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Food Additives E Numbers List

Below and on both sides you can click to find E Code descriptions and side effects:

E100 Curcumin orange-yellow color, derived from turmeric, a member of the ginger family
E101 Riboflavin (vitamin B2) yellow color, it's a vitamin!!!
E102 Tartrazine yellow color, commonly used, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Typical products are soft drinks, confectionary, cordials, pickles
E104 Quinoline yellow not permitted in Australia
E107 Yellow 2G yellow color, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. People who suffer Asthma may also show an allergic reaction to it. Typical products are soft drinks
E110 Sunset yellow FCF yellow color, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Some people show allergic reactions to it (rashes, swelling, vomiting). Typical products are cordials, confectionary, packet soups
E120 Cochineal, carminic acid red color, the HASCG* recommends to avoid it. Rarely used
E122 Carmoisine red color, the HASCG* recommends to avoid it. Sensitive people and asthmatics may show allergic reactions to it. Typical products are confectionary, marzipan, jelly crystals
E123 Amaranth purplish-red color, banned in the United States in 1976, still used in Australia. Avoid it! Typical products are cake mixes, fruit-flavoured fillings, jelly crystals
E124 Brilliant scarlet 4R red color, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Asthmatics and people with aspirin sensitivity may show allergic reactions
E127 Erythrosine red color, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Might increase thyroid hormone levels and lead to hyperthyroidism. Can cause sensitivity to light. Typical products are custard mix, biscuits, glace' cherries, canned cherries and strawberries
E128 Red 2G not permitted in Australia
E129 Allura red AC red color, may be an allergen in allergic skin conditions. Typical products are biscuits, cake mixes, fruit-flavoured fillings
E131 Patent blue not permitted in Australia
E132 Indigo carmine blue color, people with allergies should avoid it. May cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems and other allergic reactions. Typical products are confectionary, biscuits
E133 Brilliant blue FCF blue color, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it
E140 Chlorophyll green to olive color, naturally part of man's diet
E141 Cpper complexes of chloropyll and chlorophyllins olive color, no adverse effects are known
E142 Green S green color, seems safe in small quantities
E150 Caramel dark brown color, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Typical products are oyster, soy, fruit and canned sauces, beer, whiskey, biscuits, pickles
E151 Brilliant black BN black color, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it
E153 Vegetable carbon black colour, banned in the United States, still used in Australia
E154 Brown FK not permitted in Australia
E155 Chocolate brown HT brown colour, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Typical products are chocolate cake mixes
E160(a) Carotene, alpha-, beta-, gamma- orange-yellow colour, converts to vitamin A in the body
E160(b) Annatto (bixin, norbixin) peach colour, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Typical products are dairy products
E160(c) Capsanthin not permitted in Australia
E160(d) Lycopene not permitted in Australia
E160(e) Beta-apo-8'-carotenal orange color, no adverse effects are known
E160(f) Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic acid  orange color, no adverse effects are known
E161 Xanthophylls yellow color, unlikely to produce adverse effects
E161(g) Canthaxanthin orange color, no adverse effects are known
E162 Beet red, betanin purple color, no adverse effects are known
E163 Anthocyanins violet color, seems safe
E170 Calcium carbonate no adverse effects are known
E171 Titanium dioxide white color, no adverse effects are known
E172 Iron oxides seems safe
E173 Aluminium not permitted in Australia
E174 Silver not permitted in Australia
E175 Gold not permitted in Australia
E180 Pigment rubine not permitted in Australia
E181 Tannic acid, tannins clarifying agent in alcoholic drinks



E200 Sorbic acid possible skin irritant
E201 Sodium sorbate no known adverse effects
E202 Potassium sorbate no known adverse effects
E203 Calcium sorbate no known adverse effects
E210 Benzoic acid the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Typical products are soft drinks, juices, cordials, chilly pastes
E211 Sodium benzoate the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Typical products see 210
E212 Potassium benzoate People with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions. Typical products see210
E213 Calcium benzoate see 212
E214 Ethyl4-hydroxybenzoate not permitted in Australia
E215 Sodium salt not permitted in Australia
E216 Propybaraben possible contact allergen
E217 Propyl4-hydroxybenzoate not permitted in Australia
E218 Methylparaben allergic reactions possible, mainly affecting the skin
E219 Methyl4-hydroxybenzoate not permitted in Australia
E220 Sulphur dioxides the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. May cause allergic reactions in asthmatics, destroys vitamin B1, typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products
E221 Sodium sulphite see 220
E222 Sodium bisulsulphite see 220
E223 Sodium metabisulphite see 220
E224 Potassium metabisulphite see 220
E225 Potassium sulphite see 220
E226 Calcium sulphite not permitted in Australia
E227 Calcium hydrogen sulphite not permitted in Australia
E228 Potassium bisulphite see 220
E230 Biphenyl not permitted in Australia, can be used for agricultural purposes, typical products are citrus fruit
E231 2-Hydroxybiphenyl not permitted in Australia, can be used for agricultural purposes, typical products are pears, carrots, peaches, plums, prunes, sweet potatoe, citrus fruit, pineapples, tomatoes, peppers, cherries, nectarines
E232 Sodium biphenyl-2-yl oxide see 231
E233 Thiabendazole not permitted in Australia, can be used for agricultural purposes, typical products arecitrus fruits, apples, pears, potatoes, bananas, mushrooms, meat, milk
E234 Nisin no known adverse effects
E235 Natamycin sometimes used medically to treat candidiasis, can cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea and skin irritation. Typical products are meat, cheese
E236 Formic acid not permitted in Australia
E237 Sodium formate not permitted in Australia
E238 Calcium formate not permitted in Australia
E239 Hexamine not permitted in Australia
E249 Potassium nitrite not permitted in foods for young children, may cause dizzynesss, headaches, difficult breathing,potential carcinogen, typical products are meat
E250 Sodium nitrite the HACSG* recommends to avoid it (see 249)
E251 Sodium nitrate see 250
E252 Potassium nitrate see 249
E260 Acetic acid no known adverse effects
E261 Potassium acetate should be avoided by people with impaired kidney function. Typical products are sauces, pickles
E262 Sodium diacetate, sodium acetate no known adverse effects
E264 Ammonium acetate can cause nausea and vomiting
E270 Lactic acid could cause problems in very young babies, typical products are infant formula, confectionary, dressings, soft drinks
E280 Propionic acid no known adverse effects
E281 Sodium propionate may be linked to migraines, typical products are flour products
E282 Calcium propionate see 281
E283 Potassium propionate see 281
E290 Carbon dioxide may increase the effect of alcohol, typical products are wine, soft drinks, confectionary
Hyperactive Chidren's Support Group (HACSG), possible allergen
E296 DL-Malic acid infants and young children should avoid it
E297 Fumaric acid no known adverse effects



E300 Ascorbic acid vitamin C
E301 Sodium ascorbate sodium salt of vitamin C
E302 Calcium ascorbate vitamin C, may increase the formation of calcium axalate stones
E303 Potassium ascorbate potassium salt of vitamin C
E304 Ascorbyl palmitate same function as vitamin C
E306, E307 E308, E309 Tocopherols vitamin E
E310 Propyl gallate not permitted in foods for infants and young children, may cause gastric or skin irritation, typical products are margarine, fats, oils
E311 Octyl gallate see 310
E312 Dodecyl gallate see 310
E317 Erythorbic acid no known adverse effects
E318 Sodium erythorbate no known adverse effects
E319 tert-Butylhydroquinone the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. May cause nausea, vomiting, delirium. A dose of 5g is considered fatal. Typical products are fats, oils, margarine
E320 Butulated hydroxyanisole the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Not permitted in foods for infants or young children. Typical products are fats, oils, margarine, nuts, instant potato products
E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene the HACSG* recommend to avoid it. Not permitted in foods for infants or young children. Typical products are nuts
E322 Lecithins nutritious and non-toxic
E325 Sodium lactate young children with lactose intolerance may show adverse reactions
E326 Potassium lactate see 325
E327 Calcium lactate see 325
E328 Ammonium lactate see 325
E329 Magnesium lactate see 325
E330 Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits
E331 Sodium citrates no known adverse effects
E332 Potassium citrates no known adverse effects
E333 Calcium citrates no known adverse effects in small quantities
E334 Tartaric acid no known adverse effects in small quantities
E335 Sodium tartrates no known adverse effects
E336 Potassium tartrates no known adverse effects
E337 Sodium potassium tartrate no known adverse effects
E338 Phosphoric acid no known adverse effects
E339 Sodium orthophosphates high intakes may upset the calcium/phosphorus equilibrium
E340 Potassium orthophosphates see 339
E341 Calcium orthophosphates no known adverse effects
E343 Magnesium phosphates essential minerals
E350 Sodium malates no known adverse effects
E351 Potassium malate no known adverse effects
E352 Calcium malates no known adverse effects
E353 Metatartaric acid no known adverse effects
E354 Calcium tartrate seems safe
E355 Adipic acid no known adverse effects
E357 Potassium adipate no known adverse effects
E363 Succinic acid not permitted in Australia
E365 Sodium fumarate no known adverse effects
E366 Potassium fumarate no known adverse effects
E367 Calcium fumarate no known adverse effects
E370 1,4-Heptonolactone not permitted in Australia
E375 Niacin vitamin B3
E380 Tri-ammonium citrate may interfere with liver and pancreas function
E381 Ammonium ferric citrates essential mineral
E385 Calcium disodium EDTA not permitted in Australia



E400 Alginic acid no known adverse effects in small quantities. Large quantities can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients
E401 Sodium alginate see 400
E402 Potassium alginate see 400
E403 Ammonium alginate see 400
E404 Calcium alginate see 400
E405 Propylene glycol alginate no known adverse effects
E406 Agar see 400
E407 Carrageenan seems quite safe in small quantities
E410 Locust bean gum no known adverse effects in small quantities, may lower chlesterol levels
E412 Guar gum see 410
E413 Tragacanth possible contact allergy
E414 Acacia possible allergen, soothes irritations of mucous membranes
E415 Xanthan gum no known adverse effects
E416 Karaya gum possible allergen
E420 Sorbitol not permitted in foods for infants and young children, can cause gastric disturbance. Typical products are dried fruits, confectionary, pastries, low caorie foods
E421  Mannitol possible allergen, may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. Typical products are low calorie foods
E422 Glycerin Large quantities can cause headaches, thirst, nausea and high blood sugar levels. Typical products are liquers, confectionary, dried fruit, low calorie foods
E432 Polysorbate 20 not permitted in Australia
E433 Polysorbate 80 may increase the absorption of fat-soluble substances 
E434 Polysorbate 40 not permitted in Australia
E435 Polysorbate 60 see 433
E436 Polysorbate 65 see 433
E440(a) Pectin Large quantities may cause temporary flatulence or intestinal discomfort
E440(b) Amidated pectin no known adverse effects
E441 Gelatine possible allergen, may contain 220, asthmatics and people allergic to sulphites beware!!!!!
E442 Ammonium phosphatides no known adverse effects
E450 Sodium and potassium polyphosphates High intakes may upset the calcium/phosphate equilibrium
E460 Powdered cellulose no adverse effects known
E461 Methylcellulose can cause flatulence, distension, intestinal obstruction
E463 Hydroxypropyl-cellulose not permitted in Australia
E464 Hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose no known adverse effects
E465 methylethylcellulose no known adverse effects
E466 Sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose no known adverse effects
E469 Sodium caseinate no known adverse effects
E470 salts of fatty acids not permitted in Australia
E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids no known adverse effects
E472 fatty acid esters of glycerol no known adverse effects
E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids no known adverse effects
E474 Sucroglycerides not permitted in Australia
E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids no known adverse effects
E476 Polyglycerol polyricinoleate no known adverse effects
E477  Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids no known adverse effects
E480 Dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate awaiting results of studies
E481 Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate no known adverse effects
E482 Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate no known adverse effects
E483 Stearyl tartrate not permitted in Australia
E491 Sorbitan monos tearate no known adverse effects
E492 Sorbitan tristearate may increase th absorption of fat-soluble substances
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate not permitted in Australia
E494 Sorbitan mono-oleate not permitted in Australia
E495 Sorbitan monopalmitate not permitted in Australia

E500 Sodium carbonades no known adverse effects in small quantities
E501 Potassium carbonates no known adverse effects
E503 Ammonium carbonates irritant to mucous membranes
E504 Magnesium carbonate medically used as an antacid and laxative
E507 Hydrochloric acid safe in small quantities
E508 Potassium chloride large quantities can cause gastric ulceration
E509 Calcium chloride no known adverse effects
E510 Ammonium chloride should be avoided by people with impaired liver or kidney function. Typical products are flour products
E511 Magnesium chloride magnesium is an essential mineral
E513 Sulphuric acid not permitted in Australia
E514 Sodium sulphate may upset the body's water balance
E515 Potassium sulphate no known adverse effects
E516 Calcium sulphate no known adverse effects
E518 Magnesium sulphate a laxative
E519 Copper sulphate essential mineral
E524 Sodium hydroxide not permitted in Australia
E525 Potassium hydroxide not permitted in Australia
E526 Calcium hydroxide no adverse effects in small quantities
E527 Ammonium hydroxide not permitted in Australia
E528 Magnesium hydroxide not permitted in Australia
E529 Calcium oxide safe in small quantities
E530 Magnesium oxide not permitted in Australia
E535 Sodium ferrocyanide no adverse effects known
E536 Potassium ferrocyanide low toxicity
E540 Dicalcium diphosphate not permitted in Australia
E541 Sodium aluminium phosphate not permitted in Australia
E542 Bone phosphate no known adverse effects
E544 Calcium polyphosphates not permitted in Australia
E545 Ammonium polyphosphates not permitted in Australia
E551 Silicon dioxide no adverse effects are known in food use
E552 Calcium silicate no known adverse effects, antacid
E553(a) Magnesium silicates not permitted in Australia
E553(b) Talc has been linked to stomach cancer, typical products are polished rice, chocolate, confectionary
E554 Sodium aluminium silicate Aluminium is known to be neurtoxic
E556 Calcium aluminium silicate see 554
E558 Bentonite no known adverse effects
E559 Kaolins no known adverse effects
E570 Stearic acid no known adverse effects
E572 Magnesium stearate no known adverse effects in food use
E575 Glucono delta-lactone no known adverse effects
E576 Sodium gluconate not permitted in Australia
E577 Potassium gluconate no known adverse effects
E578 Calcium gluconate no known adverse effects
E579 Ferrous gluconate seems safe in small quantities

E620 L-Glutamic acid might cause similar problems as MSG(621), young children should avoid it
E621 Monosodium glutamate (MSG) can be an allergen, not permitted in foods for infants and young children
E622 Monopotassium glutamate can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea , abdominal cramps. Typical products are low sodium salt substitutes
E623 Calcium glutamate no known adverse effects
E624 Monoammonium L-glutamate no known adverse effects
E625 Magnesium di-L-glutamate no known adverse effects
E627 Disodiumguanylate not permitted in foods for infants and young children
E631 Disodium inosinate not permitted in foods for infants and young children
E635 Sodium 5'ribonucleotide not permitted in Australia
E636 Maltol no known adverse effects
E637 Ethyl maltol no known adverse effects
E900 Dimethylpoly-siloxane no known adverse effects
E901 Beeswaxes occasionally causes allergic reactions
E903 Carnauba wax occasionally causes allergic reactions
E904 Shellac occasionally causes irritations of the skin
E905 Paraffins may inhibit absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins, mild laxative, there may be a link to bowel cancer. Typical products are dried fruit, confectionary, collagen
E907 Refined microcrystalline wax not permitted in Australia
E920 L-cysteine and its hydrochlorides no known adverse effects
E924 Potassium bromate/center> large quantities can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain. Typical products are flour products
E925 Chlorine destroys nutrients, carcinogen, in some areas tab water is contaminated with it, to make it 'safer' to drink. Typical products are flour products
E926 Chlorine dioxide well.....basically see 925
E927 Azodicarbonamide not permitted in Australia
E928 Benzol peroxide asthmatics and people with a history of allergies BEWARE, see 210
E931 Nitrogen seems safe
E932 Nitrous oxide seems quite safe in small quantities
E950 Acesulphane potassium ???
E951 Aspartame artificial sweetener, too many adverse effects possible to list !!!
E952 Cyclamic acid possible carcinogen, not permitted in the USA and UK
E954 saccharines not too bad in small amounts, I think
E957 Thaumatin artificial sweetener; put it that way....the 'acceptable' daily intake has not been specified. 
E965 Hydrogenated glucose syrup mild laxative
E967 Xylitol nobody knows
E1200 Polydextrose seems safe in small doses
E1201 Polyvinylpyrrolidone no adverse effects known
E1202 Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone no known adverse effects
E1400 starches no known adverse effects
E1450 starches no known adverse effects
E1505 Triethyl acetate part becomes alcohol in the body
E1510 Ethanol alcohol
E1517 Glycerol acetates seems safe
E1518 Glycerol acetates seems safe
E1520 Propylene glycol toxic at 'high doses'