Complete E-Number Guide: E100-E1520 Food Additives

Your definitive guide to understanding food additives and E-numbers. Learn which are safe, which to avoid, and why.

E-Number Categories Quick Reference

E100-E199

Colors & Colorants

E200-E299

Preservatives

E300-E399

Antioxidants & Acidity Regulators

E400-E499

Thickeners, Stabilizers, Emulsifiers

E500-E599

Acidity Regulators & Anti-caking Agents

E600-E699

Flavor Enhancers

E100-E199: Colors & Colorants

Artificial and natural dyes used to enhance the appearance of food products

E102
Tartrazine (Yellow 5)
⚠️ Caution

Synthetic lemon yellow dye commonly used in soft drinks, candy, and baked goods.

Why Avoid: Linked to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, asthma, and skin rashes. Banned in several European countries.
E100
Curcumin (Turmeric)
✓ Safe

Natural yellow-orange color derived from turmeric root.

E110
Sunset Yellow FCF (Yellow 6)
✗ Avoid

Synthetic orange-yellow dye found in cereals, desserts, and snacks.

Why Avoid: Associated with hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and potential carcinogenic effects. Requires warning labels in EU.
E129
Allura Red AC (Red 40)
✗ Avoid

Synthetic red dye, the most widely used food colorant in the US.

Why Avoid: Linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and potential DNA damage. Found in candy, soft drinks, and cosmetics.
E160a
Carotenes (Beta-Carotene)
✓ Safe

Natural orange pigment found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables.

E150d
Caramel Color IV (Sulfite Ammonia)
⚠️ Caution

Dark brown color produced by heating sugars with ammonia and sulfites. Common in colas.

Why Caution: May contain 4-MEI, a potential carcinogen. California requires warning labels for certain levels.

E200-E299: Preservatives

Chemicals added to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life

E211
Sodium Benzoate
✗ Avoid

Preservative used in acidic foods, soft drinks, pickles, and salad dressings.

Why Avoid: When combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid), can form benzene, a known carcinogen. May cause hyperactivity in children.
E250
Sodium Nitrite
✗ Avoid

Preservative and color fixative used in processed meats (bacon, ham, hot dogs).

Why Avoid: Can form nitrosamines (carcinogens) when exposed to high heat. Linked to increased cancer risk, particularly colorectal cancer.
E300
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
✓ Safe

Natural antioxidant and preservative, also used as a vitamin supplement.

E220
Sulfur Dioxide
⚠️ Caution

Preservative used in dried fruits, wine, and processed foods.

Why Caution: Can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Destroys vitamin B1.
E214-E219
Parabens (PHB Esters)
✗ Avoid

Preservatives used in cosmetics and some foods.

Why Avoid: Potential endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen. Linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
E270
Lactic Acid
✓ Safe

Natural acid produced during fermentation, used as preservative and acidity regulator.

E600-E699: Flavor Enhancers

Substances that enhance the taste and aroma of food

E621
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
⚠️ Caution

Widely used flavor enhancer that provides umami taste. Common in Asian cuisine, snacks, and processed foods.

Why Caution: May cause "MSG symptom complex" (headaches, flushing, sweating) in sensitive individuals. Some studies link high intake to obesity and metabolic issues.
E627
Disodium Guanylate
⚠️ Caution

Flavor enhancer often used with MSG to amplify savory taste.

Why Caution: May cause similar reactions to MSG. Not recommended for people with gout or asthma.
E631
Disodium Inosinate
⚠️ Caution

Flavor enhancer used in combination with MSG. Derived from meat or fish.

Why Caution: Can trigger MSG-like symptoms. Avoid if you have gout.

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