti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E553bTalcanti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E554Sodium aluminosilicate (sodium aluminium silicate)anti-caking agentremoved from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012
E555Potassium aluminium silicate (potassium aluminosilicate)anti-caking agentremoved from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012
E556Calcium aluminosilicate (calcium aluminium silicate)anti-caking agentremoved from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012
E557Zinc silicateanti-caking agentremoved from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012
E558Bentoniteanti-caking agentremoved from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012
E559Aluminium silicate (Kaolin)anti-caking agentremoved from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012
E560Potassium silicateanti-caking agent
E561Vermiculite
E562Sepiolite
E563Sepiolitic clay
E565Lignosulfonates
E566Natrolite-phonolite
E570Fatty acidsanti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E572Magnesium stearate, calcium stearate (emulsifier)anti-caking agent
E574Gluconic acidacidity regulatorApproved in the EU.
E575Glucono delta-lactone (acidity regulator)sequestrantApproved in the EU.
E576Sodium gluconatesequestrantApproved in the EU.
E577Potassium gluconatesequestrantApproved in the EU.
E578Calcium gluconatefirming agentApproved in the EU.
E579Ferrous gluconatefood colouringApproved in the EU.
E580Magnesium gluconate
E585Ferrous lactatefood colouringApproved in the EU.
E5864-HexylresorcinolantioxidantApproved in the EU.
E598Synthetic calcium aluminates
E599Perlite

E600–E699 (flavour enhancer)

width=8%Codewidth=40%Name(s)width=20%Purposewidth=32%Status
E620Glutamic acidflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E621Monosodium glutamate (MSG)flavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E622Monopotassium glutamateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E623Calcium diglutamateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E624Monoammonium glutamateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E625Magnesium diglutamateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E626Guanylic acidflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E627Disodium guanylate, sodium guanylateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E628Dipotassium guanylateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E629Calcium guanylateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E630Inosinic acidflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E631Disodium inosinateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E632Dipotassium inosinateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E633Calcium inosinateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E634Calcium 5'-ribonucleotidesflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E635Disodium 5'-ribonucleotidesflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E636Maltolflavour enhancer
E637Ethyl maltolflavour enhancer
E640Glycine and its sodium saltflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E650Zinc acetateflavour enhancerApproved in the EU.

E700–E799 (antibiotics)

[24]

width=8%Codewidth=40%Name(s)width=20%Purposewidth=32%Status
E701Tetracyclinesantibiotic
E702Chlortetracyclineantibiotic
E703Oxytetracyclineantibiotic
E704Oleandomycinantibiotic
E705Penicillin G potassiumantibiotic
E706Penicillin G sodiumantibiotic
E707Penicillin G procaineantibiotic
E708Penicillin G benzathineantibiotic
E710Spiramycinsantibiotic
E711Virginiamycinsantibiotic
E712Flavomycinantibiotic
E713Tylosinantibiotic
E714Monensin Aantibiotic
E715Avoparcinantibiotic
E716Salinomycinantibiotic
E717Avilamycinantibiotic

E900–E999 (glazing agents, gases and sweeteners)

width=8%Codewidth=40%Name(s)width=20%Purposewidth=32%Status
E900Dimethyl polysiloxane (anti-foaming agent)anti-caking agentApproved in the EU.
E901Beeswax, white and yellowglazing agentApproved in the EU.
E902Candelilla waxglazing agentApproved in the EU.
E903Carnauba waxglazing agentApproved in the EU.
E904Shellacglazing agentApproved in the EU.
E905ParaffinsApproved in the EU.
E905aMineral oilanti-foaming agent
E905bPetrolatum
E905cPetroleum wax (i)Microcrystalline wax (ii) Paraffin waxglazing agent
E906Gum benzoicflavour enhancer
E907Crystalline waxglazing agent
E908Rice bran waxglazing agent
E909Spermaceti waxglazing agent
E910Wax estersglazing agent
E911Methyl esters of fatty acidsglazing agent
E912Montanic acid esters, Montan acid estersglazing agentApproved in the EU.
E913Lanolin, sheep wool greaseglazing agent
E914Oxidized polyethylene wax, oxidized polyethyleneglazing agentApproved in the EU.
E915Esters of colophonyglazing agent
E916Calcium iodate
E917Potassium iodate
E918Nitrogen oxides
E919Nitrosyl chloride
E920L-cysteineimproving agentApproved in the EU[25]
E921L-cystineimproving agent
E922Potassium persulfateimproving agent
E923Ammonium persulfateimproving agent
E924Potassium bromateimproving agentBanned in the EU;[26] genotoxic carcinogen[27]
E924bCalcium bromateimproving agent
E925Chlorinepreservative, bleach, improving agent
E926Chlorine dioxide (preservative)bleach
E927aAzodicarbonamideimproving agentidentified as a Substance of Very High Concern in EU.[28]
E927bCarbamide (urea)improving agentApproved in the EU.
E928Benzoyl peroxide (improving agent)bleach
E929Acetone peroxide
E930Calcium peroxide (improving agent)bleach
E938Argonpackaging gasApproved in the EU.
E939Heliumpackaging gasApproved in the EU.
E940Dichlorodifluoromethanepackaging gasBanned in all countries, in compliance with the Montreal Protocol.
E941Nitrogen (packaging gas)propellantApproved in the EU.
E942Nitrous oxidepropellantApproved in the EU.
E943aButanepropellantApproved in the EU.
E943bIsobutanepropellantApproved in the EU.
E944PropanepropellantApproved in the EU.
E945Chloropentafluoroethanepropellant
E946Octafluorocyclobutanepropellant
E948Oxygenpackaging gasApproved in the EU.
E949Hydrogenpackaging gasApproved in the EU.
E950Acesulfame potassiumsweetenerApproved in the EU.
E951AspartamesweetenerApproved in the EU.
E952Cyclamic acid and its sodium and calcium salts, also known as CyclamatesweetenerApproved in the EU.
E953Isomalt, IsomaltitolsweetenerApproved in the EU.
E954Saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium saltssweetenerApproved in the EU.
E955Sucralose (Trichlorogalactosucrose)sweetenerApproved in the EU.
E956Alitamesweetener
E957Thaumatin (sweetener)flavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E958Glycyrrhizin (sweetener)flavour enhancer
E959Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone (sweetener)flavour enhancerApproved in the EU.
E960Steviol glycosidessweetenerApproved in the EU.[29]
E961NeotamesweetenerApproved in 2010
E962Aspartame-acesulfame salt (sweetener)stabiliserApproved in the EU.
E964Polyglycitol syrupsweetenerApproved in the EU.
E965Maltitol (i) Maltitol (ii) Maltitol syrup (sweetener) (stabiliser)humectantApproved in the EU.
E966LactitolsweetenerApproved in the EU.
E967XylitolsweetenerApproved in the EU.
E968ErythritolsweetenerApproved in the EU.
E969AdvantamesweetenerApproved in the EU.
E999Quillaia extractfoaming agentApproved in the EU.

E1000–E1599 (additional additives)

width=8%Codewidth=40%Name(s)width=20%Purposewidth=32%Status
E1000Cholic acidemulsifier
E1001Choline saltsemulsifier
E1100Amylasestabiliser, flavour enhancer
E1101Proteases ((i)Protease, (ii)Papain, (iii)Bromelain, (iv)Ficin)stabiliser, flavour enhancer
E1102Glucose oxidaseantioxidant
E1103InvertasestabiliserApproved in the EU.
E1104Lipases
E1105Lysozymepreservative
E1200Polydextrosestabiliser, thickening agent, humectant, carrierApproved in the EU.
E1201PolyvinylpyrrolidonestabiliserApproved in the EU.
E1202Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (carrier)stabiliserApproved in the EU.
E1203Polyvinyl alcoholApproved in 2010
E1204PullulanApproved in the EU.
E1400Dextrin (Dextrins, roasted starch white and yellow) (stabiliser)thickening agent
E1401Modified starch ((Acid-treated starch) stabiliser)thickening agent
E1402Alkaline modified starch (stabiliser)thickening agent
E1403Bleached starch (stabiliser)thickening agent
E1404Oxidized starch (emulsifier)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1405Enzyme treated starch
E1410Monostarch phosphate (stabiliser)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1411Distarch glycerol (thickening agent)emulsifier
E1412Distarch phosphate esterified with sodium trimetasphosphate; esterified with phosphorus oxychloride (stabiliser)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1413Phosphated distarch phosphate (stabiliser)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1414Acetylated distarch phosphate (emulsifier)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1420Starch acetate esterified with acetic anhydride (stabiliser)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1421Starch acetate esterified with vinyl acetate (stabiliser)thickening agent
E1422Acetylated distarch adipate (stabiliser)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1423Acetylated distarch glycerolthickening agent
E1430Distarch glycerine (stabiliser)thickening agent
E1440Hydroxy propyl starch (emulsifier)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1441Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerine (stabiliser)thickening agent
E1442Hydroxy propyl distarch phosphate (stabiliser)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1443Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerol
E1450Starch sodium octenyl succinate (emulsifier) (stabiliser)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1451Acetylated oxidised starch (emulsifier)thickening agentApproved in the EU.
E1452Starch aluminium octenyl succinateApproved in the EU.
E1501Benzylated hydrocarbons
E1502Butane-1, 3-diol
E1503Castor oilresolving agent
E1504Ethyl acetateflavour solvent
E1505Triethyl citratefoam stabiliserApproved in the EU.
E1510Ethanol
E1516Glyceryl monoacetateflavour solvent
E1517Glyceryl diacetate or diacetinflavour solvent
E1518Glyceryl triacetate or triacetinhumectant and flavour solventApproved in the EU.
E1519Benzyl alcohol
E1520Propylene glycolhumectant and flavour solventApproved in the EU.
E1521Polyethylene glycol 8000[30] Approved in 2010
E1525Hydroxyethyl cellulosethickening agent

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives . EUR-Lex

    Access to European Union law

    . 16 December 2008 . live . 31 August 2021 . 31 August 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210831114906/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20201223&from=EN .
  2. News: Explainer: what are E numbers and should you avoid them in your diet?. The Conversation. Matthew Snelson. 18 November 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190426091006/https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-are-e-numbers-and-should-you-avoid-them-in-your-diet-43908. 26 April 2019.
  3. Web site: Frequently Asked Questions Why Food Additives. Food Additives and Ingredients Association UK & Ireland- Making life taste better. 6 March 2010. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190601015633/https://www.faia.org.uk/faqs/. 1 June 2019.
  4. Web site: Food Additives in the European Union. Foodlaw-Reading The University of Reading, UK. David Jukes. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20190426091006/http://www.foodlaw.rdg.ac.uk/additive.htm. 26 April 2019.
  5. Web site: . Class Names and the International Numbering System for Food Additives (Ref: CAC/GL #36 publ. 1989, revised 2009, amended 2011) . 15 December 2011 . 6 February 2007 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070206034842/http://www.codexalimentarius.net/download/standards/7/CXG_036e.pdf . live .
  6. http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/Additives%20alpha.pdf Food Standards Australia New Zealand
  7. Web site: Centre for Food Safety. www.cfs.gov.hk. 22 March 2020. 14 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180614055211/http://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/food_leg/food_leg_lgfa.html. live.
  8. Web site: Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers . . United Kingdom . 2010 . 26 November 2010 . 7 October 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101007124435/http://www.food.gov.uk/safereating/chemsafe/additivesbranch/enumberlist . live .
  9. Web site: Summary of Color Additives for Use in United States in Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices . . 16 December 2019 . 22 April 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190422154919/https://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/ColorAdditives/ColorAdditiveInventories/ucm115641.htm . live .
  10. http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/_srcfiles/Additives%20alpha.pdf Additives
  11. News: Food additives . CBC News . 29 September 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130909224854/http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/foodsafety/additives.html . 9 September 2013.
  12. Death of a Dye . . 2 February 1976 . 19 December 2019 . 19 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191219205740/http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,945520,00.html . live .
  13. Web site: Regulations: COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 1129/2011 . . 11 November 2011.
  14. Web site: COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2022/63 of 14 January 2022 amending Annexes II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171) . 14 January 2022 . European Commission . 17 March 2022 . 17 March 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220317181113/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022R0063 . live .
  15. News: E171: EU watchdog says food colouring widely used in UK is unsafe; European Commission to propose ban after finding that carcinogenic effects cannot be ruled out . The Guardian . Daniel Boffey . 6 May 2021 . 7 May 2021 . 7 May 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210507125633/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/e171-eu-watchdog-says-food-colouring-widely-used-in-uk-is-unsafe . live .
  16. News: Nitrites et jambons "cancérogènes": nouvelle victoire en appel de Yuka contre un industriel de la charcuterie . Nitrites and "carcinogenic" hams: Yuka's new appeal victory against a charcuterie manufacturer . Marianne . Thomas . Rabino . 13 April 2023.
  17. Web site: Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers. https://web.archive.org/web/20220422201759/https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/approved-additives-and-e-numbers. 22 April 2022. Food Standards Agency. 26 November 2010.
  18. Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code Web site: Standard 1.2.4 – Labelling of ingredients . 8 September 2011 . 27 October 2011 . 19 January 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120119082034/http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2011C00827 . live .
  19. http://www.food.gov.uk/safereating/chemsafe/additivesbranch/enumberlist#h_4 Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers
  20. http://www.food.gov.uk/safereating/chemsafe/additivesbranch/enumberlist#h_6 Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers
  21. Web site: Approved additives and E numbers. Food Standards Agency.
  22. http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2010/nov/additives New additives approved for use
  23. http://www.food.gov.uk/safereating/chemsafe/additivesbranch/enumberlist#h_5 Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers
  24. Web site: E700-E799 (antibiotics) . Sigma-Aldrich . 17 December 2018 . 17 December 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181217213836/https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/analytical-chromatography/analytical-products.html?TablePage=109806894 . live .
  25. Web site: E920 (L-cysteine) approval in the EU. 1 April 2021. 3 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210703072221/https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/foods_system/main/index.cfm?event=substance.view&identifier=301. live.
  26. Web site: Which trends offer opportunities or pose a threat to the European market for natural food additives? . Teresa Hüttenhofer . Gustavo Ferro . Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Government of the Netherlands . 23 December 2020 . 18 June 2021 . 24 June 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200445/https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/natural-food-additives/which-trends-offer-opportunities . live .
  27. Kurokawa, Y. . Maekawa, A. . Takahashi, M. . Hayashi, Y. . 1990 . Toxicity and carcinogenicity of potassium bromate–a new renal carcinogen . Environmental Health Perspectives . 87 . 309–335 . 10.1289/ehp.9087309. 2269236 . 1567851 .
  28. Web site: Parliamentary question | Answer to Question No E-008728/14 | E-008728/2014(ASW) | European Parliament .
  29. Web site: Stevia EU approval. 14 November 2011. 11 May 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130511184158/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:295:0205:0211:EN:PDF..
  30. Web site: . Identifying Food Additives . 6 December 2017 . 7 December 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171207013655/http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/elibrary/food-additives.pdf .