E_numbers
E number
Codes for food additives
This article is about the food additive codes. For the constant, see e (mathematical constant). For other uses, see E number (disambiguation).
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]: 27 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]
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.
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.
 | It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled International Numbering System for Food Additives. (Discuss) (November 2023) |
More information Subranges, Description ...
| E number range | Subranges | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
1100–1599 | New chemicals that do not fall into standard classification schemes |
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NB: Not all examples of a class fall into the given numeric range. Moreover, many chemicals, particularly in the E400–499 range, have a variety of purposes.
| It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled International Numbering System for Food Additives. (Discuss) (November 2023) |
The list shows all components that have an E-number assigned, even those no longer allowed in the EU.
E100–E199 (colours)
More information Code, Name(s) ...
| Code | Name(s) | Colour | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E100 | Curcumin (from turmeric) | Yellow-orange | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E101 | Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), formerly called lactoflavin | Yellow-orange | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E101a | Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate | Yellow-orange | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E102 | Tartrazine (FD&C Yellow 5) | Yellow | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E103 | Alkannin[10] | Red-brown | |
| E104 | Quinoline Yellow WS | Dull or greenish yellow | Restricted use approved in the EU.[8][11] |
| E105 | Fast Yellow AB | Yellow | Forbidden in the EU and US.[12] |
| E106 | Riboflavin-5-Sodium Phosphate | Yellow | |
| E107 | Yellow 2G | Yellow | |
| E110 | Sunset Yellow FCF (Orange Yellow S, FD&C Yellow 6) | Yellow-orange | Restricted use approved in the EU.[8][11] Banned in Norway.[13] Products in the EU require warnings and its use is being phased out.[11] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E111 | Orange GGN | Orange | |
| E120 | Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmine (Natural Red 4) | Crimson | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E121 | Citrus Red 2 | Orange to pink | Approved in the United States only for use in colouring the skin of oranges.[14] |
| E122 | Carmoisine (azorubine) | Red to maroon | Approved in the EU.[8] Undergoing a voluntary phase-out in the UK. Currently banned in Canada, Japan, Norway, USA .[citation needed] EU currently evaluating health risks.[citation needed] |
| E123 | Amaranth (FD&C Red 2) | Red | Approved in the EU.[8] Banned in the United States.[15] |
| E124 | Ponceau 4R (Cochineal Red A, Brilliant Scarlet 4R) | Pink | Restricted use approved in the EU.[8][11] |
| E125 | Ponceau SX, Scarlet GN | Red | Only permitted for externally applied drugs and cosmetics in the US.[16][17][18] |
| E126 | Ponceau 6R | Red | |
| E127 | Erythrosine (FD&C Red 3) | Red | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US except for lake variant.[9] |
| E128 | Red 2G | Red or pink | Not approved in the EU.[11] |
| E129 | Allura Red AC (FD&C Red 40) | Red | Approved in the EU.[8] Banned in Switzerland.[citation needed] Undergoing a voluntary phase out in the UK. Approved in the US.[9] |
| E130 | Indanthrene blue RS | Blue | |
| E131 | Patent Blue V | Dark blue | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E132 | Indigo carmine (indigotine, FD&C Blue 2) | Indigo | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E133 | Brilliant blue FCF (FD&C Blue 1) | Blue | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E140 | Chlorophylls and Chlorophyllins: (i) Chlorophylls (ii) Chlorophyllins | Green | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins (i) Copper complexes of chlorophylls (ii) Copper complexes of chlorophyllins | Green | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E142 | Green S | Green | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E143 | Fast Green FCF (FD&C Green 3) | Green | Approved in the US. Banned in the EU. |
| E150a | Plain caramel | Brown | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E150b | Caustic sulfite caramel | Brown | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E150c | Ammonia caramel | Brown | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E150d | Sulfite ammonia caramel | Brown | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E151 | Black PN, Brilliant Black BN | Black | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E152 | Carbon black (hydrocarbon) | Black | |
| E153 | Vegetable carbon | Black | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E154 | Brown FK (kipper brown) | Brown | Previously approved in the EU for dyeing kippers only: approval withdrawn November 2011.[11] |
| E155 | Brown HT (chocolate brown HT) | Brown | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E160a | Alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, Gamma-carotene | Yellow-orange to brown | Approved in the EU.[8] Only beta-carotene is approved in the US [9] |
| E160b | Annatto, bixin, norbixin | Orange | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E160c | Paprika oleoresin: (i) capsanthin, (ii) capsorubin | Red | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E160d | Lycopene | Bright to deep red | Restricted use approved in the EU.[8][11] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E160e | Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30) | Orange-red to yellow | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E160f | Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic acid (C 30) | Orange-red to yellow | Not approved in the EU.[11] |
| E161a | Flavoxanthin | Golden-yellow and brownish | |
| E161b | Lutein | Orange-red to yellow | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E161c | Cryptoxanthin | Orange-red | |
| E161d | Rubixanthin | Orange-red | |
| E161e | Violaxanthin | Orange | |
| E161f | Rhodoxanthin | Purple | |
| E161g | Canthaxanthin | Violet | Not approved in the EU.[11] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E161h | Zeaxanthin | Orange-red | |
| E161i | Citranaxanthin | Deep violet | |
| E161j | Astaxanthin | Red | |
| E162 | Beetroot Red, Betanin | Red | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E163 | Anthocyanins | pH dependent(Red, green and purple ranges) | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E164 | Saffron | Orange-red[colour?] | Approved in the US.[9] |
| E170 | Calcium carbonate, Chalk | White | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E171 | Titanium dioxide | White | No longer approved in the EU as of June 2022,[19] due to the identification of potential carcinogenic effects.[20] Approved in the US.[9] |
| E172 | Iron oxides and iron hydroxides | Brown | Approved in the EU.[8] Approved in the US for sausage casings.[9] |
| E173 | Aluminium | Silver to grey | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E174 | Silver | Silver | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E175 | Gold | Gold | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E180 | Pigment Rubine, Lithol Rubine BK | Red | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E181 | Tannin | Brown | |
| E182 | Orcein, Orchil | Purple |
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E200–E299 (preservatives)
More information Code, Name(s) ...
| Code | Name(s) | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E200 | Sorbic acid | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E201 | Sodium sorbate | preservative | |
| E202 | Potassium sorbate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E203 | Calcium sorbate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E209 | Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate | preservative | |
| E210 | Benzoic acid | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E211 | Sodium benzoate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E212 | Potassium benzoate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E213 | Calcium benzoate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E214 | Ethylparaben (ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate) | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E215 | Sodium ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E216 | Propylparaben (propyl para-hydroxybenzoate) | preservative | |
| E217 | Sodium propyl para-hydroxybenzoate | preservative | |
| E218 | Methylparaben (methyl para-hydroxybenzoate) | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E219 | Sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E220 | Sulfur dioxide | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E221 | Sodium sulfite | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E222 | Sodium bisulfite (sodium hydrogen sulfite) | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E223 | Sodium metabisulfite | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E224 | Potassium metabisulfite | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E225 | Potassium sulfite | preservative | |
| E226 | Calcium sulfite | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E227 | Calcium hydrogen sulfite (preservative) | firming agent | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E228 | Potassium hydrogen sulfite | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E230 | Biphenyl, diphenyl | preservative | Not approved in the EU. |
| E231 | Orthophenyl phenol | preservative | Not approved in the EU. |
| E232 | Sodium orthophenyl phenol | preservative | Not approved in the EU. |
| E233 | Thiabendazole | preservative | Not approved in the EU. |
| E234 | Nisin | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E235 | Natamycin, Pimaracin | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E236 | Formic acid | preservative | |
| E237 | Sodium formate | preservative | |
| E238 | Calcium formate | preservative | |
| E239 | Hexamine (hexamethylene tetramine) | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E240 | Formaldehyde | preservative | |
| E242 | Dimethyl dicarbonate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E249 | Potassium nitrite | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] 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.[21] |
| E250 | Sodium nitrite | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E251 | Sodium nitrate (Chile saltpetre) | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E252 | Potassium nitrate (Saltpetre) | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E260 | Acetic acid (preservative) | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E261 | Potassium acetate (preservative) | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E262 | Sodium acetates (i) Sodium acetate (ii) Sodium diacetate (sodium hydrogen acetate) | preservative, acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E263 | Calcium acetate (preservative) | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E264 | Ammonium acetate | preservative | Approved in Australia and New Zealand[23] |
| E265 | Dehydroacetic acid | preservative | |
| E266 | Sodium dehydroacetate | preservative | |
| E270 | Lactic acid (preservative) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E280 | Propionic acid | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E281 | Sodium propionate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E282 | Calcium propionate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E283 | Potassium propionate | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E284 | Boric acid | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E285 | Sodium tetraborate (borax) | preservative | Approved in the EU.[8] |
| E290 | Carbon dioxide | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E296 | Malic acid (acid) | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E297 | Fumaric acid | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
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E300–E399 (antioxidants, acidity regulators)
More information Code, Name(s) ...
| Code | Name(s) | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E300 | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E301 | Sodium ascorbate | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E302 | Calcium ascorbate | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E303 | Potassium ascorbate | antioxidant | |
| E304 | Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid (Ascorbyl palmitate) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E305 | Ascorbyl stearate | antioxidant | |
| E306 | Tocopherols (Vitamin E, natural) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E307 | Alpha-Tocopherol (synthetic) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E308 | Gamma-Tocopherol (synthetic) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E309 | Delta-Tocopherol (synthetic) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E310 | Propyl gallate | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E311 | Octyl gallate | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E312 | Dodecyl gallate | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E313 | Ethyl gallate | antioxidant | |
| E314 | Guaiac resin | antioxidant | |
| E315 | Erythorbic acid | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E316 | Sodium erythorbate | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E317 | Erythorbin acid[citation needed] | antioxidant | |
| E318 | Sodium erythorbin[citation needed] | antioxidant | |
| E319 | tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E320 | Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E321 | Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E322 | Lecithin | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E323 | Anoxomer | antioxidant | |
| E324 | Ethoxyquin | antioxidant | |
| E325 | Sodium lactate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E326 | Potassium lactate (antioxidant) | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E327 | Calcium lactate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E328 | Ammonium lactate | acidity regulator | |
| E329 | Magnesium lactate | acidity regulator | |
| E330 | Citric acid | acid, acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E331 | Sodium citrates (i) Monosodium citrate (ii) Disodium citrate (iii) Sodium citrate (trisodium citrate) | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E332 | Potassium citrates (i) Monopotassium citrate (ii) Potassium citrate (tripotassium citrate) | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E333 | Calcium citrates (i) Monocalcium citrate (ii) Dicalcium citrate (iii) Calcium citrate (tricalcium citrate) | acidity regulator, firming agent, sequestrant | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E334 | Tartaric acid (L(+)-) | (acid) | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E335 | Sodium tartrates (i) Monosodium tartrate (ii), Disodium tartrate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E336 | Potassium tartrates (i) Monopotassium tartrate (cream of tartar) (ii) Dipotassium tartrate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E337 | Sodium potassium tartrate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E338 | Phosphoric acid | acid | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E339 | Sodium phosphates (i) Monosodium phosphate (ii) Disodium phosphate (iii) Trisodium phosphate | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E340 | Potassium phosphates (i) Monopotassium phosphate (ii) Dipotassium phosphate (iii) Tripotassium phosphate | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E341 | Calcium phosphates (i) Monocalcium phosphate (ii) Dicalcium phosphate (iii) Tricalcium phosphate | anti-caking agent, firming agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E342 | Ammonium phosphates: (i) monoammonium phosphate (ii) diammonium phosphate | ||
| E343 | Magnesium phosphates (i) monomagnesium phosphate (ii) Dimagnesium phosphate | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] This additive is under discussion and may be included in a future amendment to the Directive on miscellaneous additives. |
| E344 | Lecithin citrate | acidity regulator | Not approved in the UK[26] |
| E345 | Magnesium citrate | acidity regulator | |
| E349 | Ammonium malate | acidity regulator | |
| E350 | Sodium malates (i) Sodium malate (ii) Sodium hydrogen malate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E351 | Potassium malate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E352 | Calcium malates (i) Calcium malate (ii) Calcium hydrogen malate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E353 | Metatartaric acid | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E354 | Calcium tartrate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E355 | Adipic acid | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E356 | Sodium adipate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E357 | Potassium adipate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E359 | Ammonium adipate | acidity regulator | |
| E363 | Succinic acid | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E365 | Monosodium fumarate | acidity regulator | |
| E366 | Potassium fumarate | acidity regulator | |
| E367 | Calcium fumarate | acidity regulator | |
| E368 | Ammonium fumarate | acidity regulator | |
| E370 | 1,4-Heptonolactone | acidity regulator | |
| E375 | Niacin | acidity regulator | |
| E380 | Triammonium citrate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E381 | Ammonium ferric citrate | acidity regulator | |
| E383 | Calcium glycerylphosphate | acidity regulator | |
| E384 | Isopropyl citrate | acidity regulator | |
| E385 | Calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetate, (Calcium disodium EDTA) | sequestrant | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E386 | Disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetate (Disodium EDTA) | sequestrant | |
| E387 | Oxystearin | stabiliser | |
| E388 | Thiodipropionic acid | ||
| E389 | Dilauryl thiodipropionate | ||
| E390 | Distearyl thiodipropionate | ||
| E391 | Phytic acid | ||
| E392 | Carnosic acid | Approved in 2010[27] | |
| E399 | Calcium lactobionate |
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E400–E499 (thickeners, stabilisers, emulsifiers)
More information Code, Name(s) ...
| Code | Name(s) | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E400 | Alginic acid (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E401 | Sodium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E402 | Potassium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E403 | Ammonium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E404 | Calcium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E405 | Propane-1,2-diol alginate (Propylene glycol alginate) (thickener) (stabiliser) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E406 | Agar (thickener) (gelling agent) | stabiliser | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E407 | Carrageenan (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E407a | Processed eucheuma seaweed (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E408 | Bakers yeast glycan | ||
| E409 | Arabinogalactan | ||
| E410 | Locust bean gum (Carob gum) (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E411 | Oat gum (thickener) | stabiliser | |
| E412 | Guar gum (thickener) | stabiliser | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E413 | Tragacanth (thickener) (stabiliser) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E414 | Acacia gum (gum arabic) (thickener) (stabiliser) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E415 | Xanthan gum (thickener) | stabiliser | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E416 | Karaya gum (thickener) (stabiliser) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E417 | Tara gum (thickener) | stabiliser | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E418 | Gellan gum (thickener) (stabiliser) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E419 | Gum ghatti (thickener) (stabiliser) | emulsifier | |
| E420 | Sorbitol (i) Sorbitol (ii) Sorbitol syrup (emulsifier) (sweetener) | humectant | Approved in the EU.[28] |
| E421 | Mannitol (anti-caking agent) | sweetener | Approved in the EU.[28] |
| E422 | Glycerol (emulsifier) | sweetener | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E424 | Curdlan | gelling agent | |
| E425 | Konjac (i) Konjac gum (ii) Konjac glucomannane | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] May not be used in confectionery owing to choking risk.[citation needed] |
| E426 | Soybean hemicellulose | Approved in the EU.[25] | |
| E427 | Cassia gum | Approved in 2010[27] | |
| E428 | Gelatin | ||
| E429 | Peptones | ||
| E430 | Polyoxyethene (8) stearate (emulsifier) | stabiliser | |
| E431 | Polyoxyethene (40) stearate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E432 | Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E433 | Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E434 | Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate (polysorbate 40) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E435 | Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monostearate (polysorbate 60) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E436 | Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E440 | Pectins (i) pectin (ii) amidated pectin | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E441 | Gelatine (emulsifier) | gelling agent | |
| E442 | Ammonium phosphatides | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E443 | Brominated vegetable oil | emulsifier | |
| E444 | Sucrose acetate isobutyrate | emulsifier | |
| E445 | Glycerol esters of wood rosins | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E446 | Succistearin | ||
| E450 | Diphosphates (i) Disodium diphosphate (ii) Trisodium diphosphate (iii) Tetrasodium diphosphate (iv) Dipotassium diphosphate (v) Tetrapotassium diphosphate (vi) Dicalcium diphosphate (vii) Calcium dihydrogen diphosphate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E451 | Triphosphates (i) Sodium triphosphate (pentasodium triphosphate) (ii) Pentapotassium triphosphate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E452 | Polyphosphates (i) Sodium polyphosphates (ii) Potassium polyphosphates (iii) Sodium calcium polyphosphate (iv) Calcium polyphosphates (v) Ammonium polyphosphate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E459 | Beta-cyclodextrin | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E460 | Cellulose (i) Microcrystalline cellulose (ii) Powdered cellulose | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E461 | Methyl cellulose | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E462 | Ethyl cellulose | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E463 | Hydroxypropyl cellulose | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E464 | Hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E465 | Ethyl methyl cellulose | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E466 | Carboxymethyl cellulose, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E467 | Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose | ||
| E468 | Crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Croscarmellose) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] This additive is under discussion and may be included in a future amendment to the Directive on miscellaneous additives |
| E469 | Enzymically hydrolysed carboxymethylcellulose | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E470a | Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids (emulsifier) | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E470b | Magnesium salts of fatty acids (emulsifier) | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E471 | Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate) | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E472a | Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E472b | Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E472c | Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E472d | Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E472e | Mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E472f | Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E472g | Succinylated monoglycerides | emulsifier | |
| E473 | Sucrose esters of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E474 | Sucroglycerides | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E475 | Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E476 | Polyglycerol polyricinoleate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E477 | Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E478 | Lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propane-1 | emulsifier | |
| E479b | Thermally oxidized soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E480 | Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate | emulsifier | |
| E481 | Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E482 | Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E483 | Stearyl tartrate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E484 | Stearyl citrate | emulsifier | |
| E485 | Sodium stearoyl fumarate | emulsifier | |
| E486 | Calcium stearoyl fumarate | emulsifier | |
| E487 | Sodium laurylsulfate | emulsifier | |
| E488 | Ethoxylated Mono- and Di-Glycerides | emulsifier | |
| E489 | Methyl glucoside-coconut oil ester | emulsifier | |
| E490 | Propane-1,2-diol | ||
| E491 | Sorbitan monostearate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E492 | Sorbitan tristearate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E493 | Sorbitan monolaurate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E494 | Sorbitan monooleate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E495 | Sorbitan monopalmitate | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[25] |
| E496 | Sorbitan trioleate | emulsifier | |
| E497 | Polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene polymers | ||
| E498 | Partial polyglycerol esters of polycondensed fatty acids of castor oil | ||
| E499 | Stigmasterol-rich plant sterols | Approved in the EU.[25] |
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E500–E599 (acidity regulators, anti-caking agents)
More information Code, Name(s) ...
| Code | Name(s) | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E500 | Sodium carbonates: (i) Sodium carbonate (ii) Sodium bicarbonate (Sodium hydrogen carbonate) (iii) Sodium sesquicarbonate (acidity regulator) | raising agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E501 | Potassium carbonates: (i) Potassium carbonate (ii) Potassium bicarbonate (Potassium hydrogen carbonate) | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E503 | Ammonium carbonates: (i) Ammonium carbonate (ii) Ammonium bicarbonate (Ammonium hydrogen carbonate) | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E504 | Magnesium carbonates: (i) Magnesium carbonate (ii) Magnesium bicarbonate Magnesium hydrogen carbonate | acidity regulator, anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E505 | Ferrous carbonate | acidity regulator | |
| E507 | Hydrochloric acid | acid | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E508 | Potassium chloride (gelling agent) | seasoning | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E509 | Calcium chloride (sequestrant) | firming agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E510 | Ammonium chloride, ammonia solution (acidity regulator) | improving agent | |
| E511 | Magnesium chloride | firming agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E512 | Stannous chloride | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E513 | Sulfuric acid | acid | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E514 | Sodium sulfates (i) Sodium sulfate (ii) sodium bisulfate | acid | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E515 | Potassium sulfates (i) potassium sulfate (ii) potassium bisulfate | Approved in the EU.[22] | |
| E516 | Calcium sulfate | Approved in the EU.[22] | |
| E517 | Ammonium sulfate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E518 | Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), (acidity regulator) | firming agent | |
| E519 | Copper(II) sulfate | preservative | |
| E520 | Aluminium sulfate | firming agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E521 | Aluminium sodium sulfate | firming agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E522 | Aluminium potassium sulfate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E523 | Aluminium ammonium sulfate | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E524 | Sodium hydroxide | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E525 | Potassium hydroxide | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E526 | Calcium hydroxide (acidity regulator) | firming agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E527 | Ammonium hydroxide | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E528 | Magnesium hydroxide | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E529 | Calcium oxide (acidity regulator) | improving agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E530 | Magnesium oxide (acidity regulator) | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E535 | Sodium ferrocyanide (acidity regulator) | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E536 | Potassium ferrocyanide | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E537 | Ferrous hexacyanomanganate | anti-caking agent | |
| E538 | Calcium ferrocyanide | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E539 | Sodium thiosulfate | antioxidant | |
| E540 | Dicalcium diphosphate[citation needed] (acidity regulator) | emulsifier | |
| E541 | Sodium aluminium phosphate (i) Acidic (ii) Basic | emulsifier | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E542 | Bone phosphate (Essentiale Calcium Phosphate, Tribasic) | anti-caking agent | |
| E543 | Calcium sodium polyphosphate | emulsifier | |
| E544 | Calcium polyphosphate | emulsifier | |
| E545 | Ammonium polyphosphate | emulsifier | |
| E550 | Sodium Silicates (i) Sodium silicate (ii) Sodium metasilicate | anti-caking agent | |
| E551 | Silicon dioxide (Silica) | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E552 | Calcium silicate | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E553a | (i) Magnesium silicate (ii) Magnesium trisilicate | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E553b | Talc | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E554 | Sodium aluminosilicate (sodium aluminium silicate) | anti-caking agent | removed from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012 |
| E555 | Potassium aluminium silicate (potassium aluminosilicate) | anti-caking agent | removed from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012 |
| E556 | Calcium aluminosilicate (calcium aluminium silicate) | anti-caking agent | removed from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012 |
| E557 | Zinc silicate | anti-caking agent | removed from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012 |
| E558 | Bentonite | anti-caking agent | removed from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012 |
| E559 | Aluminium silicate (Kaolin) | anti-caking agent | removed from list per Commission Regulation (EU) No 380/2012 of 3 May 2012 |
| E560 | Potassium silicate | anti-caking agent | |
| E561 | Vermiculite | ||
| E562 | Sepiolite | ||
| E563 | Sepiolitic clay | ||
| E565 | Lignosulfonates | ||
| E566 | Natrolite-phonolite | ||
| E570 | Fatty acids | anti-caking agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E572 | Magnesium stearate, calcium stearate (emulsifier) | anti-caking agent | |
| E574 | Gluconic acid | acidity regulator | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E575 | Glucono delta-lactone (acidity regulator) | sequestrant | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E576 | Sodium gluconate | sequestrant | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E577 | Potassium gluconate | sequestrant | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E578 | Calcium gluconate | firming agent | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E579 | Ferrous gluconate | food colouring | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E580 | Magnesium gluconate | ||
| E585 | Ferrous lactate | food colouring | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E586 | 4-Hexylresorcinol | antioxidant | Approved in the EU.[24] |
| E598 | Synthetic calcium aluminates | ||
| E599 | Perlite |
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E600–E699 (flavour enhancer)
More information Code, Name(s) ...
| Code | Name(s) | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E620 | Glutamic acid | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E621 | Monosodium glutamate (MSG) | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E622 | Monopotassium glutamate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E623 | Calcium diglutamate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E624 | Monoammonium glutamate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E625 | Magnesium diglutamate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E626 | Guanylic acid | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E627 | Disodium guanylate, sodium guanylate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E628 | Dipotassium guanylate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E629 | Calcium guanylate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E630 | Inosinic acid | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E631 | Disodium inosinate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E632 | Dipotassium inosinate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E633 | Calcium inosinate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E634 | Calcium 5'-ribonucleotides | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E635 | Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E636 | Maltol | flavour enhancer | |
| E637 | Ethyl maltol | flavour enhancer | |
| E640 | Glycine and its sodium salt | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
| E650 | Zinc acetate | flavour enhancer | Approved in the EU.[22] |
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E700–E799 (antibiotics)
More information Code, Name(s) ...
| Code | Name(s) | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| E701 | Tetracyclines | antibiotic | |
| E702 | Chlortetracycline | antibiotic | |
| E703 | Oxytetracycline | antibiotic | |
| E704 | Oleandomycin | antibiotic | |
| E705 | Penicillin G potassium | antibiotic | |
| E706 | Penicillin G sodium | antibiotic | |
| E707 | Penicillin G procaine | antibiotic | |
| E708 | Penicillin G benzathine | antibiotic | |
| E710 | Spiramycins | antibiotic | |
| E711 | Virginiamycins | antibiotic | |
| E712 | Flavomycin | antibiotic | |
| E713 | Tylosin | antibiotic | |
| E714 | Monensin A | antibiotic | |
| E715 | Avoparcin | antibiotic | |
| E716 | Salinomycin | antibiotic | |
| E717 | Avilamycin | antibiotic |
Close
E900–E999 (glazing agents, gases and sweeteners)
More information Code, Name(s) ...
Close
E1000–E1599 (additional additives)
More information Code, Name(s) ...
Close
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- Matthew Snelson. "Explainer: what are E numbers and should you avoid them in your diet?". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 26 April 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
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- Food Standards Australia New Zealand Archived 6 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine, website
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- "Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers". United Kingdom: Food Standards Agency. 2010. Archived from the original on 7 October 2010. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
- "Summary of Color Additives for Use in United States in Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices". United States Food and Drug Administration. Archived from the original on 22 April 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
- Additives Archived 6 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Food Standards Australia New Zealand
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- "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)". European Commission. 14 January 2022. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- Daniel Boffey (6 May 2021). "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. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 7 May 2021.
- Rabino, Thomas (13 April 2023). "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.
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- Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code "Standard 1.2.4 – Labelling of ingredients". 8 September 2011. Archived from the original on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
- Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers Archived 7 October 2010 at the Wayback Machine, Food Standards Agency, 26 November 2010
- Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers Archived 7 October 2010 at the Wayback Machine, Food Standards Agency, 26 November 2010
- "Approved additives and E numbers". Food Standards Agency.
- New additives approved for use Archived 5 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine, Food Standards Agency, Friday 26 November 2010
- Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers Archived 7 October 2010 at the Wayback Machine, Food Standards Agency, 26 November 2010
- "E700-E799 (antibiotics)". Sigma-Aldrich. Archived from the original on 17 December 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
- "E920 (L-cysteine) approval in the EU". Archived from the original on 3 July 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
- Teresa Hüttenhofer; Gustavo Ferro (23 December 2020). "Which trends offer opportunities or pose a threat to the European market for natural food additives?". Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Government of the Netherlands. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2021.
- 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. doi:10.1289/ehp.9087309. PMC 1567851. PMID 2269236.
- "Stevia EU approval". Archived from the original on 11 May 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
- New Zealand Food Safety Authority. "Identifying Food Additives" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 December 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
- CODEXALIMENTARIUS FAO-WHO, the international foods standards, established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963
- See also their document "Class Names and the International Numbering System for Food Additives" (Ref: CAC/GL #36 publ. in 1989, Revised in 2008, Amended in 2018, 2019, 2021)
- Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) publications at the World Health Organization (WHO)
- Food Additive Index, JECFA, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- E-codes and ingredients search engine with details/suggestions for Muslims Archived 10 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- Databases of EU-approved food additives and flavoring substances
- Food Additives in the European Union
- The Food Additives and Ingredients Association, FAIA website, UK.