Food Additives Appendix

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Food additives appendix

In this appendix, we list additives used in foods, state their use and origin and
indicate their suitability for different groups of people including vegetarians,
vegans and ethnic groups.
Disclaimer:
This guide is a general list of food additives. It does not necessarily mean
that these additives can be found in Unilever Food Solutions products.
For information about the ingredients used in Unilever Food Solutions
products please refer to the ingredient list on the product label
This guide does not in any way supplement the law, nor constitutes
legal guidance
Information you will find for each food additive

Chemical/Common Name Food Additive
E-number
(in heading)
E-numbers are part of a European numbering system. An

E-number signifies approval of an additive by the European Union
(EU). To obtain an E-number, the additive must have been fully
evaluated for safety by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Also known as
Some additives may be known by a number of different names.

We show the most common ones here to help you through the
maze.
Short description
Short description of the additive.
Sources
Details of the origin of the food additive.
Function
Food additives are grouped into classes according to their main

function (use). Some additives are used for more than one
purpose. See for example Lecithin (E322). It can be used as an
emulsifier as well as a stabilizer.
Please see the Food ingredients & additives chapter for more
information about various types/classes of food additives.
Products
Examples of food products which may contain this additive.

Suitability of the additive for the most common religious diets,
vegetarians and vegans. This is an indication of use only; please
always check with your guest before serving a meal.
Suitability
Note: suitability of the additive for allergies, intolerances

or similar (nutritional) disorders is not taken into account
unless indicated. If you are in any doubt, always consult
a skilled dietician!
Main references used

http://www.food-info.net
http://www.fao.org/food/food-safety-quality/scientific-advice/jecfa/jecfa-additives/en/
120
A
B
C
D
Acesulfame potassium E950
Also known as
Acesulfame K
Short description
White powder, for example used to make the taste of

a product sweeter without increasing the caloric value
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of ketones
Function
Sweetener
Products
Soft drinks, fruit juice, dairy drinks, jam, ice cream,

marinated fish, chewing gum
Suitability
Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
Acetic acid, glacial E260

Also known as
Ethanoic acid, glacial acetic acid
Short description
Acid, for example used against the growth

of fungi in bread
Sources
Natural acid, present in fruits like figs. Also synthetically

made of wood-vinegar
Function
Preservative
Products
Vinegar, cheese, bread, salad dressing, mayonnaise, meats,

soup, beer
Suitability
P
Q
R
S
T
Acetylated di-starch adipate E1422

Also known as
Starch G, acetated starch
Short description
Substance, for example used to make a product

thicker and to make the texture stronger
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch and acetic

acid (E260) and adipic acid (E355)
Function
Thickener
Products
Ready-to-eat meals, desserts, cake filling, jelly products
Suitability
W
X
Y
Z
121
Acetylated di-starch phosphate E1414

Also known as
Starch J
Short description
Substance, for example used to make a product thicker
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch
Function
Thickener
Products
Suitability
Acid treated starch

Also known as
Acid modified starch
Short description

and to make the texture stronger
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch (also indicated as

modified starch)
Function
Thickener and stabilizer
Products
Gumballs, sugared candy, chips, chocolates, biscuits, sausages
Suitability
Adipic acid E355
122
Also known as
Hexanedioic acid
Short description
White powder, for example used to minimize taste

and odour in products
Sources
Natural acid, present in beets and sugar cane (juice)
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Confectionery, baking products, gelatin, canned

vegetables, sausages
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Agar E406
Also known as
Agar-agar, bengal isinglass, Ceylon isinglass, Chinese isinglass,

gelose, Japanese isinglass, Japan agar, layor carang
Short description
White or yellowish, occurs in different forms (e.g. strips, flakes,

powder), for example used to absorb water so a gel can be formed
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, produced by seaweeds (vegetable

alternative of gelatin)
Function
Thickener, stabilizer
Products
Ice cream, confectionery, bakery products, beer, marmalade
Suitability
I
J
M
Alginic acid E400
Also known as
Norgine, polymannuronic acid, sazio
Short description
White to yellowish brown substance, serving many functions
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, produced by seaweed
Function
Emulsifier, thickener
Products
Lemonade, instant pudding powder, confectionery, chewing gum,

glaze, chocolate milk, mayonnaise
Suitability
S
T
Alitame
Also known as
Alclame
Short description
White powder, for example used to make the taste of a product

sweeter without increasing the caloric value
Sources
Synthetic substance, made by a complex chemical process
Function
Sweetener
Products
Candy, chocolates, chewing gum, jam, marmalade
Suitability
V
W
X
Y
Z
123
Alkaline treated starch

Short description
Substance, for example used to make a product thicker and

to make the texture stronger
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch and sodium or potassium

hydroxide (E524 or E525) (also indicated as modified starch)
Function
Products
Custard, yoghurt, ice cream, margarine, mayonnaise,

cheese spread, candy, chewing gum
Suitability
Allura red AC E129

Also known as
CI (1975) No.16035, CI Food Red 17, FD&C Red No.40
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Candy, hamburgers and other meat products
Suitability
Alpha-Amylase
124
Also known as
alpha-Amylase and Glucoamylase from Aspergillus oryzae,

alpha-Amylase from Aspergillus oryzae, alpha-Amylase from
Bacillus stearothermophilus, alpha-Amylase from Bacillus
subtilis, Amyloglucosidase from Aspergillus niger, Carbohydrase
from Bacillus lichen
Short description
Enzyme, for example used in production to prepare the

ingredients
Sources
Natural enzyme, extracted from fungus
Function
Flour treatment agent
Products
Dairy products, cheese, canned vegetables, breakfast cereals
Suitability
Alpha- Tocopherol E307
Also known as
Vitamin E, RRR-alpha-tocopherol
Short description
Oily liquid, for example used to prevent rancidity of fatty

products. There are two different types of this additive,
307a and 307b
Sources
Natural extract of vegetable oils (especially derived from

sunflower oil), also made synthetically
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Oils and fats, frying oil, cheese, pastry, soup
Suitability
B
C
D
E
H
Aluminium E173
Also known as
CI (1975) No. 77000, CI pigment metal
Short description
Silver-grey colour powder. There are five types of this additive;

(i) up to (v)
Sources
Natural metal, a low concentration is found in grains

and vegetables
Function
Food colour
Products
Pastry decorations, candy, pasteurized protein
Suitability
P
Aluminium ammonium sulphate E523
Also known as
Ammonium alum, aluminium, ammonium disulphate
Short description
Colourless substance with a sweet taste, for example used as

acid source in baking powder. Also used to prevent colour loss
Sources
Synthetic substance, extracted from aluminium sulphate (E520)
Function
Acidity regulator and stabilizer
Products
Baking powder
Suitability
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
125
Aluminium potassium sulphate E522

Also known as
Burnt alum (anhydrous), potassium alum, potash alum
Short description
Colourless or white crystals, for example used to regulate

the sourness of food
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of aluminium sulphate (E520)
Function
Acidity regulator and raising agent
Products
Baking powder
Suitability
Aluminium silicate E559

Also known as
Kaolin, light or heavy
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used to prevent ingredients

clumping together in a product
Sources
Natural substance, extracted from white clay
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Flavours and colours
Suitability
Aluminium sodium sulphate E521
126
Also known as
Sodium Alum, soda Alum
Short description
Colourless substance, for example used to improve the structure

of vegetables and fruits during processing
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of aluminium sulphate (E520)
Function
Products
Cheese, candy
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Aluminium sulphate E520
Also known as
Alum, cake alum, patent alum
Short description
White powder, for example used to improve the structure

of vegetables and fruits during processing
Sources
Natural substance, derived from the mineral alunogerite

or from clay
Function
Products
Pickled vegetables, beer, herbal vinegar
Suitability
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
Amaranth E123
Also known as
CI (1975) No. 16185, CI Food Red 9, Naphtol Rot S
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Fruit brandy, soft drinks, lemonade, red gelatine, yoghurt drinks,

milkshake, custard (all imported from outside the EU)
Suitability
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
Ammonia solution E527

Also known as
Ammonium hydroxide, aqueous ammonia, strong

ammonia solution
Short description
Clear liquid, for example used to control the pH value

of a product and for the production of caramel
Sources
Synthetic liquid, made of ammonia and water
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Egg and cacao products
Suitability
U
V
W
127
Ammonium alginate E403

Also known as
Alginic acid ammonium salt
Short description
Sources
Ammonium salt of alginic acid (E400)
Function
Products
Soft drinks, food colours, icings
Suitability
Ammonium carbonates E503

Also known as
Ammonium hydrogen carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate
Short description
White powder, for example used to rise the product and to

neutralize sour ingredients. There are two different types
of this additive, 503(i) and 503(ii)
Sources
Synthetically produced from ammonium sulphate and calcium

carbonate (both natural minerals)
Function
Products
Cookies, pretzels, chocolates, candy, baking powder
Suitability
Ammonium chloride
128
Also known as
Ammonium muriate, sal ammoniac
Short description
White powder, for example used in baking goods to stabilize

the mixture
Sources
Natural salt, part of sea salt and rock salt. Synthetically produced
from hydrochloric acid (a synthetic acid) and ammonia
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Salmiac pastiles, doughnuts, low salt crackers and biscuits
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Ammonium phosphate
Also known as
Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium

hydrogen phosphate
Short description
White powder, has many uses
Sources
Natural salt, present in our body. Commercially produced from

phosphoric acid (E338)
Function
Emulsifier, stabilizer
Products
Baking powder, pastry filling, candy, breakfast cereals, soup
Suitability
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
Ammonium polyphosphate
Also known as
Ammoniumpolymetaphosphate, ammoniummetaphosphate,
ammoniumhexametaphosphate
Short description
White powder, for example used as food source for yeast
Sources
Synthetic substance, made by heating ammonium hydrogen

phosphate (E342)
Function
Products
Frozen poultry, meat products, cheese spread
Suitability
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
Ammonium salts of phosphatidic acid E442

Also known as
Ammonium phosphatides, emulsifier YN
Short description
Substance, only used in chocolate production
Sources
Mixture of the ammonium compounds of phosphatidic acids

derived from edible fat (usually rapeseed oil)
Function
Products
Chocolate
Suitability
E442 is generally produced with rapeseed oil. However, the use

of animal fat (incl. pork) cannot be completed excluded
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
129
Ammonium sulphate E517

Also known as
Sulphuric acid diammonium salt, mascagnite
Short description
White crystals, for example used to make bread dough

stronger and stable so that the texture doesnt change
Sources
Natural substance, extracted from mascagniet. Now made

synthetically from ammonium salt and sulphuric acid (E513)
Function
Stabilizer
Products
Bread cream, baking goods, baking powder
Suitability
Annatto, bixin, norbixin E160b
Also known as
Annatto B, CI (1975) 75120 (Natural Orange 4), Orlean, L. Orange,

Terre orellana, annatto F, CI (1975) 75120 (Natural Orange 4),
Orlean, L. Orange, Terre orellana
Short description
Red-brown colour liquid. There are three different types of this

additive; 160b(i), 160b(ii) and 160b(iii)
Sources
Natural pigment, derived from the seeds of the annatto tree

(Bixa orellana). Annatto is the mixture, bixin is the fat-soluble
colour and norbixin is the water-soluble colour
Function
Food colour
Products
Margarine, cooking oil, salad dressing, cheese, ice cream,

mayonnaise, chocolate cake, salads, pretzels
Suitability
Anthocyanins E163
130
Also known as
Enociania, eno
Short description
Red to blue colour powder. There are nine different types of this
additive, a, b, c, d, e, f, (i), (ii) and (iii)
Sources
Natural pigment, derived from many different plants
Function
Food colour
Products
Berry juice, pudding, custard, soft drinks, lemonade, milkshake,

ice cream, yoghurt drinks, candy, ketchup
Suitability
Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians, except Jews

because the juice can come from grapes
Arabic gum E414

Also known as
Acacia gum, gum Arabic
Short description
Yellow-white substance, for example used against crystals

forming in sugar
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, produced from the Axacia tree

(Acacia senegal)
Function
Thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer
Products
Chewing gum, confectionery, jelly, fondants
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Argon E938
Also known as
Ar, atomic number 18
Short description
Colourless gas, for example used to keep the product well

preserved in packaging
Sources
Natural inert gas
Function
Propellent gas
Products
Canned products
Suitability
J
K
L
M
N
O
Ascorbic acid E300
Also known as
Vitamin C (however, it cannot be added as a vitamin

supplement when labelled E300)
Short description
White to slightly yellow, odourless crystalline powder, for

example used to prevent discolouration of fruit and meat
after cutting
Sources
Natural acid, which occurs naturally in most fruits and

vegetables. Commercially produced by bacterial fermentation
of glucose
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Milk powder, buttermilk, meatloaf, lemonade, wheat flour,

beer, apple juice, grape juice, meats, jam, candy, canned
mushrooms, soup, egg products
Suitability
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
131
Aspartame E951
Also known as
APM, aspartyl phenylalanine methyl ester
Short description

Sources
Synthetic substance, made of asparaginic acid and

phenylalanine (both natural amino acids). Also made
of genetically modified bacteria
Function
Sweetener
Products
Lemonade, soft drinks, yoghurt drinks, chewing gum, sweeteners,

coffee creamer, instant pudding powder, chocolates, candy
Suitability
Aspartame-acesulfame salt E962

Also known as
Salt of Aspartame-acesulfame, twinsweet
Short description

Sources
Synthetic salt, made of aspartame and acesulfame
Function
Sweetener
Products
Jam, canned fruit, aromatized alcoholic beverages
Suitability
Azodicarbonamide E927b
132
Also known as
ADA, azoformamide, carbamide, carbonyldiamide, aquadrate
Short description
Yellow powder, for example used to optimize the dough

of baked goods
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of ammonia and carbon dioxide (a gas)
Function
Flour treatment agent, raising agent
Products
White bread, wine
Suitability
Azorubine E122
Also known as
Carmoisine, CI Food Red 3, CI (1975) No. 14720
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Fruit brandy, soft drinks, lemonade, strawberry quark,

ice cream, cake, pastries, yoghurt drinks, milkshake, custard,
jam, candy, marzipan
Suitability
F
G
H
Bees wax E901

Also known as
Bees wax, white or yellow
Short description
Wax, for example used to make a product shine on the outside.

Also used for citrus fruit to prevent the affect of fungus and
against drying out. There are two different types of this additive,
901(i) and 901(ii)
Sources
Natural wax, produced by bees. The white wax is bleached

by sunlight or hydrogen peroxide
Function
Glazing agent
Products
Coffee, citrus fruit, candy, lemonade, ice cream, chewing gum,

baked goods, cheese, honey
Suitability
Can be used by all religions and vegetarians. Some vegans

wont want to eat this additive because it is made by bees
I
J
O
P
Q
Beet red E162

Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Natural pigment, derived from the roots of red beet
Function
Food colour
Products
Strawberry pudding, soft drinks, lemonade, jam, ketchup, candy,

liquor, pastry filling
Suitability
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
133
Bentonite E558
Also known as
Bentoniteicum, aluminium silicate
Short description
Cream-white powder, for example used to prevent ingredients

clumping together in a product and to make a solution clear
Sources
Natural substance, derived from volcanic clay
Function
Anti-caking agent and emulsifier
Products
Cacao butter, fruit juice, fruit wine
Suitability
Benzoic acid E210

Also known as
Benzenecarboxylic acid, dracylic acid, phenylcarboxylic acid
Short description
Acid, for example used against the growth of fungi and yeast
in food products
Sources
Natural substance, present in many fruits. In addition to fruits,

benzoates occur naturally in mushrooms, cinnamon, cloves and
some dairy products (as a result of bacterial fermentation). For
commercial purposes, it is prepared chemically from toluene
Function
Preservative
Products
Sambal, ice cream, lemonade, mustard, vegetables in jars,

jam, mayonnaise, margarine, egg yolk products
Suitability
Benzoylperoxide
134
Also known as
Benzoylsuperoxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, lucidol, oxy-5
Short description
Colourless substance, for example used to optimize the flour

in baked goods and to bleach flour or oil
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of benzoylchloride (an organic

compound) and sodium peroxide (a synthetic compound
made when sodium is burned with oxygen)
Function
Products
White bread, white cheese (such as gorgonzola)
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Benzyl alcohol
Also known as
Benzenemethanol, alpha-hydroxytoluene, phenylcarbinol,

phenylmethyl alcohol
Short description
Liquid, for example used to optimize the taste of an aroma

in a product
Sources
Natural substance, present in yasmin-, hyacinth- and ylang-ylang

oil. Mostly synthetically produced
Function
Flavour agent
Products
Lemonade, soft drinks, ice cream, soup, pudding powder,

chewing gum
Suitability
I
J
K
L
M
Beta-Apo-8-carotenal E160e
Also known as
CI Food Orange 6, CI (1975) No. 40820, beta carotene
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Natural pigment, derived from plants or made of beta-carotene
Function
Food colour
Products
Soft drinks, ice cream, candy, baked goods, pudding, soup, cheese
Suitability
O
P
Q
T
Beta-Cyclodextrin E459
Also known as
BCD, cyclodextrin B, beta-cyclodextrin, beta-schardinger dextrin
Short description
White substance, for example used to stabilize unstable

compounds in a product
Sources
Synthetic compound, produced from starch
Function
Stabilizer, thickener, emulsifier
Products
Sugar-free candy, frozen meals, snacks, sport drinks
Suitability
V
W
X
135
Bleached starch
Also known as
Partially oxidized starch, starch E
Short description
White substance, for example used to make a product thicker

Sources
Synthetic substance, made by bleaching starch (also indicated

as modified starch)
Function
Thickener
Products
Salad dressing, custard, fruit yoghurt, pudding powder, ice cream
Suitability
Bone phosphate
Also known as
Edible bone phosphate
Short description
Cream-white powder, for example used to clear syrups

and to prevent ingredients clumping together
Sources
Substance made from the residue of animal bones,

this method is approved by authorities
Function
Anti-caking agent and emulsifier
Products
Cane sugar syrup
Suitability
Because of the animal origin of this additive, vegans and

vegetarians wont eat these products. Muslims, Jews and Hindus
also cant eat this additive because of its animal origin
Brilliant black PN E151
136
Also known as
Black PN, CI Food Black 1, CI (1975) No. 28440
Short description
Black colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Custard, soft drinks, candy, liquor
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Brilliant blue FCF E133
Also known as
CI Food Blue 2, CI (1975) No. 42900, FD&C Blue No.1
Short description
Blue colour powder
Sources
Synthetic pigment
Function
Food colour
Products
Ice cream and a few other food products
Suitability
Brown FK E154
Also known as
CI Food Brown 1
Short description
Brown colour powder
Sources
Synthetic pigment, mixture of azo dyes
Function
Food colour
Products
Fish products
Suitability
P
Q
R
Brown HT E155
Also known as
Chocolate brown HT, CI (1975) No. 20285, CI Food Brown 3
Short description
Brown colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Pasties, chocolate, cake, candy, toffees
Suitability
T
U
V
Y
Z
137
Butane, isobutane E943 a,b

Also known as
n-Butane, 2-methyl propane; methyl propane
Short description
Gas, for example used to make the product come out of the
packaging, such as aerosols. Also used to freeze products
Sources
Natural inert gas
Function
Propellent gas
Products
Aerosols
Suitability
Butylated hydroxyanisole E320

Also known as
BHA, antracine 12, sustane 1-F, tenox BHA, embanox,

nepantiox 1-F
Short description
White or slightly yellow substance, for example used

to prevent rancidity in fats and fatty products
Sources
Synthetic antioxidant
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Biscuits, cake mix, pretzels, chips, cookies, oil, salad oil,

chewing gum, instant soup, pudding powder
Suitability
Butylated hydroxytoluene E321
138
Also known as
BHT, vianol, DBMP, impruvol, antracine 8
Short description
White substance, for example used to prevent rancidity

in fats and fatty products
Sources
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Cake mix, chewing gum, pretzels, instant sauce and soup
Suitability
Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians. Soy-lecithin

can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to
soybeans or eggs
Calcium 5-guanylate E629

Also known as
Calcium guanylate
Short description
Substance, for example used to increase the taste intensity

of a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of guanylic acid (E626) and

calcium salt
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Bouillon cube, sprinkle flavour
Suitability
Can be used by all religions. Cannot be used by vegans and

vegetarians because the origin can come from sardines
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Calcium 5-inosinate E633

Also known as
Calcium inosinate
Short description
Substance, for example used to increase the taste intensity

of a product. Can also be used in salt reduced products
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of inosinic acid (E630) and calcium salt
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Soup, bouillon cubes, sausages, corned beef, hot dogs,

hamburger, ham
This additive cannot be used by vegans and vegetarians as it is

made from meat or fish. The origin of the meat isnt always clear,
so Muslims, Jews and Hindus cant use this additive unless the
origin is known
Suitability
P
Q
Calcium 5-ribonucleotides E634
Also known as
Calcium ribonucleotides
Short description
White substance, for example used to increase the taste intensity

of a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of guanylic acid (E626), inosinic acid

(E630) and calcium salt
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Loempia, soup, bouillon cubes, sprinkle flavour, prepared minced

meat, sausages, hamburger, corned beef, hot dogs, ham, low salt
meat products
Suitability
This additive cannot be used by vegans and vegetarians because

it is made from meat or fish. The origin of the meat isnt always
clear, so Muslims, Jews and Hindus cant use this additive unless
the origin is known
S
T
X
Y
Z
139
Calcium acetate E263

Also known as
Brown acetate of lime, grey acetate of lime
Short description
White substance, for example used against the growth

of micro-organisms in bread
Sources
Synthetic salt, made of acetic acid (E260) and calcium
Function
Preservative
Products
Bread, instant pudding powder, cake mix
Suitability
Calcium alginate E404

Also known as
Alginic acid calcium salt
Short description
White to yellowish brown substance, for example used

to prevent crystals forming in frozen products
Sources
Calcium salt of alginic acid (E400)
Function
Products
Ice cream, frozen bakery products
Suitability
Calcium aluminium silicate E556
140
Also known as
Aluminium calcium silicate, calcium aluminosilicate,

calcium silicoaluminate, sodium calcium silicoaluminate
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent ingredients

clumping together
Sources
Natural substance, derived from natural minerals
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Noodles, powdered sugar, instant coffee, salt, milk powder,

dried egg yolk, rice
Suitability
A
B
C
Calcium ascorbate E302

Also known as
Calcium L-ascorbate
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used to prevent

discolouration of fruit and meat
Sources
Natural calcium salt of ascorbic acid
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Soup, egg products, ready-to-eat meat products
Suitability
H
I
J
Calcium benzoate E213

Also known as
Benzenecarboxylic acid calcium salt, dracylic acid calcium salt,

phenylcarboxylic acid calcium salt
Short description
White powder, for example used against the growth of yeast,

bacteria and some fungi in food products
Sources
Synthetic salt made of benzoic acid and calcium
Function
Preservative
Products
Brandy, sauces, margarine, cheese, steak tartare, chips, ketchup,

sambal, mayonnaise, ice cream, marmalade, cake mix
Suitability
M
N
O
P
Q
Calcium carbonate E170
Also known as
Chalk
Short description
White colour powder
Sources
Natural mineral
Function
Anti-caking agents, stabilizer
Products
Ice cream, candy, salt, flavours and fragrances, soya milk
Suitability
S
T
X
Y
Z
141
Calcium chloride E509

Also known as
Calcium chloride anhydrous
Short description
Powder, for example used to optimize the structure

of vegetables and fruit
Sources
Natural salt, part of sea salt and rock salt
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Apple cake mix, cheese, chocolate, candy, tomatoes, kidney beans,

cream, milk powder, quark, instant pudding powder
Suitability
Calcium citrates E333

Also known as
Monocalcium citrate, dicalcium citrate, tricalcium citrate
Short description
White powder, for example used to improve the structure of

canned vegetables. There are three different types of this
additive: 333(i), 333(ii), 333(iii)
Sources
Calcium salt of citric acid (E330)
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Few products, due to limited solubility
Suitability
Calcium di-L-glutamate E623
142
Also known as
Calcium glutamate
Short description
White powder, for example used to increase the taste intensity

of a product. Can be used in salt reduced products
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of glutamic acid (E620)
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Sprinkle flavour, soup, minced meat, meat
Suitability
Calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate E385

Also known as
Calcium disodium edetate, calcium disodium EDTA
Short description
White powder, for example used to optimize the structure

of a product
Sources
Synthetic compound, calcium/sodium salt of EDTA
Function
Stabilizer, sequestrant (metal binder)
Products
Mayonnaise, cauliflower, kidney beans, lentils or beans in jars,

liquor, peanut butter, canned shrimps, canned crab
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Calcium ferrocyanide E538

Also known as
Hexacyanoferrate of calcium, yellow prussiate of lime
Short description
Yellow substance, for example used to prevent ingredients

Sources
Synthetically made of calcium hydroxide (E526)
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Dietary salt
Suitability
Can be used by all religions and vegetarians
M
N
O
Calcium gluconate E578

Also known as
Calciumdigluconate, calcium-di-D-gluconate
monohydrate, calciofon
White powder, for example used to prevent ingredients clumping

together in a product and to improve the structure of a product
during processing
Short description
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of gluconic acid (E574) and

calcium carbonate
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Cheese, pudding powder, sugar replacers, chocolate,

candy, chocolate cake, dried apples, canned tomatoes
Suitability
V
W
X
Y
Z
143
Calcium hydrogen sulphite E227

Also known as
Calcium bisulphite solution
Short description
Green-yellow liquid, for example used as a preservative

in beer production
Sources
Synthetic calcium salt of sulphurous acid
Function
Preservative
Products
Beer
Suitability
Calcium hydroxide E526

Also known as
Slaked lime
Short description
White powder, for example used to control the pH value in

a product. Also used to improve the structure of vegetables
and fruit during processing
Sources
Synthetic substance, extracted from calciumoxide
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Cheese, cacao products, wine, sweet frozen products,

dried fish, chips
Suitability
Calcium lactate E327
144
Also known as
Calcium dilactate
Short description
White to cream coloured powder, for example used against

the growth of fungi and yeasts
Sources
Calcium salt of lactic acid (E270)
Function
Preservative
Products
Whipped cream, cheese spread, ice cream, soup,

industrial baking powder
Suitability
Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians. Although

the name refers to milk, it is not made from milk and so suitable
for people with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance
A
B
C
D
E
Calcium lignosulfonate (40-65)
Also known as
Lignosulfonic acid, calcium salt (40-65)
Short
description
Brown powder, for example used to optimize the taste

of an aroma in a product
Sources
Natural substance, extracted from the sulphite pulping

of softwood
Function
Flavour solvent
Products
Fruit drinks, vitamin drinks
Suitability
G
H
K
L
M
Calcium malate E352

Also known as
Calcium hydrogen malate, calcium malate
Short description
White powder, for example used to thicken and give strength

to the product. Also used to prevent colour reduction
Sources
Calcium salt of malic acid (E296)
Function
Thickener
Products
Fried products, ice cream, marmalade
Suitability
R
S
T
Calcium oxide E529

Also known as
Lime
Short description
Grey-white powder, for example used to clear the juice in sugar

production and to stabilize ingredients in bakery goods. Also
used as a food source of yeast
Sources
Synthetic powder, extracted from limestone or chalk
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Cacao, ice cream mix, chocolate, sour cream, waffles
Suitability
W
X
145
Calcium phosphate E341

Also known as
Monocalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate,

tricalcium phosphate
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent clumps forming

in powders
Sources
Natural salt, present in our body. Commercially produced

from phosphoric acid (E338)
Function
Acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, sequestrant (metal binder)
Products
Bakery products, baking powder, pastry filling, candy, breakfast

cereals, soup
Suitability
Calcium polyphosphate
Also known as
Calciumpolymetaphophate, calciummetaphosphate,
calciumhexametaphosphate
Short description
Colourless powder, for example used to prevent demixing

in melted cheese
Sources
Synthetic substance, made by heating calciumphosphate
Function
Products
Cheese spread, cheese without crust
Suitability
Calcium propionate E282
146
Also known as
Calcium propanoate, calcium-mycoban
Short description
White substance, for example used against fungus
Sources
Natural calcium salt, derived from propionic acid (E280)
Function
Preservative
Products
Rye bread, baked goods with chocolate, frozen pizza
Suitability
A
B
C
Calcium silicate E552
Also known as
Micro-cell, silene, sil-ka
Short description

together in a product and to improve shine, such as candy
Sources
Natural substance, derived from chalk and special sand
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Salt, baking powder, chewing gum, candy, glace of sugar, instant

sauce and soup
Suitability
E
F
G
H
I
J
Calcium sorbate E203
Also known as
Calcium salt of sorbic acid
Short description
White powder, for example used against the growth of fungi

and yeast in a food product
Sources
Natural salt, present in the fruit of mountain ash trees.

Commercially made by a synthetic process
Function
Preservative
Products
Rye bread, fruit yoghurt, concentrated fruit juice, frozen pizza,

jam, meat and fish salads, meatballs, dairy products
Suitability
P
Q
R
Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate E482

Also known as
Calcium stearoyl lactylate, calcium stearoyl lactate
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used to optimize

the baking process in bread
Sources
Synthetic mixture of calcium, stearic acid (a natural saturated

fatty acid) and lactic acid (E270)
Function
Emulsifier and stabilizer
Products
Bread, cream, candy, potato flakes
Suitability
Although this additive is mostly made of vegetable oil, the use

of animal fat cant be excluded completely. So this additive
cannot be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
147
Calcium sulphate E516

Also known as
Gipsum, annaline, alabaster, sleniet, terra alba, satin spar
Short description
Yellow-white powder, for example used to optimize the function

of gelling agents and the structure of vegetables and fruit during
processing. Also used to make bread dough stable
Sources
Synthetically produced from calcium salts and sulphuric acid

(E513). Natural mineral
Function
Stabilizer
Products
Danish blue cheese, gorgonzola, beer, tomatoes, pepper, potatoes
Suitability
Calcium sulphite E226

Also known as
Calcium salt of sulphurous acid
Short description
White powder, for example used against the growth of bacteria,

fungi and some yeast in food products
Sources
Synthetic calcium salt of sulphurous acid
Function
Preservative
Products
Cider, fruit juice, granulated sugar
Suitability
Calcium peroxide
148
Also known as
Calcium superoxide
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used to bleach flour

and optimize flour in baked goods
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of calcium
Function
Products
White bread, pastry
Suitability
Calcium tartarate E354
Also known as
DL-calcium tartarate
Short description
White powder, for example used in seaweed to mask

the odour of fish
Sources
Calcium salt of tartaric acid (E334)
Function
Acidity regulator, preservative
Products
Fish and fruit preserves, seaweed products
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
Candilla wax E902
Also known as
Candilla cera, euphorbia wax
Short description
Brown-yellow wax, for example used to make

a product shine on the outside
Sources
Natural wax, made of plants
Function
Glazing agent
Products
Coffee, candy, chewing gum, fruit
Suitability
I
J
K
L
M
N
Canthaxanthin E161g
Also known as
CI Food Orange 8, CI (1975) No. 40850
Short description
Orange colour powder
Sources
Natural pigment, present in many plants and birds. Commercially

prepared from catharelles (mushroom) or flamingo feathers.
However, it is mainly produced synthetically from carotene
Function
Food colour
Products
Imported egg yolk (from outside EU), salmon, canned shrimp
Suitability
P
Q
R
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
149
Caramel E150 (a,b,c,d)
Also known as
Sugar couleur, burnt sugar, alkaline caramel, Class I caramel,

alkali-sulphite caramel, Class II caramel, ammonia caramel,
Class III caramel, sulphite-ammonia caramel, Class IV caramel
Short description
Brown colour powder, there are four different types of this

additive, 150a, 150b, 150c and 150d
Sources
Natural pigment, made by heating sugar. There are four different

methods to make this colour, so there are four subadditives
(a, b, c and d)
Function
Food colour
Products
Beer, liqueur, whisky, cognac, vinegar, pudding, bouillon, soft

drinks, ice cream, cookies, candy, toffee, ketjap, peanut sauce
Suitability
Carbon dioxide E290

Also known as
Dry ice
Short description
Colourless gas, for example used in carbonated drinks for the

sparkling effect
Sources
Natural gas, part of air
Function
Preservative
Products
Carbonated soft drinks, sparkling alcoholic drinks, spray whipped

cream, freeze dried vegetables, pre-packed foods
Suitability
Carmine and carmine acid E120
150
Also known as
CI (1975) No. 75470, CI Natural Red 4, Cochineal carmine
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Natural pigment, derived from the coccus insect

(Dactylopius coccus)
Function
Food colour
Products
Fruit dessert, strawberry sauce, soft drinks, lemonade,

yoghurt drinks, milkshake, lipstick, eye shadow
Suitability
NOT for all religions, vegans and vegetarians because this

additive comes from insects.
Carnauba wax E903
Also known as
Brazil wax
Short description
Green wax, for example used to make a product shine

on the outside
Sources
Natural wax, made from palm leaves of the Canauba palm

or related trees
Function
Glazing agent
Products
Citrus fruit, coffee, baked goods, chewing gum, chocolate
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Carob bean gum E410

Also known as
Locust bean gum, visco gum
Short description
Yellow-white powder, for example used to make gels

or to make products thicker
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, extracted from the seeds of the

Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua)
Function
Stabilizer, emulsifier, thickener
Products
Frozen desserts, cultured dairy products, cream cheese, sauces,

chocolate spread
Suitability
K
L
M
N
O
Carotenes E160a
Also known as
CI Food Orange 5, CI (1975) No. 40800, carotenes-natural,

CI (1975) No. 75130, CI (1975) No. 40800 (beta-Carotene),
Natural beta-carotene
Short description
Yellow-orange colour powder. There are two different types

of this additive 160a(i) and 160a(ii)
Sources
Natural (160a(ii)) and synthetic (160a(i)) pigment, derived

from plants and carrots
Function
Food colour
Products
Cheese, margarine, soup, mayonnaise, pudding, custard,

soft drinks, candy
Suitability
Q
R
S
T
X
Y
Z
151
Carrageenan E407
Also known as
Eucheuman, furcellaran or Danish agar, hypnean, iridophycan,

Irish moss gelos
Short description
Yellow-white powder, for example used to form gels or make the

product thicker. There are three different types of this additive,
the most common one is 407a, processed Eucheuma seaweed
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, produced by seaweeds
Function
Products
Ice cream, flavoured milk, bakery products, salad dressings,

cheese
Suitability
Cassia gum E427

Short description
Pale yellow-white powder, for example used to make

products thicker
Sources
Natural substance, extracted from the seeds of the Cassia plants
Function
Thickener, emulsifier
Products
Cheese, frozen dairy desserts, meat and poultry products
Suitability
Castor oil
152
Also known as
Ricinus oil
Short description
Light-yellow oil, for example used to optimize the taste

of an aroma in the product
Sources
Natural oil, extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus tree

(castor bean)
Function
Flavour solvent
Products
Sugar candy
Suitability
Cellulose E460
Also known as
Microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose gel, powdered cellulose
Short description
White powder, with many uses
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, present in plants and wood.

Commercially prepared from wood
Function
Thickener, anti-caking agent, emulsifier
Products
Frozen pudding, canned whipped cream, chocolate, candy,

chewing gum, meats, bread, ice cream
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Chlorine
Also known as
Chloor, chlor, chlore, cholo, monocular chlorine
Short description
Yellow-green gas, for example used to bleach flour and optimize

flour in baked goods
Sources
Natural gas obtained from salt
Function
Products
Cake flour, walnuts, mushrooms, white bread
Suitability
M
N
O
Chlorophyll E140
Also known as
CI Natural Green 3, CI (1975) No. 75810, magnesium phaeophytin,

magnesium chlorophyll
Short description
Green colour powder
Sources
Natural pigment, present in all plants and algae.

Commercially extracted from nettle, grass and alfalfa
Function
Food colour
Products
Feta cheese, mayonnaise with herbs, concentrated green

vegetables, soft drinks, lemonade, ice cream, fruit yoghurt
Suitability
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
153
Cholic acid
Also known as
Cholate, choleate
Short description
Colourless substance, for example used to combine ingredients

in a product that normally wouldnt mix
Sources
Natural substance, present in the bile of vertebrate animals.

Also made synthetically
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Protein powder
Suitability
Cannot be used by all vegans, vegetarians and religions, because

of its origin (chicken egg)
Citric acid E330

Also known as
Citric acid monohydrate, citric acid anhydrous,

B-hydroxytricarballic acid
Short description
White or colourless powder, for example used to decrease

enzymatic browning of fruit and fruit products
Sources
Natural acid, found in citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries and many

other fruits. It is commercially prepared by fermentation of
molasses with the mould Aspergillus niger
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Meat, jam, marmalade, canned vegetables and fruit, soft drinks,

lemonade, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, mustard,
cheesecake, beer, wine, cider, ice cream, candy
Suitability
Copper complexes of chlorophyll E141
154
Also known as
CI (1975) No. 75810, CI Natural Green 3, Copper chlorophyll,

Copper phaeophytin
Short description
Green colour powder
Sources
Synthetic pigment, extracted from the green colour agent

chlorophyll (E140, made of plants and algea)
Function
Food colour
Products
Custard, pudding, soft drinks, lemonade, ice cream, wine gums
Suitability
Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose E468
Also known as
Crosscarmellose sodium, cross-linked carboxymethyl

cellulose, cross-linked sodium CMC, cross-linked cellulose
gum, cross-linked CMC
Short description
White to greyish-white powder
Sources
Synthetic salt, made of sodium and carboxymethyl cellulose

(E466, a synthetic substance of cellulose)
Function
Stabilizer and thickener
Products
Cheese, canned vegetables, breakfast cereals, pre-cooked pasta

and noodles, baked goods
Suitability
D
E
F
G
H
Cupric sulphate
Also known as
Copper sulphate, blue stone
Short description
Blue powder, for example used against the growth

of bacteria and to add colour to a product
Sources
Natural substance, extracted from sulphuric acid (E513)
Function
Preservative and colour agent
Products
Meat, cereals, vegetables, grapes, melons, berries
Suitability
J
K
L
M
N
O
Curcumin E100
Also known as
Kurkum, turmeric yellow
Short description
Yellow-orange colour powder
Sources
Food colour
Function
Preservative
Products
Curry powder, curcuma, salad dressing, mayonnaise
Suitability
Q
R
V
W
X
Y
Z
155
Curdlan
Also known as
beta-1,3-Glucan
Short description
White powder, for example used to make products thicker

and stable
Sources
Natural substance, produced by bacteria
Function
Thickener, stabilizer, firming agent, gelling agent
Products
Cheese, fat spread, canned vegetables and fruit, breakfast

cereals, chocolate products
Suitability
Cyclamates E952
Also known as
Cyclohexylsulfamic acid, sodium cyclamate, calcium cyclamate
Short description
White substance, for example used to make the taste of a product

sweeter without increasing the caloric value and to make the
taste of fruit stronger. There are three different types of this
additive, 952(i), 952(ii) and 952(iii)
Sources
Synthetic salt of cyclamic acid (a sweet/sour acid)
Function
Sweetener
Products
Canned fruit and fruit cocktail, baked goods, jam, pudding
Suitability
Cyclotetraglucose
156
Also known as
Cycloalternanotetraose, cyclotetraose, cycloalternan, cyclic

nigerosyl-(16)-nigerose
Short description
White powder, for example used to optimize the taste of

an aroma in a product
Sources
Natural substance, present in sake leeks. Synthetically produced

from acetic acid
Function
Flavour solvent
Products
Bread, dairy products, fruit juice, canned soup, candy
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Delta-Tocopherol E309
Also known as
Vitamin E, DL-delta-tocopherol
Short description
Oily liquid, for example used to prevent rancidity of fatty products
Sources
Natural extract of vegetable oils (especially derived from soybean

oil), also made synthetically
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Oils and fats, particularly olive oil, soup
Suitability
G
H
I
J
K
L
Dextrin
Also known as
British gum, white or yellow dextrin, roasted starch
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used to make a product

thicker and to let the outside of a product shine
Sources
Natural substance, made by heating starch (also indicated as

modified starch)
Function
Thickener
Products
Custard, beer, liquor, candy, chewing gum, low energy products
Suitability
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
Dicalcium pyrophosphate
Also known as
Calcium pyrophosphate
Short description
White powder, for example used in dough to make the texture

stable and bread or baking goods rise
Sources
Synthetic salts of phosphoric acid (E338)
Function
Emulsifier, acidity regulator and raising agent
Products
Cookies, cheesecake, cheese without crust, frozen bread, pretzels
Suitability
Y
Z
157
Dilauryl thiodipropionate
Also known as
DLTDP, didodecyl ester, thiodipropionic acid dilauryl ester
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent rancidity
Sources
Synthetic compound
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Fats and oils
Suitability
Dimethyl dicarbonate E242

Also known as
Dimethyl pyrocarbonate, DMDC
Short description
Colourless liquid, for example used to prevent spoiling
Sources
Synthetic liquid
Function
Preservative
Products
Soft drinks
Suitability
Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate
158
Also known as
Docusate sodium, DSS
Short description
Waxy substance, for example it prevents a product from drying

out, used to make a firm structure
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of octane (a hydrocarbon), malic acid

(E296) and sodium
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Sweetener tablets, bouillon cubes, instant cacao powder
Suitability
Diphenyl E230
Also known as
Diphenyl, 1,1-Biphenyl, bibenzene, phenyl benzene
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used against fungi (mostly

used on citrus fruit)
Sources
Synthetic substance, derived from heating benzene
Function
Preservative
Products
Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, fruit in syrup, jam of citrus fruit
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
Dipotassium 5-guanylate E628

Also known as
Potassium guanylate, potassium 5-guanylate
Short description
Colourless substance, for example used to increase the taste

intensity of a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of guanylic acid (E626) and

potassium salt
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Sprinkle flavour, soup, meat, bouillon cubes
Suitability

H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
Dipotassium 5-inosinate E632

Also known as
Potassium inosinate, potassium 5-inosinate
Short description
White substance, for example used to increase the

taste intensity of a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of inosinic acid (E630)

and potassium salt
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Soup, meat, bouillon cubes
Suitability

the origin is known
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
159
Disodium 5-guanylate E627

Also known as
GMP, sodium guanylate, sodium 5-guanylate, G-nucleotide
Short description
White powder, for example used to increase the taste

intensity of a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of guanylic acid (E626) and sodium salt
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Sprinkle flavour, bouillon cubes, soup, corned beef, hamburger,

sausages, hot dogs
Suitability

Disodium 5-inosinate E631

Also known as
IMP, sodium 5-inosinate, sodium inosinate, I-nucleotide
Short description
White substance, for example used to increase the taste intensity

of a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of inosinic acid (E630) and sodium salt
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Soup, sprinkle flavour, bouillon cubes, sausages, hamburger, ham,

corned beef, chips
Suitability

the origin is known
Disodium 5-ribonucleotides E635
160
Also known as
Sodium ribonucleotides, sodium 5-ribonucleotides
Short description

of a product
Sources
Synthetic mixture of inosinic acid (E630) and guanylic acid (E626)
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Sprinkle flavour, bouillon cubes, soup, meat, canned corned beef,

hot dogs, hamburger
Suitability

the origin is known
Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Also known as
Disodium EDTA, disodium edetate
Short description
White powder, for example used to optimize the

structure of a product
Sources
Synthetic compound
Function
Stabilizer, sequestrant (metal binder)
Products
Mayonnaise, cauliflower, kidney beans, lentils or beans in jars,

liquor, peanut butter, canned shrimps, canned crab
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Di-starch phosphates E1412

Also known as
Starch I
Short description
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch and phosphoroxychloride

(a synthetic liquid, made of phophor and chloride)
Function
Thickener
Products
Frozen pastry and cake, mayonnaise, ice cream, pudding
Suitability
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
Dodecyl gallate E312

Also known as
Lauryl gallate, gallic acid dodecyl ester, gallic acid lauryl ester
Short description
White or creamy-white solid, for example used to prevent

rancidity
Sources
Synthetically made of lauryl (an alcohol) and gallic acid
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Oils and fats, milk powder, soup, biscuit, margarine
Suitability
Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians. However,

there is the possibility that the lauric acid used for lauryl
alcohol is obtained from animal fat, although the main
source is vegetable fat. Use of animal (incl. pork) fat cannot
be ruled out
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
161
Erythorbic acid E315

Also known as
Iso-ascorbic acid
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used to prevent

change of colour
Sources
Synthetic variant of vitamin C
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Sliced meat, beverages, baked goods
Suitability
Erythrosine E127
Also known as
CI (1975) No. 45430, CI Food Red 14, FD&C Red No. 3
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Synthetic dye
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Cocktail cherries, custard, chewing gum, candy, glac-biscuits,

strawberry sauce (all imported from outside the EU)
Suitability
Esters of glycerol E472
162
Also known as
Acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol, acetylated monoand diglycerides, acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides,
acetoglycerides, citric and fatty acid esters of glycerol,
citroglycerides, CITREM, citric acid esters of mono- and
di-glycerides
Short description
Waxy substance, for example used to improve the volume and

texture of a product (such as bread). There are seven different
types of this additive, 472a to 472g
Sources
Compound of synthetic fats, extracted from glycerol and

natural fat
Function
Products
Pudding powder, pastry, cake mix, bread, cookies, chocolate milk,

frozen pizza, soup, margarine, coffee creamer
Suitability

Ethyl cellulose E462
Also known as
Ethocel
Short description
White-grey powder, for example used to equally distribute

the colour over the whole product and to prevent ingredients
clumping together
Sources
Synthetically made of wood-pulp or cotton
Function
Products
Aromatic substances
Suitability
F
G
H
Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8-carotenoic acid E160f

Also known as
CI (1975) No. 40825, CI Food Orange 7
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Natural pigment, derived from plants or made synthetically

of beta-apo-8-carotenal (E160e)
Function
Food colour
Products
Soft drinks, ice cream, candy, baked goods, pudding, soup,

processed cheese
Suitability
I
J
K
L
Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose

Also known as
Bermocoll EBS 481 FQ, cellulose ethyl hydroxyethyl ether, ethyl

2-hydroxyethyl ether cellulose, etulos, bermocoll E 511 FQ
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used to make the product thicker

and stable
Sources
Synthetic substance, extracted from cellulose
Function
Preservative and colour agena Emulsifier, stabilizer and thickener
Products

Suitability
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
163
Ethyl lauroyl arginate

Also known as
Lauric acid ester
Short description
White powder, for example used against the growth of bacteria
Sources
Synthetic salt
Function
Preservative
Products
Cheese, dried fruit, fruit filling for pastries, chewing gum,

egg products
Suitability
Ethyl maltol
Also known as
3-Hydroxy-2-ethyl-4-pyrone; 2-Ethyl pyromeconic acid
Short description
White substance with a sweet taste and the smell of candyfloss,

for example used to give taste to a product and make the taste
of a product stronger
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of maltol
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Chocolate, candy, pastry, pudding powder, fruit sauces
Suitability
This additive cannot be used by vegans because the origin can

be milk. Although this additive can be made of the milk sugar
lactose it doesnt contain any lactose, so people who are lactose
intolerant can use it
Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate E214
164
Also known as
Ethylparaben, ripagin A, solbrol A
Short description
White powder, for example used against the growth of yeast

and fungi in food products
Sources
Synthetic substance
Function
Preservative
Products
Candied fruit, pasty filling, dessert sauce, fruit candy, fruit juice
Suitability
Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid, Ascorbyl palmitate,

Ascorbyl stearate E304
Also known as
Ascorbyl palmitate, Ascorbyl stearate
Short description
White or yellowish-white solid, with a citrus-like odour. There

are two different types of this additive, 304i (Ascorbyl palmitate)
an 304ii (Ascorbyl stearate)
Sources
Syntethically made of a combination of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C,

E300) and palmitic acid (a fatty acid) or stearic acid (a fatty acid)
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Oils and fats, margarine, chewing gum
Suitability
Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians. However, it is

possible the palmitic acid is obtained from animal fat (incl. pork)
D
E
F
G
H
I
Ferric ammonium citrate
Also known as
Ammonium iron citrate, ammonium ferric citrate,

iron ammonium citrate
Short description
Brown or green salt, for example used to enrich the amount of

iron in a product and to prevent salt from caking together. There
are two different types of this additive, 381(i) which has a brown
colour and 381(ii) which has a green colour
Sources
Mixture of ammonium, iron and citric acid (E330)
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Bread flour, salt
Suitability
K
L
M
N
Ferro carbonate
Also known as
Ferro (II) carbonate, ferrous carbonate
Short description
Powder, for example used to enrich products with iron
Sources
Natural mineral, present in natural mineral water
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Fruit lemonade, dietary products
Suitability
V
W
X
Y
Z
165
Ferrohexacyano manganate E537

Also known as
Ferrous hexacyanomanganate
Short description
Powder, for example used to prevent ingredients clumping

together in a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of iron hydroxide
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Salmiac salt, licorice
Suitability
Ferrous gluconate E579

Also known as
Iron(II)gluconate, fergon, ferlucon, iromon, irox
Short description
Yellow-grey powder, for example used to enrich the

product with iron and to add colour
Sources
Synthetic salt, made of gluconic acid (E574) and iron
Function
Colour agent
Products
Olives
Suitability
Ferrous lactate E585
166
Also known as
Ironlactate, iron(II)lactate
Short description
Green-white powder, for example used to enrich food

products with iron
Sources
Synthetic substance, derived from lactic acid (E270)
Function
Nutrient
Products
Baby nutrition
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Fumaric acid E297
Also known as
Allomaleic acid, boletic acid
Short description
Acid with many functions
Sources
Natural acid, present in many fruits and vegetables. Commercially

made by fermentation of sugar by fungi or synthetically
Function
Acid, antioxidant and stabilizer
Products
Baking powder, pudding powder, candy, marmalade
Suitability
G
H
I
J
K
L
Gamma-Tocopherol E308
Also known as
Vitamin E, DL-gamma-tocopherol
Short description
Sources
Natural extract of vegetable oils, also made synthetically
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Oils and fats, particularly olive oil
Suitability
Gellan gum E418

Also known as
Amylopektine
Short description

and stable
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, produced by bacteria
Function
Products
Milk products, sauces, fruit juice
Suitability
Y
Z
167
Gluconic acid E574

Also known as
D-gluconic acid, dextron acid, maltn acid, glycon acid,

glyconene acid
Short description
Substance, for example used to prevent lemonade turning

brown because of the reaction with oxygen
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of glucose by fungi
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Fruit lemonade, pudding powder, fruit juice
Suitability
Glucono delta-lactone E575

Also known as
GDL, glucono-delta-lactone, delta-gluconolactone, gluconolactone
Short description
White powder, for example used in the production of beer

and to speed up the ripening of dried sausages
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of glucose by bacteria
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Pudding powder, canned corned beef, ham, hot dog, milk, beer,
cake mix, baking powder, canned vegetables and fruit
Suitability
Glucose oxidase and catalase from Aspergillus Niger
168
Also known as
Aero-glucose dehydrogenase, glucose aerodehydrogenase,

glucose oxyhydrase, notatin
Short description
White-brown substance, for example used to prevent spoilage

due to oxidation
Sources
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Milk, cheese, eggs, salad, canned vegetables
Suitability
A
B
C
Glycerol E422
Also known as
Glycerin, trihydroxypropane, IFP
Short description
Clear syrupy liquid, for example used to make products sweeter
Sources
Natural substance, compound of fat. This additive is commercially

produced either synthetically from propene (organic compound),
or by bacterial fermentation of sugars; it is not produced from fat
Function
Sweetener, humectant
Products
Baking and confectionery products
Suitability
D
E
Glycerol diacetate E1517

Also known as
Diacetin
Short description
Clear oily liquid, for example used to dissolve flavouring agents

in a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of acetic acid (E260) and glycerol

(a type of alcohol)
Function
Flavour solvent
Products
Ice cream, chewing gum, candy, marshmallows, cola, chocolate,

wine, beer
Suitability
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
Glycerol ester of wood rosin E445
Short description
Yellow to pale amber solid, for example used to mix the

ingredients of a product. There are three different types of this
additive: glycerol ester of gum rosin (445(i)), glycerol ester of tall
oil rosin (445(ii)), glycerol ester of wood rosin (445(iii))
Sources
Synthetic mixture of glycerol and wood resin
Function
Products
Energy drinks, sport drinks, water based drink
Suitability
X
Y
Z
169
Glycines E640
Also known as
Glycine, sodium glycinate
Short description
Sweet substance, for example used to increase the taste intensity

and sweetness of a product
Sources
Mainly produced from gelatin, partly synthetic
Function
Bread enhancer
Products
Bakery products
Suitability

it is made from animal bones. The origin of the meat isnt always
the origin is known
Gold E175
Also known as
CI 77480
Short description
Gold-yellow colour powder
Sources
Natural metal, derived from pulverized gold ore
Function
Food colour
Products
Pastry decoration
Suitability
Green S E142
170
Also known as
CI Food Green 4, CI (1975) No. 44090, Food Green S
Short description
Green colour powder
Sources
Synthetic pigment
Function
Food colour
Products
Custard, pudding, cake mix, instant sauces, soft drinks,

lemonade, candy, ice cream, milkshake, fruit yoghurt
Suitability
Guaiac gum
Also known as
Guaiacum, guaiac resin
Short description
Brown powder, for example used against rancidity
Sources
Natural resin of the tree Guajacum officinale and

some related tropical trees
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Cola
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
5-Guanylic Acid E626
Also known as
GMP, guanylic acid
Short description
White powder. Guanylic acid and guanylates do not have the

specific umami taste but strongly enhance many other flavours,
thereby reducing the amount of salt needed in a product
Sources
Natural substance, present in all living organisms. Mostly

synthetically derived from sardines and yeast-extract
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Meat, canned fish
Suitability

I
J
K
L
M
N
O
Guar gum E412
Also known as
Gum cyamopsis, guar flour, Jaguar, cyamopsiggum, Mazaca
Short description
White to yellowish-white powder, for example used to make

gels or make products thicker
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, produced from the guar shrub (plant)

found in Pakistan and India
Function
Products
Processed meat, dressings, sauces, instant soup
Suitability
W
X
Y
Z
171
Helium E939
Also known as
He, atomic number 2
Short description
Colourless gas, for example used to keep the product well

preserved in packaging
Sources
Natural inert gas
Function
Propellent gas
Products
Food transported in containers with pressure
Suitability
Hexamethylene tetramine E239

Also known as
Hexamine, methenamine
Short description
White powder, for example used against fungi
Sources
Synthetic acid
Function
Preservative
Products
Caviar, pickled herring, canned fish
Suitability
Hydrochloric acid E507
172
Also known as
Muriatic acid
Short description
Clear liquid, for example used to control the pH value of a product
Sources
Synthetically produced from rock salt and sulphuric acid (E513).

Natural acid, present in gastric juice
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Cheese spread, beer
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Hydrogen E949
Also known as
Protium
Short description
Gas, for example used to maintain the shelf life of a product
Sources
Natural gas
Function
Propellent gas
Products
Gas packed food products
Suitability
I
J
K
Hydrogenated poly-1-decene E907

Also known as
Hydrogenated poly-alpha-olefin
Short description
Colourless substance, for example used to prevent cheese

becoming dry and the formation of foam in a product. Also used
to make a product shine on the outside
Sources
Synthetic mixture of hydrocarbons (an organic compound

of hydrogen and carbon)
Function
Glazing agent, preservative and anti-foaming agent
Products
Crust of cheese, chewing gum, candy
Suitability
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
Hydroxypropyl cellulose E463
Also known as
Cellulose hydroxypropyl ether, modified cellulose, klucel,

cellulose HPC
Short description
White powder, for example used to make the product thicker

and to combine ingredients which normally wouldnt mix
Sources
Synthetic substance, extracted from cellulose (of wood)

by high temperature
Function
Emulsifier, thickener and stabilizer
Products
Sugar glazes, canned whipped cream, frozen desserts
Suitability
173
Hydroxypropyl-di-starchphosphate E1442
Also known as
Starch R
Short description

Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch with propylene oxide

(an organic compound) and phosphoric acid (E338)
Function
Thickener, stabilizer, binding agent and gelling agent
Products
Frozen pudding, ice cream
Suitability
Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose E464

Also known as
Hypromellose
Short description
White powder, for example used as filler and to prevent

ingredients clumping together
Sources

or chemically modified
Function
Gelling agent, stabilizer and thickener
Products
Instant pudding powder, instant mousse, frozen ice cream, waffles
Suitability
Hydroxypropylstarch E1440
174
Also known as
Starch K
Short description
Substance, for example used to improve the texture
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch and propylene oxide

(an organic compound)
Function
Emulsifier, thickener and binding agent
Products
Coffee creamer, caramel chocolates, dried plums, kidney beans,

almonds, nuts
Suitability
Indigotine E132
A
Also known as
CI Food Blue 1, CI (1975) No. 73015, FD&C Blue No. 2, Indigo

Carmine
Short description
Blue colour powder
Sources
Natural pigment, derived form the shrub Indigofera tinctoria.

However commercially it is produced synthetically
Function
Food colour
Products
Custard, ice cream, mustard, soft drinks, lemonade, candy
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
5-Inosinic acid E630

Also known as
IMP, inosinic acid
Short description
Colourless or white powder. Inosinic acid and inosinates do not

have the specific umami taste but strongly enhance many other
flavours, thereby reducing the amount of salt or other flavour
enhancers needed in a product
Sources
Natural substance, present in all living organisms. Synthetic

process by extraction from meat or fish (sardines). May also
be produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Soup, spiced minced meat, meat
Suitability

the origin is known
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
Insoluble polyvinylpyrrolidone E1202
Also known as
Cross linked polyvidone, crosspovidone, cross linked

homopolymer of 1-ethenyl-2-pyrrolidone, insoluble cross linked
homopolymer of N-vinyl-1-pyrrolidone,polyvinylpolypyrrolidone,
insoluble PVP
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent discolouration and

colour loss
Sources
Synthetic substance, a polymer (a chain of identical molecules)
Function
Stabilizer and colour agent
Products
Suitability
S
T
X
Y
Z
175
Invertase from Saccharomyces Cerevisiae E1103

Also known as
Invertin, saccharase, sucrase
Short description
White powder, for example used in bakery goods

to optimize the texture
Sources
Function
Stabilizer
Products
Baked goods, chocolate
Suitability
Iron oxides E172
Also known as
CI (1975) No. 77499, I (1975) No. 77492, CI pigment black 11, CI

(1975) No. 77491, CI pigment yellow 42 and 43, CI pigment red 101
and 102, Iron oxide black, Iron oxide red, Iron oxide yellow
Short description
Black, brown-red and yellow colour powder. There are three

different types of this additive; 172(i) (black), 172(ii) (brown-red),
172(iii) (yellow)
Sources
Natural minerals, but commercially made of iron powder
Function
Food colour
Products
Candy, salmon pasta, cake mix, ready-to-eat desserts,

chewing gum
Suitability
Isomalt E953
176
Also known as
Hydrogenated isomaltulose
Short description
Substance, for example used to make the taste of a product

Sources
Synthetic substance, made of saccharose
Function
Sweetener
Products
Candy, jam
Suitability
Isopropyl citrate mixture
Also known as
Isopropyl citrates
Short description
Colourless syrup, for example used in fatty products

to prevent rancidity
Sources
Mixture of the alcohol propanol and citric acid (E330)
Function
Antioxidant and preservative
Products
Fat spreads, vegetable oil and fat
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
Karaya gum E416
Also known as
Gum sterculia, gum karaya, karaya, katilo, kadaya, kullo,

kuterra, sterculia
Short description
Yellow-brown substance, for example used to prevent crystals

forming in ice
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, obtained from the tree Sterculia urens

found in India, as well as some related trees
Function
Products
Salad dressing, soup, sauces, snacks, cheese spreads, bakery

products, desserts, egg-based liqueurs
Suitability
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
Konjac flour E425
Also known as
Konjac gum, konjac glucomannane, konnyaku, conjac, yam flour
Short description
Sources
Natural substance, extracted from the tubers of the

Amorphophallus
Function
Emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, gelling agent
Products
Desserts, confectionery
Suitability
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
177
Lactic acid E270

Also known as
DL-Lactic acid; 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid, lactovagan, racemic

lactic acid, tonsilosan
Short description
White liquid, for example used against the growth of yeast

and fungi
Sources
Natural acid, produced by bacteria in fermented products like

sour milk
Function
Preservative and acid
Products
Spicy tomato sauce, carbonated drinks, beer, sangria, buttermilk,

margarine, mayonnaise, candy, fish, bread, pastry, fried snacks
Suitability
Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians. It doesnt

contain milk or lactose, so people with a milk allergy or lactose
intolerance can use this additive as well
Lactitol E966
Also known as
Lactobiosit, lactit, lactositol
Short description

Sources
Synthetic substance, produced by milk sugar derived

from whey (milk)
Function
Sweetener
Products
Sugar free candy, chewing gum, chocolates,

hard baked goods like cookies
Suitability
Can be used by all religions and vegetarians. Cannot be used

by vegans, because the origin is milk. Although this additive
can be made of milk, it doesnt contain the milk sugar lactose,
so people who are lactose intolerant can use this additive
L-Cysteine E920
Also known as
Cysteine, L- and its hydrochlorides sodium and potassium salts
Short description
Substance, for example used in bread to optimize the dough
Sources
Synthetic substance, derived from proteins
Function
Products
Beverages without gas, wholewheat bread, wholewheat cookies
Suitability
178

it is made from animal sources. The origin of the meat isnt
always clear, so Muslims, Jews and Hindus cant use this additive
unless the origin is known
L-Cystine E921
Also known as
Cystine, L-and its hydrochlorides sodium and potassium salts
Short description
White powder, for example used to optimize the flour of baked

goods
Sources
Synthetic substance, derived from proteins
Function
Products
Bread, cream
Suitability
The use of animal products cannot be excluded completely, so

this additive cant be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Lecithin E322
Also known as
Phospholipids, phosphatides
Short description
Waxy substance, for example used to make chocolate softer
Sources
Natural compound found in all living organisms. Commercially

derived from egg yolk and soy beans
Function
Products
Cookies, biscuits, coffee creamer, margarine, desserts
Suitability
The lecithin is not only derived from soy beans but also from
chicken eggs. The origin of this compound should be checked
to ensure suitability for all religions, vegans and vegetarians
K
L
M
N
O
L-Glutamic acid E620
Also known as
Glutamic acid
Short description

of a product so less salt is needed
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of carbohydrates or vegetable proteins
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Soup, spiced minced meat, meat
Suitability
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
179
Lipase from animal

Also known as
Lipase, triglycerin lipase, tributyrase
Short description
White powder, for example used in the fermentation of cheese

and yoghurt products. This additive has many functions
Sources
Natural enzyme, extracted from fungi and animals (forestomach

and pancreatic)
Function
Stabilizer
Products
Cheese, yoghurt
Suitability
The use of animal products cant be excluded completely, so this

additive cannot be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians
Lithol Rubine BK E180
Also known as
Brilliant carmine 6B, carmine 6B, CI pigment red 57, CI (1975)

No. 15850, FD&C red No. 7, litholrubintoner BKL, permanent
rubin L6B, rubinpigment
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Cheese
Suitability
Lutein E161b
180
Also known as
Bo-Xan (lutein), vegetable luteol, vegetable lutein, xanthophylls
Short description
Yellow colour powder
Sources
Natural pigment, present in many plants. Commercially prepared

from grass, nettles or Tagetes species
Function
Food colour
Products
Soup, liquor
Suitability
Lycopene E160d
Also known as
y-caroteen, lycopine
Short description
Dark red colour. There are three different types of this additive;
160d(i), 160d(ii) and 160d(iii)
Sources
Natural pigment, present in many yellow and red plants and

fruits. Commercially isolated from tomatoes
Function
Food colour
Products
Cheese, salad dressing, custard
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Lysozyme hydrochloride E1105

Also known as
Lysozyme, muramidase, N-acetyl muramidase, globulin G1,

delvozyme
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent decay of the product
Sources
Natural substance, present in body fluids like tears and blood.

Mostly made of chicken eggs or produced by bacteria
Function
Preservative
Products
Baby nutrition
Suitability
Cannot be used by vegans, because it is made from animal

sources. Vegetarians and all religions can use this additive
N
O
Magnesium carbonates E504
Also known as
Magnesium hydroxide carbonate, hydrated basic magnesium

carbonate, magnesium subcarbonate (light or heavy),
magnesium carbonate hydroxide
Short description
Substance, for example used against colour loss or to extract

water from the product
Sources
Synthetically produced from magnesium hydroxide or derived

from magnetite, lansfordiet, limestone or dolomite (all natural
substances). Also occurs as a natural mineral
Function
Acidity regulator and anti-caking agent
Products
Salt, chewing gum, sour cream, butter, ice cream, raw cacao
Suitability
Q
R
S
X
Y
Z
181
Magnesium chloride E511

Also known as
Magnesium chloride hexahydrate, magnogene
Short description
Powder, for example used to make vegetables and

fruit stronger during processing and to prevent colour loss
Sources
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Peas in jar, carrots with peas in jar
Suitability
Magnesium di-L-glutamate E625

Also known as
Magnesium glutamate
Short description

Sources
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Low salt meat products
Suitability
Magnesium gluconate
182
Also known as
d-Gluconic acid magnesium salt
Short description

of a product
Sources
Synthetic salt, made of magnesium and gluconic acid (E574)
Function
Flavour enhancer and acidity regulator
Products
Cheese, fat spread, canned vegetables and fruit, breakfast cereals
Suitability
Magnesium hydroxide E528

Also known as
Marinco H, hydro-magma
Short description
Powder, for example used to control the PH value of a product

and to prevent colour loss
Sources
Natural substance, derived from minerals. Also made

synthetically
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Cheese, canned vegetables, cacao products
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Magnesium L-lactate
Also known as
L-Lactic acid magnesium salt
Short description

fungi and yeasts
Sources
Magnesium salt of lactic acid (E270)
Function
Preservative
Products
Cheese, dried vegetables, canned vegetables, baked goods, egg

based desserts
Suitability

N
O
P
Magnesium oxide E530

Also known as
Magnesia, magnesia usta, magcal, maglite
Short description
White powder, for example used to control the pH value

of the product and to prevent ingredients clumping together
Sources
Natural substance, derived from minerals. Also made

synthetically
Function
Acidity regulator and anti-caking agent
Products
Cacao products, waffles, bakery products
Suitability
W
X
Y
Z
183
Magnesium phosphate E343

Also known as
Monomagnesium phosphate, dimagnesium phosphate,

trimagnesium phosphate
Short description

Sources
Natural salt, present in our body. Commercially produced

from phosphoric acid (E338)
Function
Anti-caking agent, emulsifier
Products
Bakery products
Suitability
Magnesium silicate E553

Also known as
Magnesium silicate (synthetic), magnesium trisilicate, talc
Short description

clumping together and to let a product shine, like candy.
There are three different types of this additive, 553a(i),
553a(ii) and 553b (or sometimes called 553(iii))
Sources
Natural and synthetic substance, made of magnesium sulphate

and sodium silicate or directly from minerals such as talcum,
sepiolite and steatite
Function
Anti-caking agent and glazing agent
Products
Vanilla powder, salt, herbal salt, candy, chewing gum,

milk powder
Suitability
Magnesium sulphate
184
Also known as
Epsom salt (heptahydrate)
Short description
Powder, for example used to improve the texture of vegetables

and fruit during processing. Also used to optimize the quality
of beer
Sources
Natural substance, present in some minerals like limestone.

Mostly made synthetically from magnesium salts and
sulphuric acid (E513)
Function
Stabilizer
Products
English beer, mineral water, mineral salt
Suitability
Malic acid E296
Also known as
2-Hydroxybutanedioic acid, malate
Short description
Acid, for example used as a flavour compound

and colour stabilizer in apple- and grape juice.
Sources
Natural acid, present in many fruits and vegetables.

Also made synthetically
Function
Acid, flavour and colour stabilizer
Products
Canned soup, (sugarless) soft drinks, canned tomatoes, apple

juice, grape juice, candy, chips, frozen vegetables, spaghetti sauce
Suitability
B
C
D
E
H
Maltitol E965
Also known as
Hydrogenated maltose, D-maltitol
Short description
White powder or colourless liquid, for example used to make the

taste of a product sweeter without increasing the caloric value.
Also used as a stabilizer and to prevent a product from drying out
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of the carbohydrate maltose or corn

starch-glucose solution
Function
Sweetener
Products
Chocolate, candy, chewing gum, sugar free products
Suitability
O
P
Maltol
Also known as
Larixin acid, platone, veltol, corps praline
Short description

and sweetness of a product without increasing the sugar level
Sources
In general, commercially extracted from the bark of lark trees

or roasted malt. Also made synthetically by heating the sugars
lactose and maltose
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Lemonade, ice cream, candy, baked goods, bread, chewing gum,

pudding powder
Suitability
This additive cannot be used by vegans because the origin can

be milk. Although this additive can be made of the milk sugar
lactose it doesnt contain lactose, so people who are lactose
intolerant can use it
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
185
Mannitol E421
Also known as
D-Mannitol, mannite, manicol, mannidex, diosmol,

osmitrol, osmosal
Short description

of products and to prevent drying
Sources
Natural substance, present in many plants like conifers,

seaweed and mushrooms. Commercially produced from glucose
Function
Anti-caking agent, sweetener, bulking agent
Products
Chewing gum, baking and confectionery products
Suitability
Metatartaric acid E353

Short description
Acid, for example used against the growth of yeasts in fruit juice
Sources
Acid, present in sugar cane and produced from glucose
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Wine, fruit juice
Suitability
Methyl cellulose E461
186
Also known as
Cellulose methyl ether, cologel, cellumethe, hydrolose, nicel,

tylose, cethytine, methocel, cellothyl, syncelose, bagolax
Short description
For example used to replace natural vegetable gums.

Often used in dietary products
Sources
Synthetically made of cellulose or wood-pulp
Function
Thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer
Products
Mayonnaise, cocktail sauce, ice cream, canned hot dogs,

instant pudding powder, potato products, dietary products
Suitability
Methyl ethyl cellulose E465

Also known as
MEC, ethylmethylcellulose
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used as a filler or to prevent

ingredients clumping together
Sources

Function
Products
Fruit glaze mix, fruit cake mix, mayonnaise
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate E218

Also known as
Methyl p-oxybenzoate, methylparaben
Short description
White powder, for example used against the growth of fungi,

yeast and some bacteria in food products
Sources
Synthetic substance
Function
Preservative
Products
Beer, pastry filling, pickles in sour, canned fish
Suitability
M
N
O
Microcrystalline wax E905

Also known as
Mineral oil, petroleum jelly, vasiline, microcrystalline wax,

petroleum wax
Short description
Colourless oil, for example used to make a product shine on

the outside and to prevent foam forming in a product. There
are three different types of this additive, 905a, 905b and 905c
Sources
Oily mixture of hydrocarbons (an organic compound of hydrogen

and carbon)
Function
Glazing agent
Products
Pre-packed meat, dried protein, raisins, dried plums, citrus fruit,

candy, chewing gum, cookies
Suitability
P
Q
R
V
W
X
Y
Z
187
Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids E471
Also known as
Glyceryl monopalmitate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl

monooleate, Dimodan, GMS (for glyceryl monostearate),
monoolein, monostearin, monopalmitin
Short description
White waxy substance, for example used to combine ingredients

which normally wouldnt mix and to make a firm mixture
Sources
Synthetic fat, extracted from glycerol and natural fatty acids
Function
Products
Instant cacao, chocolate drinks, apple cake, ice cream, biscuits,

toast, baguettes, pretzels
Suitability

Monoammonium L-glutamate E624

Also known as
Ammonium glutamate
Short description
White powder, for example used to increase the

taste intensity of a product. Can also be used in
salt reduced products
Sources
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Sprinkle flavour, soup
Suitability
Monopotassium L-glutamate E622
188
Also known as
MPG, potassium glutamate
Short description

Sources
Synthetically made of vegetable protein or carbohydrates
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Monosodium L-glutamate E621
Also known as
MSG, sodium glutamate, ve-tsin, chinese salt, glutacyl, glutavene
Short description

of a product
Sources
Natural substance, present in seaweed. Often made synthetically

from vegetable protein or carbohydrates
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Sausages, hamburgers, meatballs, bouillon powder, soup,

ketchup, peanut sauce
Suitability
G
H
M
Mono-starch phosphate E1410
Also known as
Phosphate starch, starch P, F starch
Short description
Substance, for example used to improve the texture
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch by treating

it with phosphoric acid (E338)
Function
Products
Instant pudding, meat sauces, cream soups, ice cream,

mayonnaise, mustard
Suitability
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
Montan acid esters E912

Also known as
Montan wax, lignite wax, OP wax
Short description
Clear wax, for example used to make the outside of fruit shine
and to extend the shelf life of fruit
Sources
Natural substance, extracted from brown coal
Function
Glazing agent and preservative
Products
Citrus fruit
Suitability
189
Natamycin E235
Also known as
Pimiricin, antibiotic A 5283, tennecetin, myprocin,

pimafucin, mycophyl
Short description
White powder, for example used against the growth of fungi
Sources
Natural substance, produced by bacteria
Function
Preservative and antibiotic
Products
Cheese crust, meat, residue on apples, pears and citrus fruit
Suitability
Neohesperidine DC E959
Also known as
Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone
Short description
Substance, for example used to make the taste

of a product sweeter without increasing the caloric value
Sources
Synthetic substance, made from the residue of citrus fruit
Function
Sweetener
Products
Candy, chewing gum
Suitability
Neotame E961
190
Also known as
Nutrasweet
Short description

Sources
Synthetic substance, made of aspartame
Function
Sweetener and flavour enhancer
Products
Chewing gum, aromatized alcoholic beverages
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Nisin E234
Also known as
Nisin preparation
Short description
Sources
Natural antibiotic, produced by bacteria
Function
Preservative and antibiotic
Products
Quark, cheese, cream
Suitability
G
H
Nitrogen E941
Also known as
N, atomic number 7
Gas, for example used to make the product come out of
the packaging, such as aerosols. Also used to optimize flour
in baked goods
Short description
Sources
Natural inert gas
Function
Propellent gas
Products
Chips, soup, pre-packed meat and vegetables
Suitability
Q
R
S
Nitrous oxide E942
Also known as
Dinitrogen oxide, dinitrogen monoxide
Short description
Gas, for example used to make the product come out of the
packaging, such as aerosols. Also used to freeze products
Sources
Natural inert gas
Function
Propellent gas and flour treatment agent
Products
Whipped cream, chocolate cream
Suitability
191
Octenyl succinic acid modified gum Arabic
Also known as
Gum Arabic hydrogen octenylbutandioate, gum Arabic

hydrogen octenylsuccinate, OSA modified gum Arabic,
OSA modified gum acacia
Short description
Off-white powder, for example used to help mix some

ingredients in the product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of Arabic gum (E414)
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Fruit juices, fruit flavoured drinks, carbonated juice,

energy drinks, salad dressings, sauces, icing, bread
Suitability
Octyl gallate E311

Also known as
Gallic acid octyl ester, n-Octyl gallate
Short description
White or creamy-white solid, for example

used to prevent rancidity
Sources
Synthetically made of octanol (an alcohol)

and gallic acid (produced by plants)
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Oils and fats, margarine, dressings
Suitability
o-Phenyl phenol
192
Also known as
Orthoxenol, dowicide 1
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used

against fungus on citrus fruit, apples and pears
Sources
Synthetic substance
Function
Preservative
Products
Oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, lemons,

pears, apples, jam made of these fruits
Suitability
Oxidised starch E1404
Short description

and to combine ingredients so the product is stronger
Sources
Function
Thickener and binding agent
Products
Custard, margarine, ice cream, mayonnaise, compote,

melted cheese, cheese spread, jam, marshmallows
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
Oxidized polyethylene wax E914

Also known as
Ethene, homopolymer
Short description
Substance, for example used to make fruit

shine on the outside and to extend the shelf life of fruit
Sources
Synthetic polymer, extracted from poly-ethylene

(a hydrocarbon) and oxygen
Function
Glazing agent, humectant
Products
Citrus fruit, pineapple, melon
Suitability
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
Oxygen E948
Also known as
O, atomic number 8
Short description
Gas, for example used to prevent decay in pre-packed vegetables
Sources
Natural gas
Function
Preservative
Products
Pre-packed vegetables
Suitability
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
193
Paprika extact E160c

Also known as
Capsanthin, capsorubin, oleoresin paprika
Short description
Dark red colour powder
Sources
Natural pigment, derived from bell pepper
Function
Food colour
Products
Herbal essences, soft drinks, ice cream, candy,

meat products, egg yolk
Suitability
Patent blue V E131

Also known as
CI Food Blue 5, CI (1975) No. 42051, Patent Blue 5
Short description
Blue-violette colour powder
Sources
Synthetic pigment
Function
Food colour
Products
Custard, pudding, fruit cocktail in syrup, soft drinks, lemonade,

soft fruit candy, liqueur, milkshake, yoghurt drinks
Suitability
Pectins E440
194
Also known as
Pectin (440a(i)), sodium pectate (440a(ii)), potassium pectate

(440a(iii)), ammonium pectate (440a (iv)), amidated pectin (440b)
Short description
White, yellowish, light greyish or light brownish powder with

many functions. There are five different types of this additive,
440a (pectin, split in i, ii, iii and iv) and 440b (amidated pectin)
Sources
Natural carbohydrate (polysaccharide) present in nearly all fruits,

especially apples, quinces and oranges. It is commercially
produced from apple pulp and orange peels.
Function
Thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, gelling agent
Products
Marmalades, fruit jellies and sauces, and many other

different products
Suitability
Phosphatylated di-starch phosphate E1413

Also known as
Starch N
Short description

Sources
Function
Products
Frozen soup and ragout, pastry fillings
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Phosphoric acid E338
Also known as
Orthophosphoric acid
Short description
Clear liquid, for example used to peel fruit without a knife
Sources
Natural acid present in many fruits and vegetables.

Commercially produced from phosphate mined in the US
Function
Acidity regulator, chelating agent
Products
Cola, cheese and meat products
Suitability
I
J
K
L
M
N
Polydextroses E1200
Also known as
Modified polydextroses
Short description
Grey powder, for example used to make a product thicker.

Also used to freeze products like meat and prevent products
from drying out
Sources
Synthetic substance, made by heating dextrose (glucose)

in the presence of sorbitol and citric acid (E330)
Function
Thickener
Products
Chewing gum, frozen pudding, baked goods, candy, peanut

butter, lemonade
Suitability
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
195
Polydimethylsiloxane E900
Also known as
Dimethicone, dimethylsilicone fluid, dimethylsilicone oil,

dimethylpolysiloxane, poly(dimethylsiloxane)
Short description
Clear liquid, for example used to prevent ingredients clumping

together in a product and the formation of foam
Sources
Synthetic mixture, made of silica gel or silicium dioxide
Function
Anti-foaming agent
Products
Cooking oil, lemonade, fruit juice, jam, marmalade, soup,

meat bouillon
Suitability
Polyethylene glycols E1521

Also known as
Macrogol, PEG
Short description
White powder, for example used to optimize the taste of an

aroma in a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of ethylene oxide (a synthetic gas)
Function
Flavour solvent
Products
Chewing gum, water based drinks, sport drinks, energy drinks
Suitability
Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids E475
196
Also known as
Glycerin fatty acid esters, polyglycerol fatty acid esters
Short description
Yellow-brown liquid, for example used against the formation

of crystals in sugar during production of sugar rich products
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of polyglycerol (a type of alcohol)

and natural fatty acids
Function
Products
Suitability

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate E432

Also known as
Polysorbate 20, tween 20
Short description
Lemon to amber coloured oily liquid
Sources
Synthetic compound, produced from ethylene oxide (a synthetic

compound), sorbitol (E420) and lauric acid (a natural fatty acid).
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Ice cream, soft drinks
Suitability
This compound contains fatty acids, which are nearly

always made from vegetable oils. However, the use of animal fat
(including pork) cannot be fully ruled out. The origin of these
compounds should be checked to ensure suitability for all
religions, vegans and vegetarians
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate E433
Also known as
Short description
Lemon to amber coloured oily liquid, for example used

o improve volume and texture in bakery products
Sources

compound), sorbitol (E420) and oleic acid (a fatty acid)
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Salt, chocolates, ice cream, desserts, bakery products, soft drinks
Suitability
This compound contains fatty acids, which are nearly always

made from vegetable oils. However, the use of animal fat
K
L
P
Q
R
Polyglycerol esters of interesterified ricinoleic acid E476
Also known as
Glyceran esters of condensed castor oil fatty acid, polyglycerol

esters of polycondensed fatty acids from castor oil
Short description
Substance, for example used to make chocolate softer
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of castor oil and polyglycerol

(a type of alcohol)
Function
Products
Bread cream, chocolate cake, chocolate bread
Suitability
197
Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate E434

Also known as
Short description
Yellow-orange oily substance, for example used to help

ingredients which dont mix well (e.g. water and oil),
mix and stay mixed
Sources

compound), sorbitol (E420) and palmitic acid (a natural fatty acid)
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Cake, cake mix
Suitability

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate E435

Also known as
Polysorbate 60, tween 60, Crillet 3
Short description
Yellow-orange oily substance, for example used to help

ingredients which dont mix well (e.g. water and oil),
mix and stay mixed
Sources

compound), sorbitol (E420) and stearic acid (a natural fatty acid)
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Cake, cake mix, glaze, sugar coating for chocolates, frozen

desserts, ice cream, salad dressing, instant soup, bouillon
Suitability

Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan tristearate E436
198
Also known as
Short description
Tan coloured waxy substance, for example used against

the creation of foam during the production of sugar
Sources

compound), sorbitol (E420) and stearic acid (a natural fatty acid)
Function
Emulsifier, anti-foaming agent
Products
Cake, cake mix, mayonnaise in tubes, glace,

frozen pudding, sorbet
Suitability

Polyoxyethylene (8) stearate

Also known as
Polyoxyl (8) stearate
Short description
Cream-white soft waxy solid, for example used to mix

and stabilize ingredients in fruit sauces
A
B
C
Sources
Synthetic compound, produced from ethylene oxide

(a synthetic compound) and stearic acid (a natural fatty acid)
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Sauces
F
G
Suitability

H
I
J
Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate E431

Also known as
Polyoxyethylene (40) monostearate, polyoxyl (40) stearate
Short description
Cream coloured flakes or waxy solid
Sources
Synthetic compound, produced from ethylene oxide

(a synthetic compound) and stearic acid (a natural fatty acid)
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Bakery products, pudding
Suitability

K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
Polyphosphates E452
S
Colourless-white substance, for example used to improve the
structure of a product and prevent it drying out. There are five
different types of this additive: 452(i) (sodium), 452(ii) (potassium),
452(iii) (sodium-calcium), 452(iv) (calcium) and 452(v) (ammonium)
Sources
Synthetic salt, made of sodium or potassium and phosphate
Function
Emulsifier, stabilizer, sequestrant (metal binder)
Products
Cheese spread, pudding powder, frozen turkey
Suitability
Short description
X
Y
Z
199
Polyvinyl alcohol E1203

Also known as
PVOH, vinyl alcohol polymer, PVA, or PVAl
Short description
White powder, for example used to make a product shine

on the outside and to thicken
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of vinyl acetate (derived from

a carbohydrate and acetic acid)
Function
Glazing agent and thickener
Products
Food supplements
Suitability
Polyvinylpyrrolidone E1201
Also known as
Povidone, PVP
Short description
White-grey powder, for example used to clear

a solution and to improve its structure
Sources
Synthetic substance, a polymer (a chain of identical molecules)
Function
Stabilizer, thickener
Products
Beer, chewing gum, vinegar
Suitability
Ponceau 4R E124
200
Also known as
Brilliant Scarlet, CI (1975) No. 16255, CI Food Red 7, Cochineal

Red A, New Coccine
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Fruit yoghurt-drinks, fruit in syrup, custard, pudding, jam,

compote, liqueur, cheese, ice cream, candy, chips, crab salad
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Potassium acetate E261
Short description
Acid, used against bacteria and loss of colour
Sources
Natural potassium salt of acetic acid, also synthetically made
Function
Preservative
Products
Cooked sausages, herbs and spices
Suitability
G
H
K
Potassium adipate E357
Also known as
Adipic acid potassium salt
Short description
White powder, for example used to regulate the pH of the product
Sources
Potassium salt of adipic acid
Function
Acid regulator
Products
Herbal salts
Suitability
P
Q
R
Potassium alginate E402

Also known as
Potassium polymannuronate, alginic acid potassium salt
Short description
Sources
Potassium salt of alginic acid
Function
Products
Low salt/sodium products, ice cream, cake mix, pudding powder,

custard, chocolates, wine, meat
Suitability
V
W
X
Y
Z
201
Potassium aluminium silicate E555

Also known as
Mica, muscovite
Short description

Sources
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products

Suitability
Potassium and sodium di-phosphates E450
Short description
White powder. There are five different types of this additive:

di sodium di phosphate (450(i)), tri sodium di phosphate (450(ii)),
tetra sodium pyrophosphate (450 (iii)), tetra potassium pyrophosphate
(450(v)), Calcium di hydrogen di phosphate (450(vi))
Sources
Synthetic compounds, derived from minerals
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Bakery products, meat products, sauces, cheese products, desserts
Suitability
Potassium benzoate E212

Also known as
Benzenecarboxylic acid potassium salt, dracylic acid potassium salt,

phenylcarboxylic acid potassium salt
Short description

and bacteria in food products
Sources
Synthetic salt made of benzoic acid and potassium
Function
Preservative
Products
Brandy, sauces, margarine, cheese, steak tartare, chips, ketchup, sambal,

mayonnaise, ice cream, marmalade, cake mix
Suitability
202
Potassium carbonates E501
Also known as
Potassium hydrogen carbonate, perelas, potas,

potassium bicarbonate
Short description
White powder, for example used to help the product rise and
to optimize the structure of chocolate products so the different
ingredients wont separate. There are two different types of this
additive, 501(i) and 501(ii)
Sources
Synthetically produced from potassium chloride
Function
Acidity regulator, raising agent
Products
Cacao, low salt products, chocolates, candy, wine
Suitability
B
C
G
H
I
Potassium chloride E508

Also known as
Sylvite, sylvine
Short description
White powder, for example used to replace salt in salt

reduced products
Sources
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Dietary salt, mineral salt, low salt soup
Suitability
N
O
P
Potassium citrates E332

Also known as
Monopotassium citrat, tripotassium citrate
Short description
White powder, for example used to maintain the pH

value in a product. There are two different types of this
additive, 332(i) and 332(ii)
Sources
Potassium salt of citric acid
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Low-sodium/sodium-free (salt-free) products, milk powder,

coffee cream, cheese, wine, soft drinks
Suitability
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
203
Potassium ferrocyanide E536

Also known as
Hexacyanoferrate of potassium, yellow prussiate of potash
Short description
Yellow substance, for example used to prevent ingredients

Sources
Synthetically made of potassium hydoxide (E525)
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Wine, salt
Suitability
Potassium gluconate E577

Also known as
Potassium D-gluconate, kaon, katorin, potasoral
Short description
Yellow-white powder, for example used as a food source for

yeast in baked goods
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of gluconic acid (E574) and

potassium carbonate
Function
Sequestrant (metal binder), acidity regulator, stabilizer
Products
Pudding powder, custard
Suitability
Potassium hydrogen sulphite E228
204
Also known as
Potassium bisulphite, potassium acid sulphite
Short description

fungi and bacteria in food products
Sources
Synthetic potassium salt of sulphurous acid
Function
Preservative
Products
Sweet-and-sour products, like pickles or onions
Suitability
Potassium hydroxide E525

Also known as
Caustic potash, potassium hydrate
Short description
White substance, for example used to peel fruit and to make

green olives black. Also used to control the pH value in a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, extracted from potassium chloride
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Cacao products, tea extract
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Potassium iodate
Also known as
Iodic acid, potassium salt
Short description
White powder, for example used in bread to optimize the dough
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of potassium
Function
Products
Bread, salt
Suitability
I
J
N
Potassium lactate E326
Also known as
Lactic acid potassium salt
Short description
Slightly viscous liquid, for example used to prevent the drying

out of products and against the growth of yeasts and fungi
Sources
Potassium salt of lactic acid
Function
Preservative
Products
Cheese, confectionery, ice cream, fruit jellies, soups, canned fruits
Suitability

O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
205
Potassium malate E351

Also known as
Monopotassium malate, dipotassium malate
Short description
White powder, for example used to mask the aftertaste in a

product. There are two different types of this additive, 351(i)
and 351(ii)
Sources
Potassium salt of malic acid
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Ice cream, fried products
Suitability
Potassium metabisulphite E224

Also known as
Potassium pyrosulphite
Short description

fungi and some yeast in food products
Sources
Function
Preservative
Products
Pickled onions, frozen shrimps and mussels
Suitability
Potassium nitrate E252
206
Also known as
Salpeter, nitre
Short description
Colourless powder, for example to prevent fading of natural

colours and used as preservative
Sources
Natural mineral, also present in many vegetables
Function
Preservative
Products
Meats, sausages, canned and vacuum meat products
Suitability
Potassium nitrite E249
Short description

in meat
Sources
Natural mineral, but also made synthetically
Function
Preservative
Products
Meat and fish products
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
Potassium phosphate E340
Also known as
Monopotassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate,

tripotassium phosphate
Short description

together in a product. There are three different types of this
Sources
Natural salt, present in our body. Synthetically made of

Function
Products
Pudding powder, noodles, meats for a low salt diet, chocolate drink
Suitability
H
I
J
Potassium propionate E283

Also known as
Potassium propanoate, potassium-mycoban
Short description
White substance, for example used against fungi
Sources
Natural potassium salt, derived from propionic acid (E280)
Function
Preservative
Products
Baked goods with chocolate, rye bread, bread, pasty, cheese

products, dietary products
Suitability
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
207
Potassium sodium tartrate E337

Also known as
Rochelle salt, seignette salt
Short description

of a product
Sources
Potassium-sodium salt of tartaric acid
Function
Acidity regulator, emulsifier, stabilizer
Products
Mainly meat and cheese products
Suitability
Potassium sorbate E202

Also known as
Potassium salt of sorbic acid, BB-powder
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used against the growth

of fungi and yeast in a food product
Sources

Function
Preservative
Products
Sandwich spread, fish sauces, cake, mayonnaise, frozen pizza,

cookies, low-sodium diet products, wine
Suitability
Potassium sulphate E515
208
Also known as
Sal polychrestrum
Short description
White powder, for example used to replace salt in salt

reduced products
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of sulphuric acid (E513)

and potassium salt
Function
Flavour enhancer
Products
Beer, dietary salt
Suitability
Potassium sulphite
Also known as
Potassium salt of sulphurous acid
Short description
White powder, for example used against discolouration
Sources
Function
Preservative
Products
Beer
Suitability
B
C
Potassium tartrate E336
Also known as
Monopotassium tartrate, tripotassium tartrate
Short description

in food products
Sources
Potassium salt of tartaric acid
Function
Acidity regulator, emulsifier
Products
Baking powder, confectionery and baking products
Suitability
I
J
K
N
Propane E944
Also known as
Dimethylmethane; propyl hydride
Short description
Gas, for example used to make the product come out

of the packaging, such as aerosols. Also used to freeze products
Sources
Natural inert gas
Function
Propellent gas
Products
Aerosols
Suitability
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
209
Propionic acid E280

Also known as
Ethylformic acid, methylacetic acid, propanoic acid
Short description
Oily liquid, for example used against fungus
Sources
Natural acid, present in many foods. Also made synthetically
Function
Preservative
Products
Rye bread, sliced bread, pastry, canned sausages, milk

products, pizza
Suitability
Propyl gallate E310

Also known as
Propyl ester of gallic acid, progallin P, tenox PG
Short description
White or creamy-white solid, for example used to prevent rancidity
Sources
Synthetically made of propanol (an alcohol) and gallic acid
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Chewing gum, soup, biscuits, margarine, breakfast cereals, snacks
Suitability
Propylene glycol E1520
210
Also known as
Propan-1,2-diol; propylene glycol, Methyl glycol, propanediol
Short description
Clear liquid, for example used to prevent products from drying out
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of propylene and carbonate
Function
Flavour solvent
Products
Margarine, candy, pastry, biscuits, oil
Suitability
Propylene glycol alginate E405
Also known as
Hydroxypropyl alginate, propane 1,2-diol alginate
Short description
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of algenic acid (E400)
Function
Thickener
Products
Ice cream, confectionery, dressings
Suitability
B
C
Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids E477

Also known as
Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty acids
Short description
White-yellow substance, for example used to combine

ingredients which normally wouldnt mix
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of fatty acids and propanediol

(a type of alcohol)
Function
Products
Pudding powder, strawberry dessert, cake mix
Suitability

H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
Proteases
Also known as
Protease, papain, bromelain, ficin
Short description

of bread dough
Sources
Natural enzyme, extracted from plants related to pineapples
Function
Stabilizer
Products
Cheese, dairy products, breakfast cereals, canned

and dried vegetables, beer, meat
Suitability
W
X
Y
Z
211
Pullulan E1204
Short description
White powder, for example used to make a product shine

on the outside and to thicken
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch by fungi
Function
Glazing agent
Products
Suitability
Quillaia extract E999

Also known as
Bois de Panama, Panama bark extract, quillai extract, quillaja

extract, quillay bark extract, soapbark extract
Short description
Brown substance, for example used to make the taste

of a product sweeter without increasing the caloric value.
Also used as foaming agent. There are two different types
Sources
Natural substance, extracted from the bask of the soap bark

(Quillaia saponaria)
Function
Foaming agent
Products
Soft drinks, lemonade, ice cream, candy
Suitability
Quinoline yellow E104
212
Also known as
CI Food Yellow 13, CI (1975) No. 47005
Short description
Sources
Synthetic pigment
Function
Food colour
Products
Soft drink, lemonade, milkshake, ice cream, vermicelli
Suitability
Red 2G
Also known as
Azogeranine, CI Food Red 10, CI (1975) No. 18050
Short description
Red colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Candy, hamburgers, cooked meat products
Suitability
B
C
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) E101

Also known as
Lactoflavin, vitamin B2
Short description
Sources
Natural pigment, present in products such as milk, egg,

vegetable and liver. Commercially prepared from yeasts.
Also manufactured synthetically
Function
Food colour
Products
Breakfast cereals, processed cheese, jam, soft drinks, lemonade
Suitability
J
K
L
M
N
Saccharines E954
Also known as
Calcium saccharin, potassium saccharin, sodium saccharin
Short description

a product sweeter without increasing the caloric value.
There are four different types of this additive, 954(i),
954(ii), 954(iii) and 954(iv)
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of sulphuric acid (E513)
Function
Sweetener
Products
Sweeteners
Suitability
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
213
Salts of fatty acids E470

Also known as
Potassium stearate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate,

calcium stearate
Short description
Yellow-white powder or solid, for example used to prevent

the product sticking to the pan while cooking. There are four
different types of this additive, all made of another salt, 470a(i)
(sodium), 470a(ii) (potassium), 470a(iii) (calcium) and 470b (iv)
(magnesium)
Sources
Synthetic salts, derived by heating fatty acids
Function
Products
Biscuits, toast, pretzels, pastry, cookies, chips, low salt biscuits

and toast, candy
Suitability

Shellac E904
Also known as
Lacca, lac
Short description
Yellow-transparent resin, for example used to make a product

shine on the outside
Sources
Natural wax, derived from lice
Function
Glazing agent
Products
Candy, crust of cheese, cake decoration, fruit
Suitability
Can be used by vegetarians. Not all religions and vegans

consume this additive because it comes from scale insects,
although the purified product doesnt contain lice
Silicon dioxide E551
214
Also known as
Silica, silicic anhydride, flogard, sipernat 22S pirosil, aerosil 200
Short description

clumping together in a product and to improve its structure
Sources
Natural substance, derived from sand
Function
Anti-caking agent, anti-foaming agent
Products
Coffee syrup, milk powder, salt, herbs and spices,

instant sauce and soup, wine, beer
Suitability
Silver E174
Also known as
CI No. 77820
Short description
Silver-grey colour powder
Sources
Natural metal, derived from silver ore and the mineral argentite
Function
Food colour
Products
Pastry decoration, candy
Suitability
B
C
Sodium acetate E262

Also known as
Sodium diacetate, sodium hydrogen diacetate, dykon
Short description
White powder, for example used against the growth

of micro-organisms. There are two different types
of this additive, 262(i) and 262 (ii)
Sources
Synthetic salt, made of acetic acid (E260) and sodium
Function
Preservative
Products
Herbs (powder), bouillon, sausages, bread, pastry
Suitability
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
Sodium adipate E356
Also known as
Adipic acid sodium salt
Short description
White substance, for example used to regulate the pH value

of the product
Sources
Sodium salt of adipic acid
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Herbal salts
Suitability
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
215
Sodium alginate E401

Also known as
Alginic acid sodium salt, algin, sodium polymannuronate
Short description
Sources
Sodium salt of alginic acid
Function
Products
Ice cream, cake mix, pudding powder, custard, chocolates,

wine, meat
Suitability
Sodium aluminium phosphate E541

Also known as
Kasal
Short description
Substance, for example used to help a cake rise and

to make melted cheese. There are two different types
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of phosphoric acid, aluminium

and sodium hydroxide
Function
Raising agent, emulsifier
Products
Baking powder, cake mix
Suitability
Sodium aluminium silicate E554
216
Also known as
Sodium silicoaluminate
Short description

Sources
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products

Suitability
Sodium ascorbate E301
Also known as
Sodium L-Ascorbate, sodium L-(+)-ascorbate, monosodium

ascorbate
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent discolouration of food
Sources
Natural sodium salt of ascorbic acid
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Sausages, cutted meat, milk powder, lemonade, flour, beer,

fruit puree, buttermilk, egg products, soup, jam
Suitability
B
C
D
E
H
Sodium benzoate E211
Also known as
Benzenecarboxylic acid sodium salt, dracylic acid sodium salt,

phenylcarboxylic acid sodium salt
Short description

and bacteria in food products
Sources
Synthetic salt made of benzoic acid and sodium
Function
Preservative
Products
Brandy, sauces, margarine, cheese, steak tartare, chips, ketchup,

sambal, mayonnaise, ice cream, marmalade, cake mix
Suitability
P
Sodium calcium polyphosphate
Q
Also known as
Sodium calcium polyphosphate, glassy
Short description
Substance, for example used to improve the structure

of the product during processing
Sources
Synthetic mixture of sodium- and calciumphosphate
Function
Products
Cheese spread, frozen products, cake
Suitability
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
217
Sodium carbonates E500
Also known as
Soda ash, sodium salt of carbonic acid, sodium hydrogen

carbonate, baking soda, bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarbonate,
sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium monohydrogendicarbonate
Short description
White powder, for example used to keep the colour in a product

and to make the product rise. There are three different types of
this additive, 500(i), 500(ii) and 500(iii)
Sources
Synthetically produced from sea water or salt
Function
Acidity regulator, raising agent
Products
Tomato soup, tomato ketchup, cacao, salt, pretzels, custard, beer,

cream, milk powder, cake, biscuit, ice cream, chocolates, waffles,
olives in jars
Suitability
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose E466

Also known as
Cellulose gum, Na CMC, sodium cellulose glycolate, sodium CMC
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent ice crystals forming

in a product or to let a product shine on the outside (like glace)
Sources

Function
Thickener, emulsifier
Products
Pudding powder, pastry filling, strawberry or cherry dessert, fruit

yoghurt, milkshake, mayonnaise, cheese products, lemonade, soup
Suitability
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, enzymatically hydrolyzed E469
218
Also known as
CMC-ENZ, enzymatically hydrolyzed carboxymethyl cellulose
Short description
White-grey powder, used to make the product thicker
Sources
Synthetic salt, made of sodium and carboxymethyl cellulose

(466, a synthetic substance of cellulose)
Function
Stabilizer and thickener
Products

Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
Sodium citrates E331
F
Also known as
Monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, trisodium citrate
Short description
White powder, for example used to decrease enzymatic browning

of fruit and fruit products. There are three different types of this
Sources
Sodium salt of citric acid
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Marmalade, ice cream, chocolate cake
Suitability
K
L
M
Sodium erythorbate E316

Also known as
Sodium iso-ascorbate, erythorbic acid sodium salt,

mercate 20, neo-cebitate
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent change of colour
Sources
Sodium salt of erythorbic acid, a synthetic variant of vitamin C
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Meat products
Suitability
S
T
Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate E215
Also known as
Ethyl-p-hydroxybenzene, PHB-ethyl ester
Short description

Sources
Synthetic substance
Function
Preservative
Products
Candied fruit, pasty filling, dessert sauce, fruit candy, fruit juice
Suitability
V
W
219
Sodium ferrocyanide E535

Also known as
Hexacyanoferrate of calcium or potassium or sodium,

yellow prussiate of lime or potash or soda
Short description
Yellow substance, for example used to form gels and to prevent

ingredients clumping together in a product
Sources
Synthetically made of sodium hydroxide (E524)
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Salt, salt bath for cheese
Suitability
Sodium fumarate
Also known as
Monosodium fumarate
Short description
White powder, for example used to regulate the pH value

of powders
Sources
Sodium salt of fumaric acid
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Confectionery, baking products, baking powder
Suitability
Sodium gluconate E576
220
Also known as
Sodium-D-gluconic acid
Short description
White-grey powder, for example used to give powdery products

a longer shelf life and used as a food source for yeast
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of gluconic acid (E574) and sodium

carbonate
Function
Sequestrant (metal binder)
Products
Pudding powder, herbal sauces, dipping sauce
Suitability
Sodium hydrogen sulphite E222

Also known as
Sodium bisulphite, acid sodium sulphite
Short description

Sources
Synthetic sodium salt of sulphurous acid
Function
Preservative
Products
Liquor, pickled onions, dairy products, fruit juice, mashed potatoes
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Sodium hydroxide E524
Also known as
Caustic soda, lye, sodium hydrate
Short description
White substance, for example used to peel vegetables and fruits.

Also used to give pretzels a glazed brown colour and to turn
green olives black
Sources
Synthetically made of rock salt
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Pretzels, cacao products, coffee creamer, black olives, sour cream,

canned peas
Suitability
I
J
N
O
Sodium lactate E325
Also known as
Lactoline, lactic acid sodium salt, L-sodium lactate, purasal S
Short description
Colourless, transparent liquid, for example used to prevent

drying out of products and against the growth of yeasts and fungi
Sources
Sodium salt of lactic acid
Function
Preservative
Products
Cheese, confectionery, ice cream, soup, canned fruit
Suitability

for people with milk allergy or lactose intolerance.
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
221
Sodium malate E350

Also known as
Monosodium malate, disodium malate
Short description
White powder, for example used to mask the aftertaste

of products. There are two different types of this additive, 350(i)
and 350(ii)
Sources
Sodium salt of malic acid
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Soft drinks, candy, ginger
Suitability
Sodium metabisulphite E223

Also known as
Disodium pyrosulphite, sodium pyrosulphite
Short description

fungus and bacteria in food products
Sources
Function
Preservative
Products
Liquor, pickled onions, sausages
Suitability
Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate E219
222
Also known as
Sodium methyl para-hydroxybenzoate, sodium methyl

hydroxybenzoate
Short description

and fungi and some bacteria in food products
Sources
Synthetic substance
Function
Preservative
Products
Candied fruit, pasty filling, dessert sauce, fruit candy, fruit juice,
beer, pastry filling, herring in sauce, pickles in sour, beet in jar
Suitability
Sodium nitrate E251
Also known as
Chile saltpetre, cubic or soda nitre
Short description
White powder, used against the fading of natural colours

and used as preservative
Sources
Natural mineral, also present in many vegetables
Function
Preservative
Products
Cheese (made of vegetable oil), vacuum meat products,

frozen pizza
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Sodium nitrite E250
Also known as
Nitrous acid sodium salt, erinitrit
Short description
White powder, for example used against fading of natural colours

and against the growth of bacteria in meat
Sources
Natural mineral, but also made synthetically
Function
Preservative
Products
Cheese, meat, frozen pizza
Suitability
J
K
Sodium o-phenyl phenol

Also known as
Sodium orthophenylphenate, dowicide A
Short description
White powder, for example used against fungus on citrus fruit,

apples and pears
Sources
Synthetic salt, made of sodium and phenylpenol (E231)
Function
Preservative
Products
Oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, lemons, pears, apples,

jam made of these fruits
Suitability
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
223
Sodium phosphate E339

Also known as
Monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate,

trisodium phosphate
Short description
White powder, for example used to optimize the texture of

the product, without losing moisture. There are three different
types of this additive, 339(i), 339(ii) and 339(iii)
Sources
Natural salt, present in our body. Synthetically made of

Function
Products
Soft drinks, sausages, ice cream, margarine, instant pudding

powder, chocolate cake, noodles
Suitability
Sodium propionate E281

Also known as
Sodium propanoate, sodium mycoban
Short description
White or colourless substance, for example used against

the growth of fungi and some bacteria in food products
Sources
Natural sodium salt, derived from propionic acid (E280)
Function
Preservative
Products
Baked goods with chocolate, dietary products
Suitability
Sodium sorbate E201
224
Also known as
Sodium salt of sorbic acid
Short description
Acid, for example used against the growth of fungi and yeast
in a food product
Sources

Function
Preservative
Products
Meat and fish salads, meatballs, frozen pizza, meat sauces,

ice-cream, margarine, jam, strawberry-sauce
Suitability
A
B
C
Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate E481
Also known as
Sodium stearoyl lactylate, sodium stearoyl lactate
Short description
Yellow powder, for example used to combine ingredients which

normally wouldnt mix and to improve the structure of the product
Sources
Synthetic mixture of stearic acid (a natural saturated fatty acid)

and lactic acid (E270)
Function
Products
Vegetable powdered soup, cake mix, pancake mix, biscuits, toast,

cookies, cake, spray for baking
Suitability

D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
Sodium sulphate E514
Also known as
Glaubers salt (decahydrate form), sodium hydrogen sulphate,

nitre cake, sodium bisulphate, sodium acid sulphate, sulphuric
acid, monosodium salt
Short description
White substance, for example used to dilute colour agents

and to ensure the colour wont change
Sources
Natural substance, present in rock salt and mountain spring water.

Mostly made synthetically of salt and sulphuric acid (E513)
Function
Stabilizer
Products
Chewing gum, colour agents
Suitability
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
Sodium sulphite E221
Also known as
Disodium sulphite
Short description

Sources
Function
Preservative
Products
Egg salads, wine, beer, caramel
Suitability
V
W
X
Y
Z
225
Sodium tartrate E335

Also known as
Monosodium tartrate, disodium tartrate
Short description
Colourless powder, for example used to enhance the flavour

and purple colour of grapes. There are two different types of
this additive, 335(i) and 335(ii)
Sources
Sodium salt of tartaric acid
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Confectionery, marmalade, sausages
Suitability
Sodium tetraborate E285

Also known as
Borax, sodiumpyroborate, sodiumborate
Short description
White substance, for example used to control the pH value

of a product
Sources
Natural sodium salt, derived from boric acid
Function
Preservative
Products
Rarely used in foods, often used in pharmaceuticals
Suitability
Sodium thiosulphate
226
Also known as
Sodium hyposulphite
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent potato slices

getting brown after cutting
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of sodium and sulphite
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Liquor, potato products
Suitability
Sorbic acid E200
Also known as
2-propenylacryl acid
Short description
White acid, for example used against the growth of fungi and
yeast in a food product
Sources
Natural acid, derived from the berries of the mountain ash tree
(Sorbus aucuparia). It is commercially produced by several
different chemical pathways
Function
Preservative
Products
Sambal, salad dressing, mayonnaise, sliced bread, vegetables

in jar, margarine
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Sorbitan monolaurate E493

Also known as
Sorbitan laurate, span 20
Short description
Brown liquid, for example used to combine ingredients

which normally wouldnt mix, to optimize the structure
of the product and to prevent foaming
Sources
Synthetic liquid, made of sorbitol (E420) and lauric acid

(a natural saturated fatty acid)
Function
Products
Filled chocolates, ice cream
Suitability

L
M
N
O
P
Q
Sorbitan monooleate E494
Also known as
Span 80
Short description
Brown liquid, for example used to keep the product malleable
Sources
Synthetic liquid, made of sorbitol (E420) and oleic acid

(a natural unsaturated fatty acid)
Function
Products
Chewing gum
Suitability

R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
227
Sorbitan monopalmitate E495

Also known as
Span 40
Short description
Cream-grey waxy substance, for example used against the

separation of fat in the product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of sorbitol (E420) and palmitic acid

Function
Products
Cake, cake mix, bread mix, ice cream
Suitability

Sorbitan monostearate E491

Also known as
Span 60
Short description
Cream-grey waxy substance, for example used to combine

ingredients which normally wouldnt mix and to optimize
the structure of the product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of sorbitol (E420) and stearic acid

Function
Products
Ice cream, coffee creamer, cake mix, dried yeast
Suitability

Sorbitan tristearate E492
228
Also known as
Span 65
Short description
Cream-grey waxy substance, for example used to combine

the structure of the product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of sorbitol (E420) and stearic acid

Function
Emulsifer and stabilizer
Products
Ice-cream, battenberg
Suitability

A
B
C
D
E
Sorbitol E420
Also known as
D-Glucitol, sorbit, D-sorbitol, sorbol
Short description
White powder, for example used to give a sweet taste to

the product. There are two different types of this additive,
420(i) and 420(ii)
Sources
Natural substance, present in many fruits. Commercially

produced from glucose
Function
Sweetener
Products
Many bakery and confectionery products, chewing gum
Suitability
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
Soybean hemicellulose E426
Short description
For example used to make products thicker
Sources
Natural substance, extracted from soybeans
Function
Thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, anti-caking agent
Products
Baked goods
Suitability
Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians. Soybean

hemicellulose can cause an allergic reaction in people who
are allergic to soybeans
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
Stannous chloride E512

Also known as
Tin dichloride
Short description
Substance, for example used to prevent colour loss
Sources
Synthetically produced of hydrochloric acid (E507) and tin ores

(a natural mineral)
Function
Stabilizer
Products
Green beans in jars, asparagus in jars
Suitability
229
Starch acetate E1420

Short description

Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch and acetic acid (E260)
Function
Thickener
Products
Suitability
Starch sodium octenyl succinate E1450

Also known as
SSOS
Short description
Substance, for example used to thicken a product

Sources
Synthetic substance, made of starch and acetic acid (E260)
Function
Thickener
Products
Rarely used
Suitability
Stearin acid E570
230
Also known as
Octadecane acid
Short description
White waxy substance, for example used to prevent ingredients

Sources
Natural acid, present in fats and oils
Function
Anti-caking agent
Products
Chewing gum, butter aroma, vanilla aroma, candy, cookies, pastry
Suitability

Stearyl citrate
Also known as
Stearoyl citrate
Short description
Cream-white oily liquid, for example used to combine

some ingredients which normally wouldnt mix
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of stearic acid

(a natural saturated fatty acid) and citric acid (E330)
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Margarine, bakery products
Suitability

B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
Stearyl tartrate E483

Also known as
Stearyl palmityl tartrate
Short description
Cream-white oily substance, for example used in bread cream

to create a firm structure
Sources
Synthetic oily substance, extracted from tartaric acid (E334)

and stearic acid (a natural saturated fatty acid)
Function
Products
Pudding breads, cake filling, pastry
Suitability

L
M
N
O
P
Q
Steviol glycosides E960

Also known as
Stevioside, rebaudioside A
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used to make the taste of

Sources
Natural substance, made from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana
Function
Sweetener
Products
Candy, chewing gum, canned fruit, low sugar dietary products
Suitability
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
231
Succinic acid E363

Also known as
Amber, amber acid, butanedicic acid
Short description
White powder, for example used to enhance the taste

and regulate the pH value of a product
Sources
Natural acid, present in many fruits and vegetables.

Synthetically made from acetic acid (E260)
Function
Acidity regulator, flavour enhancer
Products
Confectionery, baking products
Suitability
Sucralose E955
Also known as
4,1,6-Trichlorogalactosucrose
Short description

Sources
Synthetic substance, made of sugar
Function
Sweetener
Products
Candy, chocolates, sweeteners, jam, chewing gum
Suitability
Sucroglycerides E474
232
Also known as
Sugar glycerides
Short description
White-yellow powder or gel, for example used to combine

the texture of the product
Sources
Synthetic mixture of sugars and fats, derived from saccharose

and fatty acids
Function
Products
Meat bouillon, candy, pastry, fruit
Suitability

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate E444
Also known as
SAIB
Short description
Liquid, for example used to mix ingredients in water based drinks
Sources
Synthetic compound derived from sucrose
Function
Emulsifier
Products
Energy drinks, sport drinks, water based drinks
Suitability
Sucrose esters of fatty acids E473
Also known as
Sucrose fatty acid esters
Short description
White-grey powder, for example used to combine ingredients

which normally wouldnt mix and to optimize the texture of
a product
Sources
Compound of synthetic fats, extracted from glycerol and

natural fat
Function
Products
Ice cream with fruit, chicken or meat bouillon, bouillon cubes, fruit
Suitability

I
J
O
P
Sulphur dioxide E220

Also known as
Sulphurous anhydride, sulphurous oxide
Short description
Colourless gas, for example used against decay
Sources
Natural gas, produced by burning sulphur
Function
Preservative
Products
Raspberry juice, dried vegetables and fruit, beer, wine, cider,

sherry, liqueur, garlic powder, gelatin, jam, breakfast cereals
Suitability
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
233
Sulphuric acid E513

Short description
Light-brown liquid, for example used to control the pH value

of a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of sulphur dioxide, oxygen and water
Function
Acidity regulator and stabilizer
Products
Beer, liquor, cheese spread
Suitability
Sunset yellow FCF E110

Also known as
CI Food Yellow 3, CI (1975) No. 15985, Orange Yellow S
Short description
Orange-red colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Fruit brandy, custard, fruit yoghurt, marzipan, mayonnaise,

candy, smoked fish
Suitability
Tannic acid
234
Also known as
Gallotannic acid, tannins (food grade)
Short description
Yellow-white colour powder with typical odour
Sources
Natural pigment, derived from acorns or made synthetically
Function
Food colour
Products
Soft drinks, ice cream, wine, beer, candy, baked goods
Suitability
Tara gum E417
Also known as
Peruvian carob
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used to make a product thicker
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, obtained from the tree Cesalpinia spinosa
Function
Thickener
Products
Milk-based products, cheese, processed fruit, dried vegetables,

canned vegetables, breakfast cereals, sauces, soup
Suitability
F
G
Tartaric acid E334
Also known as
L(+)-tartaric acid
Short description
Colourless or white powder, for example used to enhance

the flavour and purple colour of grapes
Sources
Natural acid, present in many fruits, especially grapes.

Commercially prepared from waste products of the wine
industry (grape skins)
Function
Acidity regulator
Products
Confectionery, soft drinks, marmalade, ice cream, wine
Suitability
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
Tartrazine E102
Also known as
CI (1975) No. 19140, CI Food Yellow 4, FD&C Yellow No. 5
Short description
Yellow-Light orange colour powder
Sources
Synthetic azo dye
Function
Food colour
Products
Liqueur, currant, milkshake, fruit yoghurt, cake flour, soft

drinks, lemonade, ice cream, mayonnaise, chips, pretzels,
candy, custard, pudding
Suitability
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
235
Tertiary butylhydroquinone E319

Also known as
TBHQ, buthylhydrochinon
Short description
White powder, for example used to prevent rancidity in oil
Sources
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Oils and fat
Suitability
Thaumatin E957
Also known as
Talin
Short description
Cream-white powder, for example used to make the taste

of a product sweeter without increasing the caloric value
Sources
Natural mixture of proteins, extracted from the berries of the

plant Thaumatococcus daniellii
Function
Sweetener
Products
Candy, chewing gum
Suitability
Thermally oxidized soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids E479b
Also known as
TOSOM
Short description
Liquid, for example used to prevent the oil from splashing

when heated
Sources
Synthetically made by heating soy oil and fatty acids
Function
Products
Spray for baking tray
Suitability

236
Thiabendazole
Also known as
TBZ, thiaben, thiabendazole, omnizole, thiaben, tribendazole
Short description
Substance, for example used against the growth of fungi

on food products. Mainly used on fruit
Sources
Synthetic pesticide
Function
Preservative
Products
Bananas, lemons, oranges, grapefruit, residue in meat (products)

and potatoes, grains, tomatoes, onions
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Thiodipropionic acid
Also known as
Thiodihydracrylic acid
Short description
White solid, for example used to prevent rancidity
Sources
Synthetic compound
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Fats and oils
Suitability
J
K
O
Titanium dioxide E171
Also known as
CI (1975) No. 77891, CI pigment white 6, titania
Short description
White colour powder
Sources
Natural mineral
Function
Food colour
Products
Candy, chewing gum, horseradish sauce, quark, cottage

cheese, mozzarella
Suitability
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
237
238
Tocopherol concentrate E306

Also known as
description
Vitamin E concentrate
Sources
Natural extract of vegetable oils, like soya bean, wheat germ,

rice germ, cottonseed, maize and green leaves
Function
Antioxidant
Products
Oils and fats, frying oil, cheese, pastry, soup
Suitability
Tragacanth gum E413

Also known as
Tragacanth
Short description
White-yellow powder, for example used against the formation

of crystals in sugar used in confectionery
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, produced from the Tragacanth tree (Astragalus

Gummifer)
Function
Emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer
Products
Confectionery, ice cream, icing, processed cheese
Suitability
Triacetin E1518
Also known as
Glyceryl triacetate
Short description
Clear oily liquid, for example used to dissolve flavouring agents

in a product
Sources
Synthetic substance, made of acetic acid (E260) and glycerol

(a type of alcohol)
Function
Bulking agent
Products
Dried protein, ice cream, margarine, candy, soft drinks,

baked goods, chewing gum
Suitability
238
Triammonium citrate E380

Also known as
Ammonium citrate tribasic, citric acid triammonium salt
Short description
White powder, for example used to mix the ingredients in products.

There are two different types of this additive, 380(i) and 380(ii)
Sources
Ammonium salt of citric acid
Function
Acidity regulator, emulsifier
Products
Chocolate, confectionery, cheese spreads
Suitability
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
Triethyl citrate E1505

Also known as
Ethyl citrate, citric acid ethyl ester
Short description
Oily liquid, for example used to optimize the taste of an aroma

in a product
Sources
Synthetically made of citric acid (E330)
Function
Bulking agent
Products
Soft drinks, lemonade, ice cream, candy, baked goods,

instant pudding
Suitability
N
O
Triphosphates E451
Short description
White powder, for example used to improve the structure

of meat (such as sausages or hamburgers). There are
two different types of this additive, one with sodium (451(i))
and one with potassium (451(ii))
Sources
Synthetic compounds, derived from minerals
Function
Emulsifier, stabilizer,acidity regulator
Products
Soup, cheese, meat products, custard powder
Suitability
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
239
Vegetable carbon E153

Also known as
Carbon Black, Vegetable black, CI 77266, Charcoal, Norit
Short description
Black colour powder
Sources
Natural element, commercially produced by burning

vegetable matter
Function
Food colour
Products
Some fish products
Suitability
Xanthan gum E415

Also known as
Kelzna, Keltrol
Short description
Cream-white powder, for example used to thicken a product
Sources
Natural carbohydrate, produced by the bacteria Xanthomonas

campestris from sugar and molasses
Function
Stabilizer, thickener, emulsifier
Products
Salad dressing, mayonnaise, sauces, desserts
Suitability
Xylitol E967
Also known as
D-xylitol; Xyliton; xylite
Short description

sweeter without increasing the caloric value. It also prevents the growth
of yeast
Sources
Natural substance, present in many plants. It is commercially produced

from xylan, a polysaccharide fraction of wood pulp.
Function
Sweetener
Products
Chewing gum, toffees, peppermint, chocolates, waffles, marmalade,

jam, soft drinks
Suitability
240
Zeaxanthin
Also known as
Citranaxanthin
Short description
Sources
Natural pigment, present in many plants. Commercially derived

from dried plants
Function
Food colour
Products
Eggs, soup, soft drinks, ice cream
Suitability
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
241
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The Consumer Protection Act
South African Government Online, 2012. What is
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http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.
do?uri=OJ:L:2008:354:0016:0033:en:PDF
COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 1129/2011
of 11 November 2011 amending Annex II
to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European
Parliament and of the Council by establishing
Eldin Food Consulting, 2012. Your Specialist in
a Union list of food additives http://eur-lex.
Food Safety and Labelling. [Online] http://www.
europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.
eldin.co.za [Retrieved on 10 October 2012]
do?uri=OJ:L:2011:295:0001:0177:En:PDF
A Guide to the Consumer Protection Act, PDF

Online, 2012. What is the Consumer Protection
Act? [Online PDF] http://www.restaurant.org.za/
Dietary requirements
pdf/A_Guide_To_The_Consumer_Protection_Act.
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, 2012.
pdf [Retrieved 10 October 2012]
Common Food Allergens. [Online] http://www.

foodallergy.org [Retrieved 4th December 2012]
Understanding food labels

South African Department of Health, 2012. Food
Control Legislation [Online] http://www.doh.
gov.za/ [Retrieved 4th December 2012]
European Food Information Council, 2012. Focus

on Food Allergens. [Online] http://www.eufic.org
[Retrieved 4th December 2012]
The Food Allergy Initiative, 2012. Food Allergies
Overview. [Online] http://www.faiusa.org
Food ingredients & additives
National Health Service, 2012. Living With

Allergy. [Online] http://www.nhs.uk [Retrieved
The Multilingual Food Information Site, 2012.
4th December 2012]
Food Additives. [Online] http://www.food-info.

net [Retrieved 20 August 2012]
Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 2012. FoodConsumer Centre Food Allergies. [Online]
European Food Information Council, 2012. Focus
http://www.inspection.gc.ca [Retrieved 4th
on Food Additives. [Online] http://www.eufic.org
December 2012]
[Retrieved 20 August 2012]

Allergy Society of South Africa, 2012. Page for
US Food and Drug Administration, 2012. Food
Patients. [Online] http://www.allergysa.org
Additives. [Online] http://www.fda.gov [Retrieved
20 August 2012]
The Anaphylaxis Campaign, 2012. Food and
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Catering. [Online] http://www.anaphylaxis.org.
States, 2012. [Online PDF] http://www.fao.org/
uk [Retrieved 4th December 2012]
food/food-safety-quality/scientific-advice/jecfa/
jecfa-additives/en [Retrieved 20 August 2012]
The British Allergy Foundation, 2012. Types

of Allergies. [Online] http://www.allergyuk.org
L. K. Mahan; S. Escott-Stump. Krauses Food,
Nutrition and Diet Therapy. Elsevier. 11th

edition. 2004
Statistics South Africa. Census 2001. 10th

October 2001. http://www.statssa.gov.za/
E. Whitney; S. Rady Rolfes. Understanding
census01/html/default.asp [Retrieved 30th
Nutrition. Wadsworth Publishing. 11th
October 2011]
edition. 2007
Statistics South Africa. Mid-year population
REGULATION (EC) No 1333/2008 OF THE
estimates 2010. http://www.statssa.gov.za/
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
publications/P0302/P03022010.pdf [Retrieved
of 16 December 2008 on food additives
23rd July 2010]
242
The Vegetarian Society, 2012. Food Help for
Fairtrade. [Online] http://www.fairtradelabel.org.
Caterers. [Online] http://www.vegsoc.org/page.
za [Retrieved 15 November 2012]
aspx?pid=506 [Retrieved 4th December 2012]
Proudly South African, 2012. What is Proudly
The British Diabetic Foundation, 2012. Caring
South African? [Online] http://www.proudlysa.
for People with Diabetes. [Online] http://www.
co.za [Retrieved 15 November 2012]
diabetes.org.uk [Retrieved 4th December 2012]

The American Heart Association, 2012. Getting
Healthy Nutrition Centre. [Online] http://www.
heart.org [Retrieved 4th December 2012]
Nutrition Education Services Oregon Dairy
Council, 2012. Dash Diet Eating Plan. [Online]
http://www.dashdietoregon.org [Retrieved
4th December 2012]
Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America,
2012. Food Service Kit. [Online] http://www.
ifanca.org [Retrieved 4th December 2012]
Storage
Colorado State University-Extension, 2012.Food
Storage for Safety and Quality. [Online] http://
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09310.htm
[Retrieved 04 December 2012]
Clemson University Cooperative Extension
Service and Oregonian Food Day, 2012. Food
Storage Chart - Food Storage Guidelines Shelf
Life of Food - Refrigerator & Freezer Storage
Chart. [Online] http://whatscookingamerica.net/
KIR Kosher Food Certification, 2012. What
Information/FreezerChart.htm [Retrieved
Does Kosher Mean? [Online] http://www.
04 December 2012]
koshercertification.org.uk/whatdoe.html
Help With Series, 2012. Guide to home

refrigeration and the correct storage of
cooked and fresh food items.[Online] http://
Nutrition table
The World Health Organisation, 2012. Health
Topics Nutrition. [Online] http://www.who.int
www.helpwithcooking.com/food-storage/
refrigeration-tips.html [Retrieved 04
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Storing Food Safely - Home Storage Practices.
World Health Organization. Diet, nutrition and
[Online] http://www.food-safety-and-you.com/
the prevention of chronic diseases. Report of a
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Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation. Geneva,
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WorldHealth Organization. 2003 (WHO Technical

Report Series, No. 916)
When in Doubt Throw it Out!, Fight Bac

Campaign, USDA. Refrigerator and Freezer
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04 December 2012]
Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa,
Help With Series, 2012. How to test an eggs
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[Online] http://www.helpwithcooking.com/
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SASSI The Southern African Sustainable
December 2012]
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wwfsassi.co.za [Retrieved 15 November 2012]
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Storage continued...
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December 2012]
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244

Food Additives Appendix

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Food labelling, ingredients

The UFS Food Labelling Guide 2012 is published by:

Food additives appendix

Information you will find for each food additive

E-numbers are part of a European numbering system. An

Some additives may be known by a number of different names.

Short description of the additive.

Details of the origin of the food additive.

Food additives are grouped into classes according to their main

Examples of food products which may contain this additive.

Note: suitability of the additive for allergies, intolerances

Main references used

White powder, for example used to make the taste of

Synthetic substance, made of ketones

Soft drinks, fruit juice, dairy drinks, jam, ice cream,

Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians

Acetic acid, glacial E260

Ethanoic acid, glacial acetic acid

Acid, for example used against the growth

Natural acid, present in fruits like figs. Also synthetically

Vinegar, cheese, bread, salad dressing, mayonnaise, meats,

Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians

Acetylated di-starch adipate E1422

Starch G, acetated starch

Substance, for example used to make a product

Synthetic substance, made of starch and acetic

Ready-to-eat meals, desserts, cake filling, jelly products

Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians

Acetylated di-starch phosphate E1414

Substance, for example used to make a product thicker

Synthetic substance, made of starch

Ready-to-eat meals, desserts, cake filling, jelly products

Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians

Acid treated starch

Acid modified starch

Substance, for example used to make a product thicker

Synthetic substance, made of starch (also indicated as

Thickener and stabilizer

Gumballs, sugared candy, chips, chocolates, biscuits, sausages

Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians

Adipic acid E355

White powder, for example used to minimize taste

Natural acid, present in beets and sugar cane (juice)

Confectionery, baking products, gelatin, canned

Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians

Agar-agar, bengal isinglass, Ceylon isinglass, Chinese isinglass,

White or yellowish, occurs in different forms (e.g. strips, flakes,

Natural carbohydrate, produced by seaweeds (vegetable

Ice cream, confectionery, bakery products, beer, marmalade

Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians

Norgine, polymannuronic acid, sazio

White to yellowish brown substance, serving many functions

Natural carbohydrate, produced by seaweed

Lemonade, instant pudding powder, confectionery, chewing gum,

Can be used by all religions, vegans and vegetarians

White powder, for example used to make the taste of a product

Synthetic substance, made by a complex chemical process

Candy, chocolates, chewing gum, jam, marmalade