Classification by numeric range

E number range

Subranges
Description
100109 yellows
110119 oranges
120129 reds
100199 (full list)
130139 blues & violets
Colours
140149 greens
150159 browns & blacks
160199 gold and others
200209 sorbates
210219 benzoates
220229 sulphites
230239 phenols & formates (methanoates)
200299 (full list)
240259 nitrates
Preservatives
260269 acetates (ethanoates)
270279 lactates
280289 propionates (propanoates)
290299 others
300305 ascorbates (vitamin C)
306309 Tocopherol (vitamin E)
310319 gallates & erythorbates
320329 lactates
300399 (full list)
Antioxidants & acidity
330339 citrates & tartrates
regulators
340349 phosphates
350359 malates & adipates
360369 succinates & fumarates
370399 others
400409 alginates
410419 natural gums
420429 other natural agents
430439 polyoxyethene compounds
400499 (full list)
Thickeners, stabilisers & 440449 natural emulsifiers
emulsifiers
450459 phosphates
460469 cellulose compounds
470489 fatty acids & compounds
490499 others
500599 (full list)
500509 mineral acids & bases
pH regulators & anti-caking 510519 chlorides & sulphates
agents
520529 sulphates & hydroxides
530549 alkali metal compounds
550559 silicates

600699 (full list)

Flavour enhancers

570579
580599
620629
630639
640649

700799 (full list)

Antibiotics

700713

900999 (full list)

Miscellaneous

900909
910919
920929
930949
950969
990999

11001599 (full list)

Additional chemicals

stearates & gluconates

others
glutamates & guanylates
inosinates
others

waxes
synthetic glazes
improving agents
packaging gases
sweeteners
foaming agents
New chemicals that do not fall into standard
11001599
classification schemes

NB: Not all examples of a class fall into the given numeric range. Moreover, many
chemicals, particularly in the E400499 range, have a variety of purposes.

E100E199 (colours)
Code Name(s)

Colour

E100 Curcumin (from turmeric)

Yellow-orange

E101

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), formerly

Yellow-orange
called lactoflavin

Status
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US.[10]

Code Name(s)
E101a Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate

Colour
Yellow-orange

E102 Tartrazine (FD&C Yellow 5)

Lemon yellow

E103 Alkannin[11]

Red-brown

E104 Quinoline Yellow WS

Status
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US.[10]

Approved in the EU.[9]

Dull or greenish Undergoing a voluntary
yellow
phase-out in the UK.[citation
needed]

E105 Fast Yellow AB

E106 Riboflavin-5-Sodium Phosphate
E107 Yellow 2G

E110

Sunset Yellow FCF (Orange

Yellow S, FD&C Yellow 6)

Yellow
Yellow
Yellow

Yellow-orange

E111 Orange GGN

Orange
Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmine
E120
Crimson
(Natural Red 4)
E121 Citrus Red 2

Dark red

E122 Carmoisine (azorubine)

Red to maroon

Approved in the EU.[9]

Banned in Norway.[12]
Products in the EU require
warnings and its use is
being phased-out.[citation needed]
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the United
States only for use in
colouring the skin of
oranges.[13]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Undergoing a voluntary
phase-out in the UK.
Currently banned in Canada,
Japan, Norway, USA .[citation
needed]
EU currently
evaluating health risks.[citation
needed]

Dark red

Approved in the EU.[9]

Red

Approved in the EU.[9]

E125 Ponceau SX, Scarlet GN

Red

Only permitted for

externally applied drugs and
cosmetics in the US.[14][15][16]

E126 Ponceau 6R

Red

E127 Erythrosine (FD&C Red 3)

Red

E128 Red 2G
E129 Allura Red AC (FD&C Red 40)

Red
Red

E123 Amaranth (FD&C Red 2)

Ponceau 4R (Cochineal Red A,
E124
Brilliant Scarlet 4R)

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]

Code Name(s)

Colour

E130 Indanthrene blue RS

Blue
E131 Patent Blue V
Dark blue
Indigo carmine (indigotine, FD&C
E132
Indigo
Blue 2)
E133 Brilliant Blue FCF (FD&C Blue 1) Reddish blue
Chlorophylls and Chlorophyllins:
(i) Chlorophylls (ii) Chlorophyllins
Copper complexes of chlorophylls
and chlorophyllins (i) Copper
E141 complexes of chlorophylls (ii)
Copper complexes of
chlorophyllins
E142 Green S
E143 Fast Green FCF (FD&C Green 3)
E140

Approved in the EU.[9]

Green

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the US.[10]

Green
Sea green
Brown

E150b Caustic sulphite caramel

Brown

E150c Ammonia caramel

Brown

E150d
E151
E152
E153

Brown
Black
Black
Black

E154 Brown FK (kipper brown)

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US.[10]

Green

E150a Plain caramel

Sulphite ammonia caramel

Black PN, Brilliant Black BN
Carbon black (hydrocarbon)
Vegetable carbon

Status
Banned in Switzerland[citation
needed]
. Undergoing a
voluntary phase out in the
UK. Approved in the US.[10]

Brown

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU for
dyeing kippers only,
however appears to no
longer be used. [17]
Approved in the EU.[9]

E155 Brown HT (chocolate brown HT) Brown

Alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene,
Yellow-orange to
E160a
Approved in the EU.[9]
Gamma-carotene
brown
Approved in the EU.[9]
E160b Annatto, bixin, norbixin
Orange
Approved in the US.[10]
Paprika oleoresin, Capsanthin,
Approved in the EU.[9]
E160c
Red
capsorubin
Approved in the US.[10]
Bright to deep
Approved in the EU.[9]
E160d Lycopene
red
Approved in the US.[10]
E160e Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30)
Orange-red to
Approved in the EU.[9]

Code Name(s)

Colour
yellow
Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic Orange-red to
E160f
acid (C 30)
yellow
Golden-yellow
E161a Flavoxanthin
and brownish
Orange-red to
E161b Lutein
yellow
E161c Cryptoxanthin
Orange-red
E161d Rubixanthin
Orange-red
E161e Violaxanthin
Orange
E161f Rhodoxanthin
Purple
E161g Canthaxanthin

Violet

E161h Zeaxanthin
E161i Citranaxanthin
E161j Astaxanthin

Orange-red
Deep violet
Red

E162 Beetroot Red, Betanin

Red

E163
E164
E170
E171
E172
E173
E174
E175
E180
E181
E182

Status
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the US.[10]

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the US.[10]

pH
dependent(Red,
Anthocyanins
Approved in the EU.[9]
green and purple
ranges)
Saffron
Orange-red[colour?] Approved in the US.[10]
Calcium carbonate, Chalk
White
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Titanium dioxide
White
Approved in the US.[10]
Iron oxides and iron hydroxides
Brown
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US for
sausage casings.[10]
Aluminium
Silver to grey
Approved in the EU.[9]
Silver
Silver
Approved in the EU.[9]
Gold
Gold
Approved in the EU.[9]
Pigment Rubine, Lithol Rubine BK Red
Approved in the EU.[9]
Tannin
Brown
Orcein, Orchil
Purple

E200E299 (preservatives)
Code
E200
E201
E202
E203
E209
E210
E211
E212
E213

Name(s)
Sorbic acid
Sodium sorbate
Potassium sorbate
Calcium sorbate
Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate
Benzoic acid
Sodium benzoate
Potassium benzoate
Calcium benzoate
Ethylparaben (ethyl paraE214
hydroxybenzoate)
Sodium ethyl paraE215
hydroxybenzoate
E216 Propylparaben (propyl para-

Purpose
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative

Status
Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]

Code Name(s)
hydroxybenzoate)
Sodium propyl paraE217
hydroxybenzoate
Methylparaben (methyl paraE218
hydroxybenzoate)
Sodium methyl paraE219
hydroxybenzoate
E220 Sulphur dioxide
E221 Sodium sulphite
Sodium bisulphite (sodium
E222
hydrogen sulphite)
E223 Sodium metabisulphite
E224 Potassium metabisulphite
E225 Potassium sulphite
E226 Calcium sulphite
Calcium hydrogen sulphite
E227
(preservative)
E228 Potassium hydrogen sulphite
E230 Biphenyl, diphenyl
E231 Orthophenyl phenol
E232 Sodium orthophenyl phenol
E233 Thiabendazole
E234 Nisin
E235 Natamycin, Pimaracin
E236 Formic acid
E237 Sodium formate
E238 Calcium formate
Hexamine (hexamethylene
E239
tetramine)
E240 Formaldehyde
E242 Dimethyl dicarbonate
E249 Potassium nitrite
E250 Sodium nitrite
E251 Sodium nitrate (Chile saltpeter)
E252 Potassium nitrate (Saltpetre)
E260 Acetic acid (preservative)
E261 Potassium acetate (preservative)
E262 Sodium acetates (i) Sodium acetate
(ii) Sodium diacetate (sodium
hydrogen acetate)
E263 Calcium acetate (preservative)
E264 Ammonium acetate

Purpose

Status

preservative
preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative
preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]

firming agent

Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative

Approved in the EU.[9]

preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
preservative,
acidity regulator

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]

Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]

preservative

Code
E265
E266
E270
E280
E281
E282
E283
E284
E285
E290
E296
E297

Name(s)
Dehydroacetic acid
Sodium dehydroacetate
Lactic acid (preservative)
Propionic acid
Sodium propionate
Calcium propionate
Potassium propionate
Boric acid
Sodium tetraborate (borax)
Carbon dioxide
Malic acid (acid)
Fumaric acid

Purpose
preservative
preservative
antioxidant
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
preservative
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator

Status

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

E300E399 (antioxidants, acidity regulators)

Code
E300
E301
E302
E303
E304
E305
E306
E307
E308
E309
E310
E311
E312
E313
E314
E315
E316
E317

Name(s)
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
Sodium ascorbate
Calcium ascorbate
Potassium ascorbate
Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid
(Ascorbyl palmitate)
Ascorbyl stearate
Tocopherols (natural)
Alpha-tocopherol (synthetic)
Gamma-tocopherol (synthetic)
Delta-tocopherol (synthetic)
Propyl gallate
Octyl gallate
Dodecyl gallate
Ethyl gallate
Guaiac resin
Erythorbic acid
Sodium erythorbate
Erythorbin acid

Purpose
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant

Status
Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[19]

antioxidant

Approved in the EU.[19]

antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant

Approved in the EU.[19]

Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[19]

Approved in the EU.[19]

Approved in the EU.[19]

Code
E318
E319
E320
E321
E322
E323
E324
E325
E326
E327
E328
E329

Name(s)
Sodium erythorbin
tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
Lecithin
Anoxomer
Ethoxyquin
Sodium lactate
Potassium lactate (antioxidant)
Calcium lactate
Ammonium lactate
Magnesium lactate

E330 Citric acid

Sodium citrates (i) Monosodium
E331 citrate (ii) Disodium citrate (iii)
Sodium citrate (trisodium citrate)
Potassium citrates (i)
Monopotassium citrate (ii)
E332
Potassium citrate (tripotassium
citrate)
Calcium citrates (i) Monocalcium
E333 citrate (ii) Dicalcium citrate (iii)
Calcium citrate (tricalcium citrate)
E334 Tartaric acid (L(+)-)
Sodium tartrates (i) Monosodium
E335
tartrate (ii), Disodium tartrate
Potassium tartrates (i)
E336 Monopotassium tartrate (cream of
tartar) (ii) Dipotassium tartrate
E337 Sodium potassium tartrate
E338 Orthophosphoric acid
Sodium phosphates (i)
Monosodium phosphate (ii)
E339
Disodium phosphate (iii)
Trisodium phosphate
Potassium phosphates (i)
Monopotassium phosphate (ii)
E340
Dipotassium phosphate (iii)
Tripotassium phosphate
E341 Calcium phosphates (i)
Monocalcium phosphate (ii)
Dicalcium phosphate (iii)

Purpose
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
antioxidant
emulsifier
antioxidant
antioxidant
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acid, acidity
regulator

Status
Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[19]
Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]

acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]

acidity regulator,
firming agent,
Approved in the EU.[18]
sequestrant
(acid)
Approved in the EU.[18]
acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
acid
Approved in the EU.[18]
antioxidant

Approved in the EU.[18]

antioxidant

Approved in the EU.[18]

anti-caking
agent, firming
agent

Approved in the EU.[18]

Code Name(s)
Tricalcium phosphate
Ammonium phosphates: (i)
E342 monoammonium phosphate (ii)
diammonium phosphate
Magnesium phosphates (i)
E343 monomagnesium phosphate (ii)
Dimagnesium phosphate
E344 Lecitin citrate
E345 Magnesium citrate
E349 Ammonium malate
Sodium malates (i) Sodium malate
E350
(ii) Sodium hydrogen malate
E351 Potassium malate
E352 Calcium malates (i) Calcium
malate (ii) Calcium hydrogen
malate
E353 Metatartaric acid
E354 Calcium tartrate
E355 Adipic acid
E356 Sodium adipate
E357 Potassium adipate
E359 Ammonium adipate
E363 Succinic acid
E365 Sodium fumarate
E366 Potassium fumarate
E367 Calcium fumarate
E368 Ammonium fumarate
E370 1,4-Heptonolactone
E380 Triammonium citrate
E381 Ammonium ferric citrate
E383 Calcium glycerylphosphate
E384 Isopropyl citrate
E385 Calcium disodium ethylene
diamine tetraacetate, (Calcium
disodium EDTA)
Disodium ethylene diamine
E386
tetraacetate (Disodium EDTA)
E387 Oxystearin
E388 Thiodipropionic acid

Purpose

Status

Approved in the EU.[18] This

additive is under discussion
and may be included in a
anti-caking agent
future amendment to the
Directive on miscellaneous
additives.
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
emulsifier
emulsifier
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
sequestrant

sequestrant
stabiliser

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Code
E389
E390
E391
E392

Name(s)
Dilauryl thiodipropionate
Distearyl thiodipropionate
Phytic acid
Extracts of rosemary

Purpose

Status

Approved in 2010[21]

E400E499 (thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers)

Code Name(s)
Purpose
Alginic acid (thickener) (stabiliser)
E400
emulsifier
(gelling agent)
Sodium alginate (thickener)
E401
emulsifier
(stabiliser) (gelling agent)
Potassium alginate (thickener)
E402
emulsifier
(stabiliser) (gelling agent)
Ammonium alginate (thickener)
E403
emulsifier
(stabiliser)
Calcium alginate (thickener)
E404
emulsifier
(stabiliser) (gelling agent)
Propane-1,2-diol alginate
E405 (Propylene glycol alginate)
emulsifier
(thickener) (stabiliser)
E406 Agar (thickener) (gelling agent)
stabiliser
Carrageenan (thickener) (stabiliser)
E407
emulsifier
(gelling agent)
Processed eucheuma seaweed
E407a (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling
emulsifier
agent)
E408 Bakers yeast glycan
E409 Arabinogalactan
Locust bean gum (Carob gum)
E410 (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling
emulsifier
agent)
E411 Oat gum (thickener)
stabiliser
E412 Guar gum (thickener)
stabiliser

Status
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]

Code Name(s)
E413 Tragacanth (thickener) (stabiliser)
Acacia gum (gum arabic)
E414
(thickener) (stabiliser)
E415 Xanthan gum (thickener)
E416 Karaya gum (thickener) (stabiliser)
E417 Tara gum (thickener)
E418 Gellan gum (thickener) (stabiliser)
E419 Gum ghatti (thickener) (stabiliser)
Sorbitol (i) Sorbitol (ii) Sorbitol
E420
syrup (emulsifier) (sweetener)
E421 Mannitol (anti-caking agent)
E422 Glycerol (emulsifier)
E424 Curdlan
E425

Purpose
emulsifier

Status
Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

stabiliser
emulsifier
stabiliser
emulsifier
emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]

humectant

Approved in the EU.[22]

sweetener
sweetener

Approved in the EU.[22]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Konjac (i) Konjac gum (ii) Konjac

emulsifier
glucomannane

Approved in the EU.[20] May

not be used in confectionery
owing to choking risk.[citation
needed]

E426 Soybean hemicellulose

E427 Cassia gum
E429 Peptones
Polyoxyethene (8) stearate
E430
(emulsifier)
E431 Polyoxyethene (40) stearate
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E432
monolaurate (polysorbate 20)
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E433
monooleate (polysorbate 80)
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E434
monopalmitate (polysorbate 40)
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E435
monostearate (polysorbate 60)
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E436
tristearate (polysorbate 65)
Pectins (i) pectin (ii) amidated
E440
pectin
E441 Gelatine (emulsifier)
E442 Ammonium phosphatides
E444 Sucrose acetate isobutyrate
E445 Glycerol esters of wood rosins
E446 Succistearin
E450 Diphosphates (i) Disodium
diphosphate (ii) Trisodium

Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in 2010[21]
stabiliser
emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[18]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

gelling agent
emulsifier
emulsifier
emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[18]

Code Name(s)
diphosphate (iii) Tetrasodium
diphosphate (iv) Dipotassium
diphosphate (v) Tetrapotassium
diphosphate (vi) Dicalcium
diphosphate (vii) Calcium
dihydrogen diphosphate
Triphosphates (i) Sodium
triphosphate (pentasodium
E451
triphosphate) (ii) Pentapotassium
triphosphate
Polyphosphates (i) Sodium
polyphosphates (ii) Potassium
polyphosphates (iii) Sodium
E452
calcium polyphosphate (iv)
Calcium polyphosphates (v)
Ammonium polyphosphate
E459 Beta-cyclodextrin
Cellulose (i) Microcrystalline
E460
cellulose (ii) Powdered cellulose
E461 Methyl cellulose
E462 Ethyl cellulose
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose
Hypromellose (hydroxypropyl
E464
methylcellulose)
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose
Carboxymethyl cellulose, Sodium
E466
carboxy methyl cellulose
E467 Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose

E468

Status

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[18]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[18]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[18]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier
emulsifier
emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

Crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl

emulsifier
cellulose (Croscarmellose)

Enzymically hydrolysed
carboxymethylcellulose
Sodium, potassium and calcium
E470a
salts of fatty acids (emulsifier)
Magnesium salts of fatty acids
E470b
(emulsifier)
E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty
acids (glyceryl monostearate,
glyceryl distearate)
E469

Purpose

emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20] This

additive is under discussion
and may be included in a
future amendment to the
Directive on miscellaneous
additives
Approved in the EU.[20]

anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[20]

anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[20]
emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[20]

Code Name(s)
Purpose
Acetic acid esters of mono- and
E472a
emulsifier
diglycerides of fatty acids
Lactic acid esters of mono- and
E472b
emulsifier
diglycerides of fatty acids
Citric acid esters of mono- and
E472c
emulsifier
diglycerides of fatty acids
Tartaric acid esters of mono- and
E472d
emulsifier
diglycerides of fatty acids
Mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid
E472e esters of mono- and diglycerides of emulsifier
fatty acids
Mixed acetic and tartaric acid
E472f esters of mono- and diglycerides of emulsifier
fatty acids
E472g Succinylated monoglycerides
emulsifier
E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids
emulsifier
E474 Sucroglycerides
emulsifier
E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids emulsifier
E476 Polyglycerol polyricinoleate
emulsifier
Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty
E477 acids, propylene glycol esters of
emulsifier
fatty acids
Lactylated fatty acid esters of
E478
emulsifier
glycerol and propane-1
Thermally oxidized soya bean oil
E479b interacted with mono- and
emulsifier
diglycerides of fatty acids
E480 Dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate
emulsifier
E481 Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate
emulsifier
E482 Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate
emulsifier
E483 Stearyl tartrate
emulsifier
E484 Stearyl citrate
emulsifier
E485 Sodium stearoyl fumarate
emulsifier
E486 Calcium stearoyl fumarate
emulsifier
E487 Sodium laurylsulphate
emulsifier
Ethoxylated Mono- and DiE488
emulsifier
Glycerides
E489 Methyl glucoside-coconut oil ester emulsifier
E490 Propane-1,2-diol
E491 Sorbitan monostearate
emulsifier
E492 Sorbitan tristearate
emulsifier
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate
emulsifier

Status
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]

Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]

Code
E494
E495
E496

Name(s)
Sorbitan monooleate
Sorbitan monopalmitate
Sorbitan trioleate
PolyoxypropyleneE497
polyoxyethylene polymers
Partial polyglycerol esters of
E498 polycondensed fatty acids of castor
oil

Purpose
emulsifier
emulsifier
emulsifier

Status
Approved in the EU.[20]
Approved in the EU.[20]

E500E599 (acidity regulators, anti-caking agents)

Code Name(s)
Purpose
Sodium carbonates (i) Sodium
carbonate (ii) Sodium bicarbonate
E500 (Sodium hydrogen carbonate) (iii) raising agent
Sodium sesquicarbonate (acidity
regulator)
Potassium carbonates (i) Potassium
carbonate (ii) Potassium
E501
acidity regulator
bicarbonate (Potassium hydrogen
carbonate)
Ammonium carbonates (i)
Ammonium carbonate (ii)
E503
acidity regulator
Ammonium bicarbonate
(Ammonium hydrogen carbonate)
Magnesium carbonates (i)
Magnesium carbonate (ii)
acidity regulator,
E504
Magnesium bicarbonate
anti-caking agent
Magnesium hydrogen carbonate
E505 Ferrous carbonate
acidity regulator
E507 Hydrochloric acid
acid
E508 Potassium chloride (gelling agent) seasoning
E509 Calcium chloride (sequestrant)
firming agent
Ammonium chloride, ammonia
E510
improving agent
solution (acidity regulator)
E511 Magnesium chloride
firming agent
E512 Stannous chloride
antioxidant
E513 Sulphuric acid
acid
Sodium sulphates (i) Sodium
E514
acid
sulphate (ii)
Potassium Sulphates (i) Potassium
E515
Sulphate (ii)
E516 Calcium sulphate
E517 Ammonium sulphate
acidity regulator
Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts),
E518
firming agent
(acidity regulator)
E519 Copper(II) sulphate
preservative

Status
Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

Code
E520
E521
E522
E523
E524
E525
E526
E527
E528
E529
E530
E535
E536
E537
E538
E539
E540
E541
E542
E543
E544
E545
E550
E551
E552
E553a
E553b
E554
E555
E556
E557
E558

Name(s)
Aluminium sulphate
Aluminium sodium sulphate
Aluminium potassium sulphate
Aluminium ammonium sulphate
Sodium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide
Calcium hydroxide (acidity
regulator)
Ammonium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide
Calcium oxide (acidity regulator)
Magnesium oxide (acidity
regulator)
Sodium ferrocyanide (acidity
regulator)
Potassium ferrocyanide
Ferrous hexacyanomanganate
Calcium ferrocyanide
Sodium thiosulphate
Dicalcium diphosphate (acidity
regulator)
Sodium aluminium phosphate (i)
Acidic (ii) Basic
Bone phosphate (Essentiale
Calcium Phosphate, Tribasic)
Calcium sodium polyphosphate
Calcium polyphosphate
Ammonium polyphosphate
Sodium Silicates (i) Sodium
silicate (ii) Sodium metasilicate
Silicon dioxide (Silica)
Calcium silicate
(i) Magnesium silicate (ii)
Magnesium trisilicate
Talc
Sodium aluminosilicate (sodium
aluminium silicate)
Potassium aluminium silicate
Calcium aluminosilicate (calcium
aluminium silicate)
Zinc silicate
Bentonite

Purpose
firming agent
firming agent
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator
acidity regulator

Status
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

firming agent

Approved in the EU.[18]

acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]

acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
improving agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
antioxidant
emulsifier
emulsifier

Approved in the EU.[18]

anti-caking agent
emulsifier
emulsifier
emulsifier
anti-caking agent
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]

Code
E559
E560
E561
E562
E563
E565
E566
E570
E572
E574
E575
E576
E577
E578
E579
E580
E585
E586
E598
E599

Name(s)
Aluminium silicate (Kaolin)
Potassium silicate
Vermiculite
Sepiolite
Sepiolitic clay
Lignosulphonates
Natrolite-phonolite
Stearic acid (Fatty acid)
Magnesium stearate, calcium
stearate (emulsifier)
Gluconic acid
Glucono delta-lactone (acidity
regulator)
Sodium gluconate
Potassium gluconate
Calcium gluconate
Ferrous gluconate
Magnesium gluconate
Ferrous lactate
4-Hexylresorcinol
Synthetic calcium aluminates
Perlite

Purpose
Status
anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-caking agent

anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]

anti-caking agent
acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
sequestrant

Approved in the EU.[18]

sequestrant
sequestrant
firming agent
food colouring

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

food colouring
antioxidant

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[19]

E600E699 (flavour enhancers)

Code
E620
E621
E622
E623
E624
E625
E626
E627
E628
E629
E630
E631
E632
E633
E634
E635
E636
E637
E638
E639
E640
E641
E642
E650

Name(s)
Glutamic acid
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Monopotassium glutamate
Calcium diglutamate
Monoammonium glutamate
Magnesium diglutamate
Guanylic acid
Disodium guanylate, sodium
guanylate
Dipotassium guanylate
Calcium guanylate
Inosinic acid
Disodium inosinate
Dipotassium inosinate
Calcium inosinate
Calcium 5'-ribonucleotides
Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides
Maltol
Ethyl maltol
Sodium aspartate
Alanine (DL-)
Glycine and its sodium salt
L-leucine
Lysine hydrochloride
Zinc acetate

Purpose
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer

Status
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]

flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

E900E999 (glazing agents and sweeteners)

Code Name(s)
Dimethyl polysiloxane (antiE900
foaming agent)
E901 Beeswax, white and yellow
E902 Candelilla wax
E903 Carnauba wax
E904 Shellac
E905 Paraffins
E905a Mineral oil
E905b Petrolatum
Petroleum wax (i)Microcrystalline
E905c
wax (ii) Paraffin wax
E906 Gum benzoic
E907 Crystalline wax
E908 Rice bran wax
E909 Spermaceti wax
E910 Wax esters
E911 Methyl esters of fatty acids
Montanic acid esters, Montan acid
E912
esters
E913 Lanolin, sheep wool grease
Oxidized polyethylene wax,
E914
oxidized polyethylene
E915 Esters of colophony
E916 Calcium iodate
E917 Potassium iodate
E918 Nitrogen oxides
E919 Nitrosyl chloride
E920 L-cysteine
E921 L-cystine
E922 Potassium persulphate
E923 Ammonium persulphate
E924 Potassium bromate
E924b Calcium bromate
E925 Chlorine
E926 Chlorine dioxide (preservative)
E927a Azodicarbonamide
E927b Carbamide (urea)

Purpose

Status

anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]

glazing agent
glazing agent
glazing agent
glazing agent

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

anti-foaming
agent
glazing agent
flavour enhancer
glazing agent
glazing agent
glazing agent
glazing agent
glazing agent
glazing agent

Approved in the EU.[18]

glazing agent
glazing agent

Approved in the EU.[18]

glazing agent

improving agent Approved in the EU.[18]

improving agent
improving agent
improving agent
improving agent
improving agent
preservative,
bleach,
improving agent
bleach
improving agent
improving agent Approved in the EU.[18]

Code Name(s)
Benzoyl peroxide (improving
E928
agent)
E929 Acetone peroxide
Calcium peroxide (improving
E930
agent)
E938 Argon
E939 Helium
E940 Dichlorodifluoromethane
E941 Nitrogen (packaging gas)
E942 Nitrous oxide
E943a Butane
E943b Isobutane
E944 Propane
E945 Chloropentafluoroethane
E946 Octafluorocyclobutane
E948 Oxygen
E949 Hydrogen
E950 Acesulfame potassium
E951 Aspartame
Cyclamic acid and its sodium and
E952 calcium salts, also known as
Cyclamate
E953 Isomalt, Isomaltitol
Saccharin and its sodium,
E954
potassium and calcium salts
Sucralose
E955
(Trichlorogalactosucrose)
E956 Alitame
E957 Thaumatin (sweetener)
E958 Glycyrrhizin (sweetener)
Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone
E959
(sweetener)
E960 Steviol glycosides
E961 Neotame
Aspartame-acesulfame salt
E962
(sweetener)
Maltitol (i) Maltitol (ii) Maltitol
E965
syrup (sweetener) (stabiliser)
E966 Lactitol
E967 Xylitol
E968 Erythritol
E999 Quillaia extract

Purpose

Status

bleach

bleach
packaging gas
packaging gas
packaging gas
propellant
propellant
propellant
propellant
propellant
propellant
propellant
packaging gas
packaging gas
sweetener
sweetener

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Rarely used
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

sweetener

Approved in the EU.[22]

sweetener

Approved in the EU.[22]

sweetener

Approved in the EU.[22]

sweetener

Approved in the EU.[22]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[22]
Approved in the EU.[22]

sweetener
flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[22]
flavour enhancer
flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[22]
sweetener
sweetener

Approved in the EU.[23]

Approved in 2010[21]

stabiliser

Approved in the EU.[22]

humectant

Approved in the EU.[22]

sweetener
sweetener
humectant
foaming agent

Approved in the EU.[22]

Approved in the EU.[22]
Approved in the EU.[22]
Approved in the EU.[18]

E1000E1599 (additional chemicals)

Code Name(s)
E1000 Cholic acid
E1001 Choline salts
E1100 Amylase
E1101

Proteases ((i)Protease, (ii)Papain,

(iii)Bromelain, (iv)Ficin)

Purpose
Status
emulsifier
emulsifier
stabiliser, flavour
enhancer
stabiliser, flavour
enhancer

Code
E1102
E1103
E1104
E1105
E1200
E1201
E1202
E1203
E1204
E1400
E1401
E1402
E1403
E1404
E1405
E1410
E1411
E1412
E1413
E1414
E1420
E1421
E1422
E1423
E1430
E1440
E1441

Name(s)
Glucose oxidase
Invertase
Lipases
Lysozyme

Purpose
antioxidant
stabiliser

Status
Approved in the EU.[20]

preservative
stabiliser,
thickening agent,
Polydextrose
Approved in the EU.[18]
humectant,
carrier
Polyvinylpyrrolidone
stabiliser
Approved in the EU.[18]
Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (carrier) stabiliser
Approved in the EU.[18]
Polyvinyl alcohol
Approved in 2010[21]
Pullulan
Approved in the EU.[18]
Dextrin (Dextrins, roasted starch
thickening agent
white and yellow) (stabiliser)
Modified starch ((Acid-treated
thickening agent
starch) stabiliser)
Alkaline modified starch
thickening agent
(stabiliser)
Bleached starch (stabiliser)
thickening agent
Oxidized starch (emulsifier)
thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Enzyme treated starch
Monostarch phosphate (stabiliser) thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Distarch glycerol (thickening
emulsifier
agent)
Distarch phosphate esterified with
sodium trimetasphosphate;
thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
esterified with phosphorus
oxychloride (stabiliser)
Phosphated distarch phosphate
thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(stabiliser)
Acetylated distarch phosphate
thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(emulsifier)
Starch acetate esterified with acetic
thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
anhydride (stabiliser)
Starch acetate esterified with vinyl
thickening agent
acetate (stabiliser)
Acetylated Distarch Adipate
thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(stabiliser)
Acetylated distarch glycerol
thickening agent
Distarch glycerine (stabiliser)
thickening agent
Hydroxy propyl starch (emulsifier) thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerine thickening agent

Code Name(s)
Purpose
(stabiliser)
Hydroxy propyl distarch phosphate
E1442
thickening agent
(stabiliser)
E1443 Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerol
Starch sodium octenyl succinate
E1450
thickening agent
(emulsifier) (stabiliser)
Acetylated oxidised starch
E1451
thickening agent
(emulsifier)
E1452 Starch aluminium octenyl succinate
E1501 Benzylated hydrocarbons
E1502 Butane-1, 3-diol
E1503 Castor oil
resolving agent
E1504 Ethyl acetate
flavour solvent
E1505 Triethyl citrate
foam stabiliser
E1510 Ethanol
E1516 Glyceryl monoacetate
flavour solvent
E1517 Glyceryl diacetate or diacetin
flavour solvent
E1518 Glyceryl triacetate or triacetin
humectant
E1519 Benzyl alcohol
E1520 Propylene glycol
humectant
[24]
E1521 Polyethylene glycol 8000
E1525 Hydroxyethyl cellulose
thickening agent

Status
Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]

Approved in the EU.[18]
Approved in 2010[21]