Reference

E Numbers Reference List

Name: E Numbers Reference List
Creator: Fudoe

EU-approved food additives from E100 to E999 — with English names, functions and scientific safety notes. A higher number does not mean more dangerous: the number indicates category.

Safe Caution warranted Avoid recommended

E100–E199 Colorants

Used to maintain, restore, or enhance the color of food.

Code	Name	Note	Status
E100	Curcumin	Natural (turmeric); safe; antioxidant	Safe
E101	Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)	Natural/synthetic; safe	Safe
E102	Tartrazine	Synthetic yellow; children hyperactivity (Southampton)	Caution
E104	Quinoline Yellow	Southampton list; children caution	Caution
E110	Sunset Yellow FCF	Southampton list; children caution	Caution
E120	Carmine (Cochineal)	Insect-derived; not vegan/vegetarian	Caution
E122	Azorubine (Carmoisine)	Southampton list; children caution	Caution
E124	Ponceau 4R	Southampton list; children caution	Caution
E129	Allura Red AC	Southampton list; children caution	Caution
E150a	Caramel (plain)	Safe	Safe
E150d	Caramel IV (ammonium sulfite)	4-MEI compound; EFSA review ongoing	Caution
E160a	Beta-carotene	Natural; safe; pro-vitamin A	Safe
E171	Titanium Dioxide	Banned in the EU (2022)	Avoid
E172	Iron Oxides	Safe; restricted use	Safe

E200–E299 Preservatives

Prevent spoilage and inhibit microbial growth.

Code	Name	Note	Status
E200	Sorbic Acid	Safe; common in cheese and baked goods	Safe
E202	Potassium Sorbate	Safe; one of the most widely used	Safe
E210	Benzoic Acid	May cause reactions in sensitive individuals	Caution
E211	Sodium Benzoate	Benzene risk with Vitamin C; children caution	Caution
E212	Potassium Benzoate	Same concerns as E211	Caution
E220	Sulfur Dioxide	Asthma risk; mandatory labeling	Caution
E249	Potassium Nitrite	Processed meat; nitrosamine risk at high heat	Caution
E250	Sodium Nitrite	Processed meat; nitrosamine risk at high heat	Caution
E251	Sodium Nitrate	Processed meat; converts to nitrosamine risk	Caution
E252	Potassium Nitrate	Processed meat; converts to nitrosamine risk	Caution

E300–E399 Antioxidants & Acidity Regulators

Prevent fat oxidation (rancidity) and regulate pH.

Code	Name	Note	Status
E300	Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)	Safe; antioxidant and preservative	Safe
E301	Sodium Ascorbate	Safe	Safe
E306–E309	Tocopherols (Vitamin E)	Safe; natural antioxidants	Safe
E322	Lecithin	From soy or eggs; safe	Safe
E330	Citric Acid	Safe; naturally abundant in citrus	Safe
E338	Phosphoric Acid	Cola's acidity; debated bone density effects at high intake	Caution

E400–E499 Thickeners, Gelling Agents & Emulsifiers

Stabilize texture, consistency, and oil-water mixtures.

Code	Name	Note	Status
E401–E404	Alginates	From seaweed; safe	Safe
E407	Carrageenan	Red algae; some animal studies suggest gut inflammation — debated	Caution
E410	Locust Bean Gum	Natural; safe	Safe
E412	Guar Gum	Natural; safe; prebiotic effect	Safe
E415	Xanthan Gum	Fermentation-derived; safe	Safe
E440	Pectin	From fruit; safe; dietary fiber	Safe
E471	Mono- and Diglycerides	Very common; safe; may be animal-derived (vegan caution)	Safe

E500–E599 Acidity Regulators & Raising Agents

Adjust pH, prevent caking, provide leavening.

Code	Name	Note	Status
E500	Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)	Safe; widely used	Safe
E501	Potassium Carbonate	Safe	Safe
E503	Ammonium Carbonate	Safe	Safe
E551	Silicon Dioxide	Safe; anti-caking agent in salt and spices	Safe

E600–E699 Flavour Enhancers

Amplify existing flavours; umami effect.

Code	Name	Note	Status
E620	Glutamic Acid	Natural amino acid; safe	Safe
E621	MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)	Safe; confirmed by decades of research	Safe
E627	Disodium Guanylate	Caution for gout patients (purines)	Caution
E631	Disodium Inosinate	Caution for gout patients	Caution

E900–E999 Sweeteners & Miscellaneous

Artificial sweeteners, glazing agents, gases.

Code	Name	Note	Status
E901	Beeswax	Natural; safe; glazing agent	Safe
E950	Acesulfame K	Artificial sweetener; safe	Safe
E951	Aspartame	PKU patients must avoid; IARC Group 2B (2023)	Caution
E954	Saccharin	Old carcinogen claim retracted; safe	Safe
E955	Sucralose	Safe; gut microbiome research ongoing	Safe
E960	Steviol Glycosides (Stevia)	Safe; natural source	Safe

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