E number

 ( Chemical Numbering Schemes ) 

E numbers, short for Europe numbers, are codes for substances used as , including those found naturally in many foods, such as vitamin C, for use within the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Commonly found on , their safety assessment and approval are the responsibility of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). 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.

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Numbering schemes The numbering scheme follows that of the International Numbering System (INS) as determined by the Codex Alimentarius committee, 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 Gulf Cooperation Council, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Food Standards Australia New Zealand , website Malaysia, Hong Kong, and India.

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Colloquial use In some European countries, the "E number" is used informally as a derogatory term for artificial food additives. For example, in the UK, food companies are required to include the "E number(s)" in the ingredients that are added as part of the manufacturing process. Many components of naturally occurring healthy foods and vitamins have assigned E numbers (and the number is a synonym for the chemical component), e.g. vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 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. Sodium nitrite (E250) is toxic. Sulfuric acid (E513) is caustic.

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Classification by numeric range

oranges

reds

blues and violets

greens

browns and blacks

gold and others

and (methanoates)

(ethanoates)

lactic acid

(propanoates)

others

Tocopherol (vitamin E)

gallic acid and

lactic acid

and

and adipates

and

others

other natural agents

polyoxyethene compounds

natural

cellulose compounds

and compounds

others

and

and

alkali metal compounds

stearic acid and

others

others

glazing agent

Sugar substitute

Not all examples of a class fall into the given numeric range; moreover, certain chemicals (particularly in the E400–499 range) have a variety of purposes.

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

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E100–E199 (colours)

E100	Curcumin (from turmeric)	Yellow-orange	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E101	Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), formerly called lactoflavin	Yellow-orange	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E101a	Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate	Yellow-orange	Approved in the EU.
E102	Tartrazine (FD&C Yellow 5)	Yellow	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E103	Alkannin Additives , Food Standards Australia New Zealand	Red-brown
E104	Quinoline Yellow WS	Dull or greenish yellow	Restricted use approved in the EU.
E105	Fast Yellow AB	Yellow	Forbidden in the EU and US.
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. Banned in Norway. Products in the EU require warnings and its use is being phased out. Approved in the US.
E111	Orange GGN	Orange
E120	Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmine (Natural Red 4)	Crimson	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E121	Citrus Red 2	Orange to pink	Approved in the United States only for use in colouring the skin of oranges.
E122	Carmoisine (azorubine)	Red to maroon	Approved in the EU. Undergoing a voluntary phase-out in the UK. Currently banned in Canada, Japan, Norway, USA EU currently evaluating health risks.
E123	Amaranth (FD&C Red 2)	Red	Approved in the EU. Banned in the United States.
E124	Ponceau 4R (Cochineal Red A, Brilliant Scarlet 4R)	Pink	Restricted use approved in the EU.
E125	Ponceau SX, Scarlet GN	Red	Only permitted for externally applied drugs and cosmetics in the US.
E126	Ponceau 6R	Red
E127	Erythrosine (FD&C Red 3)	Pink	Approved in the EU. Banned in the US.
E128	Red 2G	Red or pink	Not approved in the EU.
E129	Allura Red AC (FD&C Red 40)	Red	Approved in the EU. Banned in Switzerland. Undergoing a voluntary phase out in the UK. Approved in the US.
E130	Indanthrene blue RS	Blue
E131	Patent Blue V	Sky blue	Approved in the EU. Banned in the US and Australia.
E132	Indigo carmine (indigotine, FD&C Blue 2)	Indigo	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E133	Brilliant blue FCF (FD&C Blue 1)	Blue	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E140	and : (i) Chlorophylls (ii) Chlorophyllins	Green	Approved in the EU.
E141	Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins (i) Copper complexes of chlorophylls ii) Copper complexes of chlorophyllins	Green	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E142	Green S	Green	Approved in the EU.
E143	Fast Green FCF (FD&C Green 3)	Turquoise	Approved in the US. Banned in the EU.
E150a	Caramel coloring	Brown	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E150b	Caramel coloring	Brown	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E150c	Caramel coloring	Brown	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E150d	Caramel coloring	Brown	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E151	Black PN, Brilliant Black BN	Black	Approved in the EU.
E152	Carbon black (hydrocarbon)	Black
E153	Vegetable carbon	Black	Approved in the EU. Banned in the US.
E154	Brown FK (kipper brown)	Brown	Previously approved in the EU for dyeing kippers only: approval withdrawn November 2011.
E155	Brown HT (chocolate brown HT)	Brown	Approved in the EU.
E160a	Alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, Gamma-carotene	Yellow-orange to brown	Approved in the EU. Only beta-carotene is approved in the US
E160b	Annatto, bixin, norbixin	Orange	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E160c	Paprika oleoresin: (i) capsanthin, (ii) capsorubin	Red	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E160d	Lycopene	Bright to deep red	Restricted use approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E160e	Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30)	Orange-red to yellow	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E160f	Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic acid (C 30)	Orange-red to yellow	Not approved in the EU.
E161a	Flavoxanthin	Golden-yellow and brownish
E161b	Lutein	Orange-red to yellow	Approved in the EU.
E161c	Cryptoxanthin	Orange-red
E161d	Rubixanthin	Orange-red
E161e	Violaxanthin	Orange
E161f	Rhodoxanthin	Purple
E161g	Canthaxanthin	Violet	Not approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E161h	Zeaxanthin	Orange-red
E161i	Citranaxanthin	Deep violet
E161j	Astaxanthin	Red
E162	Beetroot Red, Betanin	Red	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US.
E163	Anthocyanins	pH indicator (Red, green and purple ranges)	Approved in the EU.
E164	Saffron	Orange-redcolour?	Approved in the US.
E170	Calcium carbonate, Chalk	White	Approved in the EU.
E171	Titanium dioxide	White	No longer approved in the EU as of June 2022, due to the identification of potential carcinogenic effects. Approved in the US.
E172	and	Brown	Approved in the EU. Approved in the US for sausage casings.
E173	Aluminium	Silver to grey	Approved in the EU.
E174	Silver	Silver	Approved in the EU.
E175	Gold	Gold	Approved in the EU.
E180	Pigment Rubine, Lithol Rubine BK	Red	Approved in the EU.
Tannic acid	Tannin	Brown
E182	Orcein, Orchil	Purple

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E200–E299 ([[preservative/" itemprop="url" title="Wiki: ">)

E200	Sorbic acid	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E201	Sodium sorbate	preservative
E202	Potassium sorbate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E203	Calcium sorbate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E209	Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate	preservative
E210	Benzoic acid	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E211	Sodium benzoate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E212	Potassium benzoate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E213	Calcium benzoate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E214	Ethylparaben (ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate)	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E215	Sodium ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E216	Propylparaben (propyl para-hydroxybenzoate)	preservative
E217	Sodium propyl para-hydroxybenzoate	preservative
E218	Methylparaben (methyl para-hydroxybenzoate)	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E219	Sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E220	Sulfur dioxide	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E221	Sodium sulfite	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E222	Sodium bisulfite (sodium hydrogen sulfite)	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E223	Sodium metabisulfite	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E224	Potassium metabisulfite	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E225	Potassium sulfite	preservative
E226	Calcium sulfite	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E227	Calcium hydrogen sulfite (preservative)	firming agent	Approved in the EU.
E228	Potassium hydrogen sulfite	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E230	Biphenyl	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.
Thiabendazole	Thiabendazole	preservative	Not approved in the EU.
Nisin	Nisin	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E235	Natamycin	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E236	Formic acid	preservative
E237	Sodium formate	preservative
E238	Calcium formate	preservative
E239	Hexamine (hexamethylene tetramine)	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E240	Formaldehyde	preservative
E242	Dimethyl dicarbonate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E249	Potassium nitrite	preservative	Approved in the EU. In April 2023 the French Court of Appeals of Limoges confirmed that food-watch NGO Yuka was legally legitimate in describing Potassium Nitrite "and other nitrates" E249 to E252 as a "cancer risk", and thus rejected an appeal by the French charcuterie industry against the organisation.
Sodium nitrite	Sodium nitrite	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E251	Sodium nitrate (Chile saltpetre)	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E252	Potassium nitrate (Saltpetre)	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E260	Acetic acid (preservative)	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E261	Potassium acetate (preservative)	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E262	Sodium acetates (i) Sodium acetate (ii) Sodium diacetate (sodium hydrogen acetate)	preservative, acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
Calcium acetate	Calcium acetate (preservative)	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
Ammonium acetate	Ammonium acetate	preservative	Approved in Australia and New ZealandAustralia New Zealand Food Standards Code
E265	Dehydroacetic acid	preservative
E266	Sodium dehydroacetate	preservative
E267	Buffered vinegar	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E270	Lactic acid (preservative)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E280	Propionic acid	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E281	Sodium propionate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E282	Calcium propionate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E283	Potassium propionate	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E284	Boric acid	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E285	Sodium tetraborate (borax)	preservative	Approved in the EU.
E290	Carbon dioxide	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E296	Malic acid (acid)	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E297	Fumaric acid	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.

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E300–E399 ([[antioxidant/" itemprop="url" title="Wiki: ">, acidity regulators)

Ascorbic acid	Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU. Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers , Food Standards Agency, 26 November 2010
E301	Sodium ascorbate	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E302	Calcium ascorbate	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E303	Potassium ascorbate	antioxidant
E304	Fatty acid of ascorbic acid (Ascorbyl palmitate)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E305	Ascorbyl stearate	antioxidant
E306	(Vitamin E, natural)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E307	Alpha-Tocopherol (synthetic)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E308	Gamma-Tocopherol (synthetic)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E309	Delta-Tocopherol (synthetic)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
Propyl gallate	Propyl gallate	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
Octyl gallate	Octyl gallate	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
Dodecyl gallate	Dodecyl gallate	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
Ethyl gallate	Ethyl gallate	antioxidant
Guaiacum	Guaiac resin	antioxidant
E315	Erythorbic acid	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E316	Sodium erythorbate	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E317	Erythorbin acid	antioxidant
E318	Sodium erythorbin	antioxidant
E319	tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E320	Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E321	Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E322	Lecithin	emulsifier	Approved in the EU. Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers , Food Standards Agency, 26 November 2010
E323	Anoxomer	antioxidant
E324	Ethoxyquin	antioxidant
E325	Sodium lactate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E326	Potassium lactate (antioxidant)	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E327	Calcium lactate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E328	Ammonium lactate	acidity regulator
E329	Magnesium lactate	acidity regulator
E330	Citric acid	acid, acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
Sodium citrate	(i) Monosodium citrate (ii) Disodium citrate (iii) Sodium citrate (trisodium citrate)	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E332	Potassium (i) Monopotassium citrate (ii) Potassium citrate (tripotassium citrate)	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E333	Calcium (i) Monocalcium citrate (ii) Dicalcium citrate (iii) Calcium citrate (tricalcium citrate)	acidity regulator, firming agent, sequestrant	Approved in the EU.
E334	Tartaric acid (L(+)-)	(acid)	Approved in the EU.
E335	(i) Monosodium tartrate (ii) Disodium tartrate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E336	Potassium (i) Monopotassium tartrate (cream of tartar) (ii) Dipotassium tartrate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E337	Sodium potassium tartrate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E338	Phosphoric acid	acid	Approved in the EU.
E339	(i) Monosodium phosphate (ii) Disodium phosphate (iii) Trisodium phosphate	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E340	Potassium (i) Monopotassium phosphate (ii) Dipotassium phosphate (iii) Tripotassium phosphate	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E341	Calcium phosphates (i) Monocalcium phosphate (ii) Dicalcium phosphate (iii) Tricalcium phosphate	anti-caking agent, firming agent	Approved in the EU.
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. 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
E345	Magnesium citrate	acidity regulator
E349	Ammonium malate	acidity regulator
E350	Sodium (i) Sodium malate (ii) Sodium hydrogen malate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E351	Potassium malate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E352	Calcium (i) Calcium malate (ii) Calcium hydrogen malate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E353	Metatartaric acid	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E354	Calcium tartrate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
Adipic acid	Adipic acid	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E356	Sodium adipate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E357	Potassium adipate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E359	Ammonium adipate	acidity regulator
E363	Succinic acid	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
Sodium fumarate	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.
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.
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 New additives approved for use , Food Standards Agency, Friday 26 November 2010
E399	Calcium lactobionate

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E400–E499 ([[thickeners/" itemprop="url" title="Wiki: Thickening agent">Thickening agent, stabilisers, )

Alginic acid	Alginic acid (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E401	Sodium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E402	Potassium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E403	Ammonium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E404	Calcium alginate (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E405	Propane-1,2-diol alginate (Propylene glycol alginate) (thickener) (stabiliser)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E406	Agar (thickener) (gelling agent)	stabiliser	Approved in the EU.
E407	Carrageenan (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E407a	Carrageenan (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E408	Bakers yeast glycan
E409	Arabinogalactan
E410	Locust bean gum (Carob gum) (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling agent)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
Oat gum	Oat gum (thickener)	stabiliser
Guar gum	Guar gum (thickener)	stabiliser	Approved in the EU.
E413	Tragacanth (thickener) (stabiliser)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E414	Acacia gum (gum arabic) (thickener) (stabiliser)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E415	Xanthan gum (thickener)	stabiliser	Approved in the EU.
E416	Karaya gum (thickener) (stabiliser)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E417	Tara gum (thickener)	stabiliser	Approved in the EU.
E418	Gellan gum (thickener) (stabiliser)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E419	Gum ghatti (thickener) (stabiliser)	emulsifier
E420	Sorbitol (i) Sorbitol (ii) Sorbitol syrup (emulsifier) (Sugar substitute)	humectant	Approved in the EU. Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers , Food Standards Agency, 26 November 2010
E421	Mannitol (anti-caking agent)	Sugar substitute	Approved in the EU.
E422	Glycerol (emulsifier)	Sugar substitute	Approved in the EU.
E424	Curdlan	gelling agent
E425	Konjac (i) Konjac gum (ii) Konjac glucomannane	emulsifier	Approved in the EU. May not be used in confectionery owing to choking risk.
E426	Soybean hemicellulose		Approved in the EU.
E427	Cassia gum		Approved in 2010
Gelatin	Gelatin
E429
E430	Polyoxyethene (8) stearate (emulsifier)	stabiliser
E431	Polyoxyethene (40) stearate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E432	Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E433	Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E434	Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate (polysorbate 40)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E435	Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan monostearate (polysorbate 60)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E436	Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan tristearate (polysorbate 65)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E440	(i) pectin (ii) amidated pectin	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E441	Gelatine (emulsifier)	gelling agent
E442	Ammonium phosphatides	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E443	Brominated vegetable oil	emulsifier
E444	Sucrose acetate isobutyrate	emulsifier
E445	Glycerol esters of wood rosins	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E446	Succistearin
E450	: (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.
E451	: (i) Sodium triphosphate (pentasodium triphosphate) (ii) Pentapotassium triphosphate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E452	: (i) Sodium polyphosphates (ii) Potassium polyphosphates (iii) Sodium calcium polyphosphate (iv) Calcium polyphosphates (v) Ammonium polyphosphate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E459	Beta-cyclodextrin	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E460	Cellulose (i) Microcrystalline cellulose (ii) Powdered cellulose	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E461	Methyl cellulose	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E462	Ethyl cellulose	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E463	Hydroxypropyl cellulose	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
Hypromellose	Hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E465	Ethyl methyl cellulose	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E466	Carboxymethyl cellulose, Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E467	Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose
E468	Crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Croscarmellose)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU. 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.
E470a	Sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids (emulsifier)	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E470b	Magnesium salts of fatty acids (emulsifier)	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E471	Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate)	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E472a	Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E472b	Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E472c	Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E472d	Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E472e	DATEM	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E472f	Mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E472g	Succinylated monoglycerides	emulsifier
E473	Sucrose esters of fatty acids	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
Sucroglyceride		emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E475	Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E476	Polyglycerol polyricinoleate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E477	Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
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.
E480	Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate	emulsifier
E481	Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E482	Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E483	Stearyl tartrate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
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.
E492	Sorbitan tristearate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E493	Sorbitan monolaurate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E494	Sorbitan monooleate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
E495	Sorbitan monopalmitate	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
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.

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

E500	Sodium : (i) Sodium carbonate (ii) Sodium bicarbonate (Sodium hydrogen carbonate) (iii) Sodium sesquicarbonate (acidity regulator)	raising agent	Approved in the EU.
E501	Potassium : (i) Potassium carbonate (ii) Potassium bicarbonate (Potassium hydrogen carbonate)	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E503	Ammonium : (i) Ammonium carbonate (ii) Ammonium bicarbonate (Ammonium hydrogen carbonate)	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E504	Magnesium : (i) Magnesium carbonate (ii) Magnesium bicarbonate Magnesium hydrogen carbonate	acidity regulator, anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E505	Ferrous carbonate	acidity regulator
E507	Hydrochloric acid	acid	Approved in the EU.
E508	Potassium chloride (gelling agent)	seasoning	Approved in the EU.
E509	Calcium chloride (sequestrant)	firming agent	Approved in the EU.
E510	Ammonium chloride, ammonia solution (acidity regulator)	improving agent
E511	Magnesium chloride	firming agent	Approved in the EU.
E512	Stannous chloride	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E513	Sulfuric acid	acid	Approved in the EU.
E514	Sodium sulfates (i) Sodium sulfate (ii) sodium bisulfate	acid	Approved in the EU.
E515	Potassium sulfates (i) potassium sulfate (ii) potassium bisulfate		Approved in the EU.
E516	Calcium sulfate		Approved in the EU.
E517	Ammonium sulfate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E518	Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), (acidity regulator)	firming agent
E519	Copper(II) sulfate	preservative
E520	Aluminium sulfate	firming agent	Approved in the EU.
E521	Aluminium sodium sulfate	firming agent	Approved in the EU.
E522	Aluminium potassium sulfate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E523	Aluminium ammonium sulfate	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E524	Sodium hydroxide	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E525	Potassium hydroxide	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E526	Calcium hydroxide (acidity regulator)	firming agent	Approved in the EU.
E527	Ammonium hydroxide	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E528	Magnesium hydroxide	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E529	Calcium oxide (acidity regulator)	improving agent	Approved in the EU.
E530	Magnesium oxide (acidity regulator)	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E535	Sodium ferrocyanide (acidity regulator)	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E536	Potassium ferrocyanide	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E537	Ferrous hexacyanomanganate	anti-caking agent
E538	Calcium ferrocyanide	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E539	Sodium thiosulfate	antioxidant
E540	Dicalcium diphosphate (acidity regulator)	emulsifier
E541	Sodium aluminium phosphate (i) Acidic (ii) Basic	emulsifier	Approved in the EU.
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.
E552	Calcium silicate	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E553a	(i) Magnesium silicate (ii) Magnesium trisilicate	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E553b	Talc	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
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	Hemimorphite	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
Sepiolite	Sepiolite
E563	Sepiolitic clay
E565
E566	Natrolite-phonolite
E570		anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E572	Magnesium stearate, calcium stearate (emulsifier)	anti-caking agent
E574	Gluconic acid	acidity regulator	Approved in the EU.
E575	Glucono delta-lactone (acidity regulator)	sequestrant	Approved in the EU.
Gluconic acid	Sodium gluconate	sequestrant	Approved in the EU.
E577	Potassium gluconate	sequestrant	Approved in the EU.
E578	Calcium gluconate	firming agent	Approved in the EU.
E579	Ferrous gluconate	Food coloring	Approved in the EU.
E580	Magnesium gluconate
E585	Ferrous lactate	Food coloring	Approved in the EU.
E586	4-Hexylresorcinol	antioxidant	Approved in the EU.
E598	Synthetic calcium aluminates
E599	Perlite

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E600–E699 ([[flavour enhancer/" itemprop="url" title="Wiki: ">)

E620	Glutamic acid	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E621	Monosodium glutamate (MSG)	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E622	Monopotassium glutamate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E623	Calcium diglutamate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E624	Monoammonium glutamate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E625	Magnesium diglutamate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E626	Guanylic acid	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E627	Disodium guanylate, sodium guanylate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E628	Dipotassium guanylate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E629	Calcium guanylate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E630	Inosinic acid	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E631	Disodium inosinate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E632	Dipotassium inosinate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E633	Calcium inosinate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E634	Calcium 5'-ribonucleotides	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E635	Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
Maltol	Maltol	flavour enhancer
Ethyl maltol	Ethyl maltol	flavour enhancer
E640	Glycine and its sodium salt	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E650	Zinc acetate	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.

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E700–E799 (antibiotics)

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		antibiotic
E711		antibiotic
E712	Flavomycin	antibiotic
E713	Tylosin	antibiotic
E714	Monensin A	antibiotic
E715	Avoparcin	antibiotic
E716	Salinomycin	antibiotic
E717	Avilamycin	antibiotic

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E900–E999 ([[glazing agent/" itemprop="url" title="Wiki: ">, gases and Sugar substitute)

E900	Dimethyl polysiloxane (anti-foaming agent)	anti-caking agent	Approved in the EU.
E901	Beeswax, white and yellow	glazing agent	Approved in the EU.
E902	Candelilla wax	glazing agent	Approved in the EU.
E903	Carnauba wax	glazing agent	Approved in the EU.
E904	Shellac	glazing agent	Approved in the EU.
E905	Paraffin wax		Approved in the EU.
E905a	Mineral oil	anti-foaming agent
E905b	Petrolatum
E905c	Petroleum wax (i)Microcrystalline wax (ii) Paraffin wax	glazing agent
E906	Gum benzoic	flavour enhancer
E907	Crystalline wax	glazing agent
E908	Rice bran wax	glazing agent
E909	Spermaceti	glazing agent
E910		glazing agent
E911	Methyl esters of fatty acids	glazing agent
E912	Montanic acid esters, Montan acid esters	glazing agent	Approved in the EU.
E913	Lanolin, sheep wool grease	glazing agent
E914	Oxidized polyethylene wax, oxidized polyethylene	glazing agent	Approved in the EU.
E915	Esters of colophony	glazing agent
E916	Calcium iodate
E917	Potassium iodate
E918
E919	Nitrosyl chloride
E920	L-cysteine	improving agent	Approved in the EU
E921	cystine	improving agent
E922	Potassium persulfate	improving agent
E923	Ammonium persulfate	improving agent
E924	Potassium bromate	improving agent	Banned in the EU; genotoxic carcinogen
E924b	Calcium bromate	improving agent
E925	Chlorine	preservative, bleach, improving agent
E926	Chlorine dioxide (preservative)	bleach
E927a	Azodicarbonamide	improving agent	identified as a Substance of Very High Concern in EU.
E927b	Carbamide (urea)	improving agent	Approved in the EU.
E928	Benzoyl peroxide (improving agent)	bleach
E929	Acetone peroxide
E930	Calcium peroxide (improving agent)	bleach
E938	Argon	packaging gas	Approved in the EU.
E939	Helium	packaging gas	Approved in the EU.
E940	Dichlorodifluoromethane	packaging gas	Banned in all countries, in compliance with the Montreal Protocol.
E941	Nitrogen (packaging gas)	propellant	Approved in the EU.
E942	Nitrous oxide	propellant	Approved in the EU.
E943a	Butane	propellant	Approved in the EU.
E943b	Isobutane	propellant	Approved in the EU.
E944	Propane	propellant	Approved in the EU.
E945	Chloropentafluoroethane	propellant	Banned in all countries, in compliance with the Montreal Protocol.
E946	Octafluorocyclobutane	propellant	Banned in all countries, in compliance with the Montreal Protocol.
E948	Oxygen	packaging gas	Approved in the EU.
E949	Hydrogen	packaging gas	Approved in the EU.
E950	Acesulfame potassium	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E951	Aspartame	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E952	Cyclamic acid and its sodium and calcium salts, also known as Cyclamate	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E953	Isomalt, Isomaltitol	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E954	Saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E955	Sucralose (Trichlorogalactosucrose)	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E956	Alitame	sweetener
E957	Thaumatin (sweetener)	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E958	Glycyrrhizin (sweetener)	flavour enhancer
E959	Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone (sweetener)	flavour enhancer	Approved in the EU.
E960	Steviol glycosides	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E961	Neotame	sweetener	Approved in 2010
E962	Aspartame-acesulfame salt (sweetener)	stabiliser	Approved in the EU.
E964	Polyglycitol syrup	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E965	Maltitol (i) Maltitol (ii) Maltitol syrup (sweetener) (stabiliser)	humectant	Approved in the EU.
E966	Lactitol	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E967	Xylitol	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E968	Erythritol	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E969	Advantame	sweetener	Approved in the EU.
E999	Quillaia extract	foaming agent	Approved in the EU.

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E1000–E1599 (additional additives)

Cholic acid	Cholic acid	emulsifier
E1001	Choline salts	emulsifier
E1100	Amylase	stabiliser, flavour enhancer
E1101	((i)Protease, (ii)Papain, (iii)Bromelain, (iv)Ficin)	stabiliser, flavour enhancer
E1102	Glucose oxidase	antioxidant
E1103	Invertase	stabiliser	Approved in the EU.
E1104	Lipases
E1105	Lysozyme	preservative
E1200	Polydextrose	stabiliser, thickening agent, humectant, carrier	Approved in the EU.
E1201	Polyvinylpyrrolidone	stabiliser	Approved in the EU.
E1202	Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (carrier)	stabiliser	Approved in the EU.
E1203	Polyvinyl alcohol		Approved in 2010
E1204	Pullulan		Approved in the EU.
E1400	Dextrin (Dextrins, roasted starch white and yellow) (stabiliser)	thickening agent
E1401	Modified starch ((Acid-treated starch) stabiliser)	thickening agent
E1402	Alkaline modified starch (stabiliser)	thickening agent
E1403	Bleached starch (stabiliser)	thickening agent
E1404	Oxidized starch (emulsifier)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1405	Enzyme treated starch
E1410	Monostarch phosphate (stabiliser)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1411	Distarch glycerol (thickening agent)	emulsifier
E1412	Distarch phosphate esterified with sodium trimetasphosphate; esterified with phosphorus oxychloride (stabiliser)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1413	Phosphated distarch phosphate (stabiliser)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1414	Acetylated distarch phosphate (emulsifier)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1420	Starch acetate esterified with acetic anhydride (stabiliser)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1421	Starch acetate esterified with vinyl acetate (stabiliser)	thickening agent
E1422	Acetylated distarch adipate (stabiliser)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1423	Acetylated distarch glycerol	thickening agent
E1430	Distarch glycerine (stabiliser)	thickening agent
E1440	Hydroxy propyl starch (emulsifier)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1441	Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerine (stabiliser)	thickening agent
E1442	Hydroxy propyl distarch phosphate (stabiliser)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1443	Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerol
E1450	Starch sodium octenyl succinate (emulsifier) (stabiliser)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1451	Acetylated oxidised starch (emulsifier)	thickening agent	Approved in the EU.
E1452	Starch aluminium octenyl succinate		Approved in the EU.
E1501	Benzylated hydrocarbons
E1502	Butane-1, 3-diol
E1503	Castor oil	resolving agent
E1504	Ethyl acetate	flavour solvent
E1505	Triethyl citrate	foam stabiliser	Approved in the EU.
E1510	Ethanol
E1516	Glyceryl monoacetate	flavour solvent
E1517	Glyceryl diacetate or diacetin	flavour solvent
E1518	Glyceryl triacetate or triacetin	humectant and flavour solvent	Approved in the EU.
E1519	Benzyl alcohol
E1520	Propylene glycol	humectant and flavour solvent	Approved in the EU.
E1521	Polyethylene glycol 8000		Approved in 2010
E1525	Hydroxyethyl cellulose	thickening agent

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See also

• Food Chemicals Codex
• List of food additives
• International Numbering System for Food Additives
• Clean label

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External links

• 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
• Databases of EU-approved food additives and flavoring substances
• Food Additives in the European Union
• The Food Additives and Ingredients Association, FAIA website, UK.

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