Food Additives Guide

Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavour, enhance taste or appearance, or extend shelf life. In the EU they are assigned E-numbers - a classification system that groups additives by function. Some additives can trigger allergic reactions or intolerances, particularly sulfites, certain colourings, and soy-derived emulsifiers.

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E

Acidity regulator

Potassium Malate

Sodium Phosphates Adverse effects on kidney function and cardiovascular health linked to excessive phosphorus intake

Ammonium malate

Ferrous carbonate

Sodium carbonates

Potassium carbonates

Ammonium carbonates

Magnesium carbonates

Lecitin citrate

Potassium Phosphates

Calcium Phosphates

Ammonium phosphate

Monomagnesium phosphate

Magnesium citrate High intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea, cramping); Risk of hypermagnesemia in individuals with impaired renal function

Acidity Regulator

Potassium fumarate

Calcium fumarate

Ammonium fumarate

Sodium fumarate

Magnesium fumarate

Acidulant

Potassium adipate

calcium adipates

Aminium adipate

Magnesium adipate

Sodium succinate

Nicotinic Acid Hepatotoxicity at high doses, gastrointestinal disturbances

Hydrochloric Acid

Anti-oxydant

Calcium disodium ethylenediamine

Antibiotic

Oxytetracycline Antimicrobial resistance, gastrointestinal upset, phototoxicity

Penicillin G potassium Antibiotic resistance induction

Penicillin G sodium Acute hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) in sensitized individuals; Potential for induction of antimicrobial resistance

Penicillin G procaine Severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis)

Penicillin G benzathine Contribution to antimicrobial resistance

Spiramycins Antimicrobial resistance development, gastrointestinal disturbance

Virginiamycins Antimicrobial resistance development

Monensin A Cardiotoxicity; myopathy

Avoparci Antimicrobial resistance (related to promotion of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE))

Salinomyci Potential toxicity from residues (cardiotoxicity, muscle damage) and contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Tetracyclines Antimicrobial resistance risk associated with residues; Gastrointestinal disturbances; Tooth discoloration in developing teeth

Chlortetracycline Potential for promoting antimicrobial resistance, gut flora imbalance

Oleandomyci Antimicrobial resistance

Anticaking agent

(i) Magnesium silicate (ii) Magnesium trisilicate

Magnesium silicates

Sodium aluminosilicate

Potassium aluminium silicate

Aluminium Calcium Silicate

Aluminium stearate Contribution to systemic aluminium burden, associated with potential neurotoxicity and adverse bone effects if the tolerable weekly intake is exceeded

Sodium silicates

Silicon dioxide

Calcium silicate

Aluminium silicate

Potassium silicate

Ammonium stearate

Magnesium stearate

Antifoam

Dimethyl-polysiloxane

Polydimethylsiloxane

Methylphenylpolysiloxane

Antioxidant

Glucose oxidase

Antioxidants E300-E399

Stop fats and oils from going rancid and prevent cut fruit from browning. Most are naturally derived, though some synthetic variants exist.

Distearyl thiodipropionate

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)

Calcium Tartrate

Dilauryl thiodipropionate

Thiodipropionic acid

Sodium-L-Ascorbate

Calcium-L-Ascorbate

Potassium ascorbate

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Alpha-tocopherol

Synthetic Gamma-Tocopherol

Delta Tocopherol

Propyl Gallate Hypersensitivity reactions; potential asthma aggravation

Octyl gallate Stomach irritation, contact dermatitis, potential for hypersensitivity reactions

Dodecyl Gallate Localized irritation (gastrointestinal, oral mucosa); Potential hypersensitivity reactions

Ascorbyl stearate

Thiodipropionic acid

Erythorbic acid

Sodium erythorbate

Erythorbic acid

Calcium erythorbate

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) Possible endocrine disruption; evidence of tumor promotion in specific animal models (IARC Group 2B classification)

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Ethoxyqui Potential toxicity to liver and kidney; genotoxicity concerns (leading to non-authorization in the EU)

Potassium Lactate

Calcium Lactate

Ammonium lactate

Magnesium lactate

Sodium Tartrates

Potassium Tartrates (Cream of Tartar)

Potassium Sodium Tartrates

Orthophosphoric Acid Interference with calcium metabolism and adverse effects on bone density and kidney function following high chronic intake

Calcium glycerophosphate

Disodium ethylenediamine tetra-acetate

Rosemary extract

Phytosterols Rich in Stigmasterol

Sodium thiosulfate

Hexylresorcinol

Tocopherol concentrate

Carrier

Glycerol diacetate

Polyethylene glycol

Calcium lignosulfonate

Citrate

Calcium Citrates

Sodium Citrates

Potassium Citrates

Coating agent

Basic methacrylate copolymer

Vinyl Acetate Copolymer

Polyvinyl alcohol graft copolymer

Coating for citrus fruits.

Colouring

Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate

Fast Yellow AB Prohibited for food use due to failure to meet safety standards/toxicological concerns

Riboflavin-5-Sodium Phosphate

Curcumin / Turmeric

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Tartrazine May cause hyperactivity in children; pseudoallergic reactions (asthma, urticaria) in sensitive individuals

Alkanni Non-approved; potential genotoxicity and carcinogenicity

Erythrosine BS Potential hyperactivity in sensitive children; theoretical thyroid hormone disruption due to iodine content

Patent Blue V Potential for severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylactoid reactions, urticaria)

Brilliant Blue FCF Hyperactivity/ADHD symptoms

Green S Potential for pseudo-allergic reactions and non-IgE mediated hypersensitivity, particularly in salicylate-sensitive individuals

Caustic sulfite caramel

Ammonia caramel

Sulfite ammonia caramel Potential for asthma and hypersensitivity reactions due to sulfite residues

Capsanthin or Capsorbi

ß-Apo-8'-carotenal

Iron Oxides and Hydroxides

Citrus Red 2 Carcinogenic potential

Azorubine May cause hyperactivity in children

Scarlet G Prohibited in major regulatory markets (EU, US) due to insufficient toxicological data and safety concerns typical of azo dyes; potential for non-IgE mediated hypersensitivity reactions

Cupric sulfate Potential for copper accumulation and toxicity (e.g., gastrointestinal distress, liver damage) if overall intake exceeds Acceptable Daily Intake

Amaranth May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children

Cochineal Red A Hyperactivity, particularly in children (Southampton Six), potential intolerance and pseudo-allergic reactions, especially in individuals sensitive to aspirin

Quinoline Yellow Potential to increase hyperactivity in sensitive children

Yellow 2G Potential to cause allergic reactions (urticaria, asthma)

Sunset Yellow FCF May cause hyperactivity and behavioral disturbances in some children

Cochineal or Carminic Acid

Red 2G Genotoxicity; Potential carcinogenicity (metabolite aniline)

Allura red AC Hyperactivity/behavioral disturbances in sensitive children

Indanthrone blue Potential genotoxicity

Indi; Carmine Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, pruritus, hypotension)

Copper Complex of Chlorophyll

Gardenia yellow

Black P Potential for hyperactivity in children; Potential to trigger non-immunological hypersensitivity reactions

Brown FK Potential genotoxicity and carcinogenicity concerns linked to metabolites; Banned for food use in EU, US, and Australia

Brown HT Hypersensitivity reactions, potential behavioral effects (hyperactivity)

Alpha, Beta, Gamma Carotene

Annatto, Bixin, Norbixi

Ethyl ester of Beta-apo-8-cartonoic acid

Canthaxanthi Pigmentary retinopathy (crystalline deposits in the macula)

Beetroot Red / Betani

Calcium Carbonate

Titanium Dioxide Potential genotoxicity (DNA damage); lack of safety margin established

Aluminium Neurotoxicity, potential for accumulation in bones and kidneys

Silver Risk of argyria (irreversible bluish-gray pigmentation) due to accumulation in tissues upon chronic exposure

Pigment Rubine , Lithol Rubine BK Insufficient safety data for ingestion; potential genotoxicity concerns.

Coulours

Emulsifier

Choline salts and esters

Triethyl citrate

Triammonium Citrate

Ammonium Ferric Citrate

Methyl glucoside-coconut oil ester

Pectins (i) pectin (ii) amidated pecti

Octenyl succinic acid (OSA) modified gum arabic

Superglycerinated hydrogenated rapeseed oil

Ammonium salts of phosphatidic acid

Sorbitan Monolaurate

Sorbitan monooleate

Sorbitan monopalmitate

Sorbitan trioleate

Sorbitan monostearate

Sorbitan tristearate

Thermally oxidized soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids Potential genotoxicity and carcinogenicity concerns due to insufficient toxicological data to establish an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

Thermally oxidized soya bean oil interacted with monoand diglycerides of fatty acids

Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate

Sodium lactylates

Calcium sodium polyphosphate

Quillaia extracts

Sodium stearoyl fumarate

Calcium lactylates

Stearyl tartrate

Stearyl citrate

Calcium stearoyl fumarate

Sodium laurylsulfate

Ethoxylated mono- and di-glycerides

Firming agen

Aluminium ammonium sulfate Contributes to total dietary aluminum intake; excessive consumption (above TWI) is linked to potential neurotoxicity and adverse effects on bone mineralization

Firming agent

Aluminium sulfate Cumulative exposure to aluminum potentially leading to neurotoxicity and adverse effects on bone mineralization and reproductive systems

Aluminium sodium sulfate Potential adverse effects due to exceeding the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) for aluminum, including neurotoxicity and impact on bone mineral density

Flavour enhancer

Monosodium L-glutamate

Monopotassium L-glutamate

Calcium di-L-glutamate

Monoammonium L-glutamate

Magnesium di-L-glutamate Transient headache, flushing, and sweating in sensitive individuals (Glutamate sensitivity)

Disodium guanylate, sodium guanylate

Dipotassium guanylate May exacerbate symptoms in individuals with gout or kidney stones due to breakdown into purines

Calcium guanylate

Disodium 5’-inosinate

Potassium 5’-inosinate

Calcium inosinate

Calcium 5’-ribonucleotides

Sodium ribonucleotides

Sodium L-aspartate

Glycine and its sodium salt

Lysin hydrochloride

Acesulfame potassium

Flavouring

Benzylated hydrocarbons

Glycerol monoacetate

Butane-1,3-diol

Propylene glycol

Flour bleaching agent

Nitrosyl chloride

Cystine (L-) and its hydrochlorides – sodium and potassium salts

Potassium persulfate Sensitization (dermal and respiratory irritation)

Potassium iodate Risk of thyroid dysfunction if consumed in excess, leading to total iodine intake above established Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs)

Oxides of nitroge

Ammonium persulfate Irritation; Allergic sensitization

Benzoyl peroxide

Acetone peroxide Unauthorized for use as a food additive; strong oxidizing agent

Calcium peroxide

Flour treatment agent

Potassium bromate Potential genotoxic carcinogen; linked to kidney and thyroid tumors

Calcium bromate Potential genotoxicity and carcinogenicity (kidney and thyroid tumors)

Chlorine dioxide

Azodicarbonamide Respiratory sensitization

Urea (Carbamide)

Foaming Agent

Sodium Alginate

Potassium Alginate

Ammonium Alginate

Calcium Alginate

Propylene glycol alginate

Improving agent

Potassium bromate Carcinogenic (IARC Group 2B), Genotoxic, Potential renal toxicity

Other

Magnesium gluconate

Calcium Hydroxide

Natrolite-phonolite

Polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene polymers

Partial polyglycerol esters of polycondensed fatty acids of castor oil

Sepiolitic clay

Synthetic calcium aluminates

Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerol

Propane-1,2-diol

Lignosulfonates

Packaging gas

Preservative

Potassium Sorbate

Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate

Benzoic Acid Triggers non-allergic hypersensitivity reactions (pseudoallergies), particularly in individuals with asthma or urticaria; Potential formation of benzene when combined with ascorbic acid under specific conditions

Sodium Benzoate Formation of benzene when combined with ascorbic acid (Vitamin C); Potential behavioral effects (hyperactivity) in sensitive children; Non-immunological hypersensitivity reactions

Potassium Benzoate Potential formation of carcinogenic benzene when combined with ascorbic acid; reported non-allergic hypersensitivity reactions (pseudo-allergies)

Dehydroacetic acid

Calcium Benzoate Potential for hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., urticaria, exacerbation of asthma) in sensitive individuals

Ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate Hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, contact dermatitis)

Ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate sodium salt Hypersensitivity reactions including contact dermatitis and urticaria

Propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate Potential for hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, contact dermatitis); Weak estrogenic activity and potential endocrine disruption

Sodium Salt Hypersensitivity reactions (pseudo-allergic reactions, contact urticaria)

Methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate Hypersensitivity reactions (urticaria, asthma) in susceptible individuals

Methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate sodium salt

Sulphur Dioxide Exacerbation of asthma symptoms and respiratory irritation in sulphite-sensitive individuals

Sodium Sulphite Can trigger severe hypersensitivity reactions, including bronchospasm and asthma exacerbation, in sulphite-sensitive individuals (e.g., asthmatics)

Sodium hydrogen sulphite May cause bronchoconstriction and adverse hypersensitivity reactions in sulphite-sensitive individuals and asthmatics

Sodium Metabisulphite Potential to trigger asthma symptoms and hypersensitivity reactions in sensitive individuals

Potassium Metabisulphite Adverse reactions, including bronchospasm and hives, primarily in sensitive individuals (e.g., asthmatics)

Potassium sulfite Asthma exacerbation, bronchial constriction, hypersensitivity reactions

Calcium Sulphite Bronchospasm, severe hypersensitivity reactions (especially in asthmatics)

Calcium Sorbate

Calcium Hydrogen Sulphite Non-allergic hypersensitivity reactions, particularly bronchoconstriction in asthmatics

Potassium hydrogen sulphite Adverse reactions, particularly bronchoconstriction and asthma exacerbation, in sulphite-sensitive individuals

Biphenyl / Diphenyl Potential hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity

2-Hydroxybiphenyl Potential carcinogenicity, Irritation

Phenylphenol sodium salt Potential bladder carcinogen observed in animal studies

2-(Thiazol-4-yl)benzimidazole Potential hepatotoxicity; thyroid gland disturbances

Formic acid Mucosal irritation, potential metabolic toxicity at high concentrations

Formic acid calcium salt

Hexamine Potential formation of formaldehyde (carcinogen); nephrotoxicity

Formaldehyde Known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1), severe digestive irritant, systemic toxicity

Dimethylcarbonate

ethyl lauroyl arginate

Potassium Nitrate Carcinogenic risk due to nitrosamine formation; Methemoglobinemia

Sodium Nitrite Potential formation of carcinogenic N-nitrosamines; risk of methemoglobinemia

Sodium Nitrate Formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds (NOCs); risk of methaemoglobinaemia (especially in infants)

Potassium nitrate Methemoglobinemia (infants); potential formation of carcinogenic N-nitrosamines

Boric acid Developmental and reproductive toxicity; systemic toxicity (kidney damage)

Sodium tetraborate Reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, kidney toxicity

Sodium Propionate

Isopropyl citrates

Potassium Acetate

Calcium Acetate

Ammonium acetate

Sodium dehydroacetate Systemic toxicity (liver, kidney) and reproductive/developmental effects observed at high doses in animal studies

Calcium Propionate

Potassium propionate

Propellant

Dichlorodifluormethane

Chloropentafluorethane

Octafluorcyclobutane

Purple

Solvent

Stabiliser

Calcium lactobionate

Bakers yeast glyca

Locust Bean Gum

Soybean hemicellulose

Polyphosphates Potential to disturb mineral balance (calcium/phosphorus); Risk of adverse renal effects upon intake exceeding Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

Glycerol esters of rosi

Potassium chloride

Potassium Gluconate

Ferrous lactate

Potassium hydroxide

Polyvinylpyrrolidone

Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone

Potassium Polyaspartate

Polyoxyethane (8) Stearate

Polyoxyethane (40) Stearate

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate

Magnesium stearate

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate

Polyoxyethylene sorbitan tristearate

Brominated vegetable oils Accumulation of brominated compounds; potential thyroid and central nervous system toxicity

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate

Diphosphates Excessive intake may negatively impact kidney function and cardiovascular health due to hyperphosphatemia.

Triphosphates Potential for disruption of calcium homeostasis and contribution to elevated phosphorus levels (hyperphosphatemia) linked to renal and cardiovascular risks, particularly when the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is exceeded

Gamma-cyclodextri

beta-Cyclodextri

Methyl cellulose

Ethyl cellulose

Hydroxypropyl cellulose

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose

Methyl ethyl cellulose

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose

Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Salts of fatty acids

Salts of myristic, palmitic and stearic acids with ammonia, calcium, potassium and sodium

Mono- and di- glycerides of fatty acids

Esters of mono- and diglycerides

Acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol

Lactic and fatty acid esters of glycerol

Magnesium sulfate

Citric and fatty acid esters of glycerol

Calcium chloride

Tartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides of fatty acids

Sodium sulfates

Diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol

Mixed esters (tartaric, acetic) of mono- and diglycerides

Succinylated monoglycerides

Sucrose esters of fatty acids

Sucrose oli;esters

Sucroglycerides

Aluminium potassium sulfate Risk of aluminum accumulation leading to potential neurotoxicity and bone mineralization effects if the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) is consistently exceeded

Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids

Polyglycerol esters of interesterified ricinoleic acid

Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids

Lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol

Ammonium chloride

Magnesium chloride

Stannous chloride Gastrointestinal irritation (acute toxicity at high intake exceeding ADI)

Potassium sulfates

Calcium sulfate

Ammonium sulfate

Sodium hydroxide

Ammonium hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide

Magnesium oxide

Sodium ferrocyanide

Potassium ferrocyanide

Ferrous hexacyanomanganate

Calcium ferrocyanide

Dicalcium diphosphate

Sodium aluminium phosphates Contribution to dietary aluminium intake; high chronic exposure linked to neurotoxicity and adverse bone effects

Calcium Polyphosphates Potential for adverse effects on kidney function and calcium/phosphorus homeostasis when the established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for total phosphorus intake is exceeded

Ammonium Polyphosphates

Magnesium pyrophosphate

Ferrous gluconate

Glucono delta-lactone

Sodium gluconate

Calcium Gluconate

Sweetener

Sorbitols Laxative effect, bloating, flatulence

Aspartame Contains Phenylalanine, unsuitable for individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Polyglycitol syrup Laxative effects, bloating, and gas upon excessive consumption

Isomalt Laxative effect (gastrointestinal disturbance) at high doses

Glycyrrhizi Hypertension, Hypokalemia, Edema, Pseudohyperaldosteronism

Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone

Steviol glycosides

Neotame Phenylalanine content requires warning for individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Aspartame-acesulfame Metabolized to phenylalanine, requiring mandatory warning labels for individuals with Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Tagatose Gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea, flatulence) at high consumption levels

Lactitol Gastrointestinal discomfort and dose-dependent laxative effect at high intake levels

Thickener

Polyvinyl alcohol

Dextrins, roasted starch

Alkaline treated starch

Acetylated oxidised starch

Acetylated distarch glycerol

Distarch glycerine (stabiliser)

Hydroxyethyl cellulose

Acid-treated starch

Bleached starch

Oxidized starch

Starches, enzyme treated

Monostarch phosphate

Distarch glycerol

Distarch phosphate

Phosphated distarch phosphate

Acetylated distarch phosphate

Starch acetate esterified with vinyl acetate

Acetylated distarch adipate

Hydroxypropyl starch

Hydoxypropyl di-starch glycerol

Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate

Starch sodium octenyl succinate

Starch aluminium octenyl succinate

Processed euchema seaweed

Gum Acacia (Gum Arabic)