Food additives

Additional substances to nourishment - "food additives" are defined substances normally not eaten as food and which are not typical food ingredients, possessing or not nutritive value, their deliberate technological use in manufacturing, processing, preparation, treatment, packing, parceling, transport and storage results in intentional or expected effects in foodstuff or semi-products being its components. Food additives may directly or indirectly become food ingredients or in other way affect its characteristic features. The definition does not include substances added in purpose of keeping or improving nutritive value. EU legislation on food additives is based on a positive list. Only those additives explicitly authorized may be used, and most food additives may be used only in limited quantities in certain foodstuffs. If no quantitative limits are established for the use of a food additive, it must be used according to good manufacturing practice. This means using only as much as necessary to achieve the desired technological effect. All food additives must have not only a demonstrated useful purpose but also a thorough and rigorous scientific safety evaluation before they can be approved for use. The main committee that evaluate safety in Europe is the EU Scientific Committee on Food (SCF). Also at the international level there is a Joint Expert Committee, from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), on Food Additives (JECFA). In the European Community, approved food additives are written with a prefix of "E". These numbers are also used in Australia and New Zealand but without the "E".

Food additives are not the following ingredients:

1) Substances designated to drink water, mineralized water and other.
2) Products containing pectin and originated from dried apple flesh or dried pomace from apples or citrus fruit peel or their combination, obtained by dilute acid action after what partial neutralization by sodium and potassium salts ("liquid pectin").
3) Chewing gum basis.
4) White or yellow dextrins, roast or dextrined starch, starch modified by acid or base action, bleached starch, physically modified starch and starch treated by amylolicit enzymes.
5) Ammonium chloride.
6) Blood plasma, glutin, protein hydrolisates and their salts, milk protein, gluten.
7) Amino acids and their salts other than glutamic acid, glycine, cysteine, cystine and their salts which do not constitute functions of additives.
8) Casein, caseinians.
9) Insulin.

Food additives list*

Num- ber	Name	Additional information
E 100	Curcumin	orange-yellow color; stemmed from the root of the curcuma (turmeric) plant, but can be artificially produced; used in cheese, margarine, baked sweets and fish fingers
E 101	Riboflavin, Riboflavin-5' -phosphate	"vitamin B2" and color; occurs naturally in green vegetables, eggs, milk, liver and kidney; used in margarine and cheese
E 102	Tartrazine	FD&C Yellow No.5; known to provoke asthma attacks (though the US FDA do not recognize this) and urticaria (nettle rash) in children (the US FDA estimates 1:10 000); also linked to thyroid tumors, chromosomal damage, urticaria (hives) and hyperactivity; tartrazine sensitivity is also linked to aspirin sensitivity; used to color drinks, sweets, jams, cereals, snack foods, canned fish, packaged soups; banned in Norway and Austria
E 104	Quinoline Yellow	FD&C Yellow No.10; used in lipsticks hair products, colognes; also in a wide range of medications; cause dermatitis; banned in Australia, USA and Norway
E 107	Yellow 7G	yellow color; the HACSG recommends to avoid it; people who suffer Asthma may also show an allergic reaction to it; typical products are soft drinks; banned in Australia and USA
E 110	Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S	FD&C Yellow No.6; used in cereals, bakery, sweets, snack foods, ice cream, drinks and canned fish; synthetic; also in many medications including Berocca, Polaramine, Ventolin syrup; side effects are urticaria (hives), rhinitis (runny nose), nasal congestion, allergies, hyperactivity, kidney tumors, chromosomal damage, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, distaste for food; seen increased incidence of tumors in animals; banned in Norway
E 120	Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines	red color; made from insects; rarely used; the HASCG recommends to avoid it
E 122	Azorubine, Carmoisine	red color; coal tar derivative; can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; typical products are confectionery, marzipan, jelly crystals; banned in Sweden, USA, Austria and Norway
E 123	Amaranth	FD&C Red No.2; stemmed from the small herbaceous plant of the same name; used in cake mixes, fruit-flavored fillings, jelly crystals; can provoke asthma, eczema and hyperactivity; it caused birth defects and foetal deaths in some animal tests, possibly also cancer; banned in the USA, Russia, Austria and Norway and other countries
E 124	Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A	FD&C Red No.4; synthetic coal tar and azo dye, carcinogen in animals, can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; banned in USA & Norway
E 127	Erythrosine	FD&C Red No.3; red color used in cherries, canned fruit, custard mix, sweets, bakery, snack foods; can cause sensitivity to light; can increase thyroid hormone levels and lead to hyperthyroidism, was shown to cause thyroid cancer in rats in a study in 1990; banned in January 1990, but not recalled by the US FDA; banned in Norway
E 128	Red 2G	banned in Australia and many other places except UK
E 129	Allura red AC	FD&C Red No.40; Orange-red color used in sweets, drinks and condiments, medications and cosmetics, synthetic; introduced in the early eighties to replace amaranth which was considered not safe because of conflicting test results; allura red has also been connected with cancer in mice; banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and Norway
E 131	Patent blue V	banned in Australia, USA and Norway
E 132	Indigotine, Indigo carmine	FD&C Blue No.2, commonly added to tablets and capsules; also used in ice cream, sweets, baked goods, confectionery, biscuits, synthetic coal tar derivative; may cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems and other allergic reactions. Banned in Norway
E 133	Brilliant blue FCF	FD&C Blue Dye No.1; used in dairy products, sweets and drinks, synthetic usually occurring as aluminum lake (solution) or ammonium salt; banned in Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Norway
E 140	Chlorophyll, Chlorophyllins	green color occurs naturally in all plants; used for dyeing waxes and oils, used in medicines and cosmetics
E 141	Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins	olive color, no adverse effects are known
E 142	Green S	green color; synthetic coal tar derivative; used in canned peas, mint jelly and sauce, packet bread crumbs and cake mixes; banned in Sweden, USA and Norway
E 150(a)	Plain caramel	dark brown color made from sucrose; the HACSG recommends to avoid it. used in oyster, soy, fruit and canned sauces, beer, whiskey, biscuits, pickles
E 150(b)	Caustic sulphite caramel	see E150(a)
E 150(c)	Ammonia caramel	see E150(a)
E 150(d)	Sulphite ammonia caramel	see E150(a)
E 151	Brilliant Black BN, Black PN	color; coal tar derivative; used in brown sauces, blackcurrant cake mixes; banned in Denmark, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, USA, Norway
E 153	Vegetable carbon	black color, charcoal pigment; used in jams, jelly crystals, liquorice; only the vegetable stemmed variety permitted in Australia, banned in the United States
E 154	Brown FK	banned in USA
E 155	Brown HT (Chocolate)	brown color, coal tar and azo dye; used in chocolate cake mixes; can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; also known to induce skin sensitivity; banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, USA, Norway
E 160(a)	Carotene, alpha-, beta-, gamma-	orange-yellow color; human body converts it to 'Vitamin A' in the liver, found in carrots and other yellow or orange fruits and vegetables
E 160(b)	Annatto (Arnatto, Annato), bixin, norbixin	red color; stemmed from a tree (Bixa orellana); used as a body paint, fabric dye, digestive aid and expectorant; used to dye cheese, butter, margarine, cereals, snack foods, soaps, textiles and varnishes; known to cause urticaria (nettle rash), the HACSG recommends to avoid it
E 160(c)	Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin	banned in some countries
E 160(d)	Lycopene	red colored carotenoid found in tomatoes and pink grapefruit, can cause decreasing risk of cancer
E 160(e)	Beta-apo-8'- carotenal (C 30)	orange color, no adverse effects are known
E 160(f)	Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'- carotenic acid (C 30)	orange color, no adverse effects are known
E 161(b)	Xanthophylls - Lutein	yellow color stemmed from plants, naturally found in green leaves, marigolds and egg yolks
E 161(g)	Xanthophylls - Canthaxanthin	yellow color possibly stemmed from animal sources (retinol); the pigment is found in some mushrooms, crustacea, fish, flamingo feathers; in January 2003, the European Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health voted to reduce the permitted levels of canthaxanthin in animal feeds due to the health risk to human consumers of the animal products; canthaxanthin pigment has been found to accumulate on the retina, having a detrimental effect on eyesight
E 162	Beetroot Red, Betanin	purple color stemmed from beets; no adverse effects are known
E 163	Anthocyanins	violet color matter of flowers and plants; seems safe
E 170	Calcium carbonate	mineral salt, used in toothpastes, white paint and cleaning powders; may be stemmed from rock mineral or animal bones; sometimes used to deacidify wines and firm canned fruit and veg.; toxic at "high doses"
E 171	Titanium dioxide	white color used in toothpaste and white paint, pollutes waterways; no adverse effects are known
E 172	Iron oxides and hydroxides	black, yellow, red color used in salmon and shrimp pastes; toxic at "high doses"
E 173	Aluminium	banned in some countries
E 174	Silver	banned in some countries
E 175	Gold	banned in some countries
E 180	Latolrubine BK	banned in some countries
E 181	Tannic acid, tannins	clarifying agent in alcohol; stemmed from the nutgalls and twigs of oak trees; occurs naturally in tea
E 200	Sorbic acid	either obtained from berries or synthesized from ketene; possible skin irritant
E 201	Sodium sorbate	no known adverse effects
E 202	Potassium sorbate	no known adverse effects
E 203	Calcium sorbate	no known adverse effects
E 210	Benzoic acid	also known as flowers of benzoin, phenlycarboxylic acid, carboxybenzene; added to alcoholic beverages, baked goods, cheeses, gum, condiments, frozen dairy, relishes, soft sweets, cordials and sugar substitutes; used in cosmetics, as an antiseptic in many cough medications and an antifungal in ointments; can cause asthma, especially in those dependents on steroid asthma medications, is also reputed to cause neurological disorders and to react with sulphur bisulphite (222), shown to provoke hyperactivity in children; obtained from Benzoin, a resin exuded by trees native to Asia
E 211	Sodium benzoate	used as antiseptic, as a food preservative and to disguise taste, as of poor-quality food; orange soft drinks contain a high amount of it, up to 25mg per 250ml; also in milk and meat products, relishes and condiments, baked goods and lollipops; used in many oral medications including Actifed, Phenergan and Tylenol; known to causes nettle rash and aggravate asthma
E 212	Potassium benzoate	people with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions. see 210
E 213	Calcium benzoate	see 212
E 214	Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate	banned in some countries
E 215	Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate	banned in some countries
E 216	Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate	possible contact allergen
E 217	Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate	banned in some countries
E 218	Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate	allergic reactions possible, mainly effecting the skin
E 219	Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate	banned in some countries
E 220	Sulphur dioxide	stemmed from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke asthma attacks and difficult to metabolize for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1; typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products
E 221	Sodium sulphite	decontaminating agent used in fresh orange juice; see 220
E 222	Sodium hydrogen sulphite	see 220
E 223	Sodium metabisulphite	treating agent, see 220
E 224	Potassium metabisulphite	see 220
E 225	Potassium sulphite	see 220
E 226	Calcium sulphite	banned in some countries
E 227	Calcium hydrogen sulphite	banned in some countries
E 228	Potassium hydrogen sulphite	see 220
E 230	Biphenyl, Diphenyl	banned in some countries; can be used for agricultural purposes; typical products are citrus fruit
E 231	Orthophenyl phenol	banned in some countries; can be used for agricultural purposes; typical products are pears, carrots, peaches, plums, prunes, sweet potato, citrus fruit, pineapples, tomatoes, peppers, cherries, nectarines
E 232	Sodium orthophenyl phenol	see 231
E 233	Thiabendazole	banned in some countries, can be used for agricultural purposes, typical products are citrus fruits, apples, pears, potatoes, bananas, mushrooms, meat, milk
E 234	Nisin	antibiotic stemmed from bacteria; found in beer, processed cheese products, tomato paste
E 235	Natamycin	mould inhibitor stemmed from bacteria; sometimes used medically to treat candidiasis; can cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea and skin irritation; typical products are meat, cheese
E 236	Formic acid	banned in some countries
E 237	Sodium formate	banned in some countries
E 238	Calcium formate	banned in some countries
E 239	Hexamethylene tetramine	banned in some countries
E 242	Dimethyl dicarbonate	an antimicrobial that is added to juices and acts on microbes contained in the juice, it is also listed as an approved food-contact substance on the FDA inventory for use in non-carbonated juice beverages
E 249	Potassium nitrite	color fixative and curing agent for meat; nitrites can effect the body's ability to carry oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches; potential carcinogen; not permitted in foods for infant and young children
E 250	Sodium nitrite	may provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions, potentially carcinogenic, restricted in many countries, can combine with chemicals in stomach to form nitrosamine, the HACSG recommends to avoid it
E 251	Sodium nitrate	also used in the manufacture of nitric acid, as a fertilizer and in fermented meat products (see 250)
E 252	Potassium nitrate	may be stemmed from waste animal or vegetable matter; used in gunpowder, explosives and fertilizers, and in the preservation of meat; may provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions; potentially carcinogenic; restricted in many countries (see 249)
E 260	Acetic acid	main component of vinegar, synthetically produced from wood fibres; used in pickles, chutneys, and sauces
E 261	Potassium acetate	food acid; should be avoided by people with impaired kidney function; typical products are sauces, pickles
E 262	Sodium acetate, Sodium diacetate	food acid, acidity regulator; no known adverse effects
E 263	Calcium acetate	food acid, acidity regulator; by product in the manufacture of wood alcohol; used to make acetic acid (vinegar) and in the production of dyers mordants
E 264	Ammonium acetate	can cause nausea and vomiting
E 270	Lactic acid	food acid, acidity regulator; produced by heating and fermenting carbohydrates in milk whey, potatoes, cornstarch or molasses; difficult for babies to metabolize; used in sweets, dressings, soft drinks (sometimes beer) infant formulas and confectionery
E 280	Propionic acid	all propionates are thought to be linked with migraine headaches; propionates occur naturally in fermented foods, human perspiration and ruminants digestive tract, also can be stemmed commercially from ethylene and carbon monoxide or propionaldehyde or natural gas or fermented wood pulp; produced when bacteria decompose fibre; commonly used in bread and flour products;
E 281	Sodium propionate	may be linked to migraines, typical products are flour products
E 282	Calcium propionate	see 281
E 283	Potassium propionate	see 281
E 290	Carbon dioxide	propellant, coolant, stemmed from lime manufacture; may increase the effect of alcohol; typical products are wine, soft drinks, confectionery
E 296	Malic acid	stemmed from fruit or synthetic; infants and young children should avoid it
E 297	Fumaric acid	stemmed from plants of the genus Fumaria esp. F.officianalis or from the fermentation of glucose with fungi; flavor, acidify, as an antioxidant or raising agent used in soft drinks and cake mixes
E 300	Ascorbic acid	flour treating agent, "vitamin C"; may be made synthetically from glucose, naturally occurs in fruit and vegetables; added to products as diverse as cured meat, breakfast cereals, frozen fish and wine
E 301	Sodium ascorbate	sodium salt of vitamin C
E 302	Calcium ascorbate	vitamin C, may increase the formation of calcium oxalate stones
E 303	Potassium ascorbate	potassium salt of vitamin C
E 304	Ascorbyl palmitate, Ascorbyl stearate	fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid, same function as E300
E 306, E 307, E 308, E 309	Tocopherols, alpha-,gamma-,delta-	"vitamin E"; found in many oils vegetable, including soy, wheat germ, rice germ, cottonseed, maize; works as an antioxidant for fatty acids and tissue fats, preventing vitamin A from oxidation; used in margarine and salad dressings
E 310	Propyl gallate	used to prevent rancidity in oily substances; stemmed from nutgalls; may cause gastric or skin irritation, gallates are not permitted in foods for infants and small children because of their known tendency to cause the blood disorder, methemoglobinemia; used in oils, margarine, lard and salad dressings, sometimes used in packaging
E 311	Octyl gallate	see 310
E 312	Dodecyl gallate	see 310
E 317	Erythorbic acid	produced from sucrose
E 318	Sodium erythorbate	produced from E317
E 320	Butylated hydroxy-anisole (BHA)	petroleum derivative, retards spoilage because of oxidation; used in edible oils, chewing gum, fats, margarine, nuts, instant potato products, polyethylene food wraps; not permitted in infant foods, can provoke an allergic reaction in some people, may trigger hyperactivity and other intolerance; serious concerns over carcinogenicity and estrogenic effects, in large doses caused tumors in lab animals, banned in Japan in 1958, official committees of experts recommended that it be banned in the UK, however because of industry pressure it was not banned, McDonald's eliminated BHT from their US products by 1986
E 321	Butylated hydroxy-toluene (BHT)	petroleum derivative; see E320
E 322	Lecithin	emulsifier stemmed from soy beans, egg yolks, peanuts, corn or animal resources; non toxic but overdose can upset the stomach, kill the appetite and cause profuse sweating; used to allow combination of oils in margarine, chocolate, mayonnaise, milk powder; must be chosen vegetable type
E 325	Sodium lactate	stemmed from milk (lactic acid); may contain pork rennin or whey in process, young children with lactose intolerance may show adverse reactions
E 326	Potassium lactate	see 325
E 327	Calcium lactate	see 325
E 328	Ammonium lactate	see 325
E 329	Magnesium lactate	see 325
E 330	Citric acid	food acid, naturally stemmed from citrus fruit, used in biscuits, canned fish, cheese and processed cheese products, infant formulas, cake and soup mixes, rye bread, soft drinks, fermented meat products
E 331	Sodium citrates	food acid; no known adverse effects
E 332	Potassium citrates	food acid; no known adverse effects
E 333	Calcium citrates	food acid; no known adverse effects in small quantities
E 334	Tartaric acid	food acid, obtained from unripe fruit, grape juice; no known adverse effects in small quantities
E 335	Sodium tartrates	food acid; no known adverse effects
E336	Potassium tartrates	food acid; no known adverse effects
E 337	Sodium potassium tartrate	food acid; no known adverse effects
E 338	Phosphoric acid	food acid, stemmed from phosphate ore; used in cheese products; no known adverse effects
E 339	Sodium phosphates	mineral salt, used as a laxative and a fixing agent in textile dyeing; high intakes may upset the calcium/phosphorus equilibrium
E 340	Potassium phosphates	see 339
E 341	Calcium phosphates	mineral salt found in rocks and bones; used in medicines as an antacid and polishing agent in enamels
E 343	Magnesium phosphates	essential mineral, anti caking agent found in salt substitutes
E 350	Sodium malates	no known adverse effects
E 351	Potassium malate	no known adverse effects
E 352	Calcium malates	no known adverse effects
E 353	Metatartaric acid	no known adverse effects
E 354	Calcium tartrate	seems safe
E 355	Adipic acid	food acid from the root adipose
E 357	Potassium adipate	no known adverse effects
E 363	Succinic acid	banned in some countries
E 365	Sodium fumarate	food acid, salt of fumaric acid (stemmed from plants of the genus Fumaria esp. F.officianalis)
E 366	Potassium fumarate	no known adverse effects
E 367	Calcium fumarate	no known adverse effects
E 370	1,4- Heptonolactone	banned in some countries
E 375	Niacin	vitamin B3; naturally occurs in bean, pea and other legumes, milk, egg, meat, poultry, and fish; at doses in excess of 1,000 mg per day can cause liver damage, diabetes, gastritis, eye damage, and elevated blood levels of uric acid (which can cause gout); at amounts as low as 50-100 mg may cause flushing (harmless but painful), headache, and stomachache especially if taken on an empty stomach
E 380	Tri-ammonium citrate	may interfere with liver and pancreas function
E 381	Ammonium ferric citrates	essential mineral, food acid stemmed from citric acid; used as a dietary iron supplement in breakfast cereals and dietary formulas
E 385	Calcium disodium EDTA	banned in some countries
E 400	Alginic acid	thickener and vegetable gum, stemmed from seaweed; used in custard mix, cordial, flavored milk, ice blocks, thickened cream and yoghurt; no known adverse effects in small quantities, large quantities can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients
E 401	Sodium alginate	see 400
E 402	Potassium alginate	see 400
E 403	Ammonium alginate	see 400
E 404	Calcium alginate	see 400
E 405	Propylene glycol alginate	thickener and vegetable gum, stemmed from petroleum; see separate entry
E 406	Agar	thickener and vegetable gum stemmed from red seaweed; sometimes used as a laxative, found in manufactured meats and ice cream
E 407	Carrageenan	a fibre extracted from seaweed, it has recently been linked with cancer because it may become contaminated when ethylene oxide is added to an inferior product, this results in ethylene chlorohydrin forming, a highly carcinogenic compound; linked to toxic hazards, including ulcers and cancer; the most serious concerns relate to degraded carrageenan, which is not a permitted additive; however, native carrageenan, which is used, may become degraded in the gut
E 410	Locust bean gum	stemmed from Carob or Locust bean tree Ceratonia silique; used in lollipops, cordials, essences, some flour products, dressings, fruit juice drinks; frequently used as a caffeine-free chocolate substitute; may lower cholesterol levels
E 412	Guar gum	stemmed from the seeds of Cyamoposis tetragonolobus of Indian origin; fed to cattle in the US; can cause nausea, flatulence and cramps, may reduced cholesterol levels
E 413	Tragacanth	resin form the tree Astragalus gummier; used in foods, drugs including nasal solutions, elixirs and tablets; also used as a binder in cosmetics; possible contact allergy
E 414	Acacia	stemmed from the sap of Acacia Senegal; easily broken down by the human digestive system; possible allergen, soothes irritations of mucous membranes
E 415	Xanthan gum	stemmed from the fermentation of corn sugar with a bacterium
E 416	Karaya gum	stemmed from the tree Sterculia urens; often used with Carob (E 410), in ice cream, custard and sweets, as a filler for its capability to multiply its volume by 100 times with the addition of water; possible allergen
E 417	Tara gum	stemmed from the tara bush, Caesalpinia Spinosa is indigenous to Equator and Peru and is grown in Kenya
E 420	Sorbitol	artificial sweetener and humectant; stemmed from glucose, either obtained from berries or synthesized; used in lollipops, dried fruit, pastries, confectionery, low calorie foods, pharmaceutical syrups and ophthalmic preparations and is the seventh most widely used preservative in cosmetics; not permitted in foods for infants and young children, can cause gastric disturbance
E 421	Mannitol	artificial sweetener and humectant; stemmed from seaweed or the manna ash tree; possible allergen, not permitted in infant foods because of its ability to cause diarrhea and kidney dysfunction, also may cause nausea, vomiting; typical products are low calorie foods
E 422	Glycerol	humectant and sweetener; oily colorless alcohol; stemmed by decomposition of natural fats with alkalis; usually as a by-product of soap making using animal fat or vegetable oil; can be obtained from petroleum products sometimes synthesized from propylene or fermented from sugar; used in flexible coatings on sausages and cheeses, also in crystallized and dried fruit, liqueurs and vodka. Glycerin has been shown to protect against DNA damage induced by tumor promoters, ultraviolet lights and radiation, presumably via free radical scavenging; large quantities can cause headaches, thirst, nausea and high blood sugar levels. typical products are liquors, confectionery, dried fruit, low calorie foods
E 431	Polyoxyethylene stearate
E 432	Polysorbate 20	banned in some countries
E 433	Polysorbate 80	emulsifiers stemmed from animal fatty acids; used as synthetic flavorings, surfactants, defoaming agents and dough conditioners; may increase the absorption of fat-soluble substances
E 434	Polysorbate 40	banned in some countries
E 435	Polysorbate 60	see 433
E 436	Polysorbate 65	see 433
E 440(a)	Pectin	naturally occurring in the skins of apples; used to thicken jams, jellies and sauces; large quantities may cause temporary flatulence or intestinal discomfort
E 440(b)	Aminated pectin	no known adverse effects
E 441	Gelatin	possible allergen, may contain 220, asthmatics and people allergic to sulphites beware
E 442	Ammonium phosphatides	no known adverse effects
E 450	Diphosphates	phosphates in food are a great group of substances; are being used in foods such as powdered milk or cream, processed cheese, fish, dried fruit, jam, marmalade, sauce, jelly, soft drinks, chocolate, confections, and baby food; also used for making detergent; they are not as dangerous as public opinion; the activity of phosphates in case of hiperactivity of children is still unknown; high intakes may upset the calcium/phosphate equilibrium
E 451	Triphosphates	see 450
E 452	Polyphosphates	can alter the metabolytical activity in humans; in addition to modified starch, they may cause calcification of the pelvic region in rats; they intensify the activity of heavy metals making them easier to cross the intestine wall; they may contain a lot of impurities; in Japan, a group of children were intoxicated with arsine as impurity of ortophosphate used in food
E 460	Cellulose	anti-caking agent; no adverse effects known
E 461	Methyl cellulose	can cause flatulence, distension, intestinal obstruction
E 463	Hydroxypropyl cellulose	banned in some countries
E 464	Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose	no known adverse effects
E 465	Ethyl methyl cellulose	no known adverse effects
E 466	Carboxy methyl cellulose, Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose	no known adverse effects
E 469	Sodium caseinate	no known adverse effects
E 470	Fatty acid salts	banned in some countries
E 471	Mono & di glycerides of fatty acids	no known adverse effects
E 472	Fatty acid esters of glycerides	no known adverse effects
E 473	Sucrose esters of fatty acids	no known adverse effects
E 474	Sucroglycerides	banned in some countries
E 475	Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids	no known adverse effects
E 476	Polyglycerol polyricinoleate	no known adverse effects
E 477	Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids	stemmed from petroleum; no known adverse effects
E 479(b)	Thermally oxidized soy bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
E 480	Dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate	awaiting results of studies
E 481	Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate	no known adverse effects
E 482	Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate	no known adverse effects
E 483	Stearyl tartrate	banned in some countries
E 491	Sorbitan mono stearate	no known adverse effects
E 492	Sorbitan tristearate	may increase absorption of fat-soluble substances
E 493	Sorbitan monolaurate	banned in some countries
E 494	Sorbitan mono-oleate	banned in some countries
E 495	Sorbitan monopalmitate	banned in some countries
E 500	Sodium carbonates	no known adverse effects in small quantities
E 501	Potassium carbonates	no known adverse effects
E 503	Ammonium carbonates	irritant to mucous membranes
E 504	Magnesium carbonate	medically used as an antacid and laxative
E 507	Hydrochloric acid	safe in small quantities
E 508	Potassium chloride	large quantities can cause gastric ulceration
E 509	Calcium chloride	stemmed from brine
E 510	Ammonium chloride	should be avoided by people with impaired liver or kidney function. Typical products are flour products
E 511	Magnesium chloride	magnesium is an essential mineral
E 513	Sulphuric acid	banned in some countries
E 514	Sodium sulphates	may upset the body's water balance
E 515	Potassium sulphates	no known adverse effects
E 516	Calcium sulphate	stemmed from limestone
E 518	Magnesium sulphate	a laxative
E 519	Copper sulphate	essential mineral
E 524	Sodium hydroxide	banned in some countries
E 525	Potassium hydroxide	banned in some countries
E 526	Calcium hydroxide	no adverse effects in small quantities
E 527	Ammonium hydroxide	banned in some countries
E 528	Magnesium hydroxide	banned in some countries
E 529	Calcium oxide	safe in small quantities
E 530	Magnesium oxide	banned in some countries
E 535	Sodium ferrocyanide	no adverse effects known
E 536	Potassium ferrocyanide	by-product of coal gas production; low toxicity
E 540	Dicalcium diphosphate	banned in some countries
E 541	Sodium aluminium phosphate, Acidic	banned in some countries
E 542	Bone phosphate	stemmed from bones; used in dried milk for coffee machines
E 544	Calcium polyphosphates	banned in some countries
E 545	Ammonium polyphosphates	banned in some countries
E 551	Silicon dioxide	no adverse effects are known in food use
E 552	Calcium silicate	stemmed from limestone and diatomaceous earth (the silicified skeletons of diatoms, a single celled plankton), antacid; no known adverse effects
E 553(a)	Magnesium silicates	banned in some countries
E 553(b)	Talc	has been linked to stomach cancer, typical products are polished rice, chocolate, confectionery
E 554	Sodium aluminium silicate	used in salt, dried milk substitutes and flours; aluminium is known to cause placental problems in pregnancy and has been linked to Alzheimer's
E 556	Calcium aluminium silicate	stemmed from minerals; used in milk powders; see E554
E 558	Bentonite	no known adverse effects
E 559	Aluminium silicate (Kaolin)	no known adverse effects
E 570	Stearic acid	possibly of animal origin; see stearates
E 572	Magnesium stearate	no known adverse effects in food use
E 575	Glucono delta-lactone	no known adverse effects
E 576	Sodium gluconate	banned in some countries
E 577	Potassium gluconate	no known adverse effects
E 578	Calcium gluconate	no known adverse effects
E 579	Ferrous gluconate	color-retention agent; stemmed from iron and glucose; used in olives, iron supplements; safe in small amounts
E 585	Ferrous lactate
E 620	Glutamic acid	flavor enhancer, salt substitute; amino acid present in many animal and vegetable proteins, stemmed commercially from bacteria; might cause similar problems as MSG(E621), young children should avoid it
E 621	Monosodium glutamate (MSG)	flavor enhancer stemmed from the fermentation of molasses, salt substitute; adverse effects appear in some asthmatic people, not permitted in foods for infants and young children; typical products are canned vegetables, canned tuna, dressings, many frozen foods
E 622	Monopotassium glutamate	can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps; typical products are low sodium salt substitutes
E 623	Calcium diglutamate	salt substitute, no known adverse effects
E 624	Monoammonium glutamate	salt substitute, no known adverse effects
E 625	Magnesium diglutamate	salt substitute, no known adverse effects
E 626	Guanylic acid	may trigger gout
E 627	Disodium guanylate	isolated from sardines or yeast extract; may trigger gout, not permitted in foods for infants and young children
E 629	Calcium guanylate	may trigger gout
E 631	Disodium inosinate	may be prepared from meat or sardines; may trigger gout, not permitted in foods for infants and young children
E 633	Calcium inosinate	may trigger gout
E 635	Disodium 5'-ribonucleotide	may be associated with itchy skin rashes up to 30 hours after ingestion; rashes may vary from mild to dramatic; the reaction is dose-related and cumulative, some individuals are more sensitive than others; typical foods include flavored chips, instant noodles and party pies; banned in some countries
E 636	Maltol	stemmed from the bark of larch trees, pine needles, chicory wood, oils and roasted malt; it may be produced synthetically
E 637	Ethyl maltol	stemmed from maltol
E 640	Glycine & its sodium salt
E 900	Dimethyl polysiloxane	silicone based
E 901	Beeswaxes	glazing agent, used to wax fruit; see bee products; occasionally causes allergic reactions
E 903	Carnauba wax	stemmed from a South American palm; used in cosmetics and inks, and to wax fruit; occasionally causes allergic reactions
E 904	Shellac	stemmed from insects; occasionally causes irritations of the skin
E 905	Paraffin, Microcrystalline wax	may inhibit absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins, mild laxative, there may be a link to bowel cancer; used on sweets, in processing yeast, vitamin tablets, dried fruit, confectionery, collagen
E 907	Refined microcrystalline wax	banned in some countries
E 913	Lanolin	stemmed from sheep wool
E 920	L-Cystein	flour treatment agent stemmed from animal hair and chicken feathers
E 921	L-Cystin	see E920
E 924	Potassium bromate	large quantities can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain. Typical products are flour products
E 925	Chlorine	destroys nutrients, carcinogen, in some areas tab water is contaminated with it, to make it 'safer' to drink. Typical products are flour products
E 926	Chlorine dioxide	see 925
E 927	Azodicarbonamide	banned in some countries
E 928	Benzoyl peroxide	approved by FDA for bleaching the carotenoids in refined flours; asthmatics and people with a history of allergies must beware, see 210
E 931	Nitrogen	used in freezing and vacuum packing; seems safe
E 932	Nitrous oxide	seems safe in small quantities
E 950	Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K)	high-intensity, non-caloric sweetener; it is about 200 times sweeter than sugar; discovered in 1967 by Hoechst AG; also called Sunett as brand name; used for baked goods, frozen desserts, candies, dairy products, confectionery, pharmaceuticals, oral hygiene, and, most recently, beverages; has not been approved for use in such a wide range of foods; The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) includes the artificial sweeteners aspartame, saccharine, and acesulfame K as part of their list of the Ten Worst Additives; all three of these sweeteners have been found to cause cancer in animals and may increase your risk of cancer
E 951	Aspartame	artificial sweetener, too many adverse effects possible to list, some people are allergic to aspartame, migraine headaches a common reaction in these people
E 952	Cyclamic acid	calcium & sodium cyclamate, artificial sweetener; known to cause migraines and other reactions, can be carcinogenic, caused damage to rats testicles and mouse embryos in tests, banned in the US and UK due its links with cancer
E 953	Isomalt	sugar-free sweetener; a mixture of two disaccharide alcohols gluco mannitol and gluco sorbitol; it is being used for several years in products such as hard candies, toffee, lollipops, fudge, wafers, cough drops and throat lozenges; extensive research has been conducted on the effect of isomalt on blood glucose and insulin levels; this research shows that, after ingestion of isomalt, blood glucose and insulin values do not differ significantly from baseline levels in people who have either Type I or Type II diabetes
E 954	Saccharines	calcium & sodium saccharin; artificial sweetener stemmed from toluene (a known carcinogen); banned in 1977 in the US, but reinstated subject to strict labelling starting: Use of this product may be hazardous to your health, this product contains saccharin which has been determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals
E 955	Sucralose	artificial sweetener; available for several years in many parts of the world, it was only approved for sale in the US in early 1998; it is now available in a few products, and is finally becoming generally available in stores as a sweetener for table and cooking
E 957	Thaumatin	artificial sweetener, a protein stemmed from the tropical plant Thaumococcus danielli; used to sweeten wines, bread and fruit
E 965	Maltitol, Hydrogenated glucose syrup	humectant, starch decomposed with digestive enzymes; used in confectionery, dried fruits, low-joule foods; laxative in high concentrations
E 966	Lactitol & Vegetable Yellow
E 967	Xylitol	humectant, found in raspberries, plums, lettuce and endives, though produced for commercial purposes from wood pulp; caused kidney stones and a diuretic effect on test rats: a waste of time and the lives of the rats, for the JEFCA in 1983 ruled the tests invalid relative to humans, the symptoms caused by "physiological disturbances" in the rats, we can only imagine what conditions led to upset rats; used in low-joule foods and carbohydrate modified sweets, ice cream and jams
E 999	Quillaia extract	foaming agent, emulsifier, natural surfactant; stemmed from chilean soap bark tree (Quillaia Saponaria); used in beer and soda; known to promote healing and reduce excessive oiliness in the skin
E 1100	Amylase	stemmed from mold mushroom or pig pancreas
E 1200	Polydextrose	seems safe in small doses
E 1201	Polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP	dispersing agent, coating for tablets; used in artificial sweeteners
E 1202	Polyvinylpoly- pyrrolidone, PVPP	clarifying agent for wine and beer (for removing phenolic compounds), color and colloidal stabilizer
E 1400 - E 1450	Starches	no known adverse effects
E 1505	Triethyl acetate	part becomes alcohol in the body
E 1510	Ethanol	alcohol
E 1517, E 1518	Glycerol acetates	humectant and solvent stemmed from glycerol; used to coat fresh fruit in the US
E 1520	Propylene glycol	humectant, wetting agent, dispersing agent, petroleum based; its glycerin like taste has made it popular for children's medications and other elixirs; used in many topical creams and ointments, cosmetics, hair products and deodorants; has been linked with fatal heart attacks (when given intravenously), central nervous system depression and cosmetic or pharmaceutical contact dermatitis

*(excerpted from www.foodag.com)

Food additives

Food additives list*

E 100

Curcumin

E 101

Riboflavin, Riboflavin-5' -phosphate

E 102

Tartrazine

E 104

Quinoline Yellow

E 107

Yellow 7G

E 110

Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S

E 120

Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines

E 122

Azorubine, Carmoisine

E 123

Amaranth

E 124

Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A

E 127

Erythrosine

E 128

Red 2G

E 129

Allura red AC

E 131

Patent blue V

E 132

Indigotine, Indigo carmine

E 133

Brilliant blue FCF

E 140

Chlorophyll, Chlorophyllins

E 141

Copper complexes of chlorophyll and chlorophyllins

E 142

Green S

E 150(a)

Plain caramel

E 150(b)

Caustic sulphite caramel

E 150(c)

Ammonia caramel

E 150(d)

Sulphite ammonia caramel

E 151

Brilliant Black BN, Black PN

E 153

Vegetable carbon

E 154

Brown FK

E 155

Brown HT (Chocolate)

E 160(a)

Carotene, alpha-, beta-, gamma-

E 160(b)

Annatto (Arnatto, Annato), bixin, norbixin

E 160(c)

Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin

E 160(d)

Lycopene

E 160(e)

Beta-apo-8'- carotenal (C 30)

E 160(f)

Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'- carotenic acid (C 30)

E 161(b)

Xanthophylls - Lutein

E 161(g)

Xanthophylls - Canthaxanthin

E 162

Beetroot Red, Betanin

E 163

Anthocyanins

E 170

Calcium carbonate

E 171

Titanium dioxide