Code numbers of additives most likely to cause a reaction in food sensitive people

Colours

Artificial

E102               Tartrazine

E107               Yellow 2G

E110               Sunset yellow FCF

E 122 - 129     Most red colourings

E133               Brilliant blue FCF

E142               Green S

E151               Black PN

E155               Brown HT 

Natural

E160b             Annatto

E160d             Lycopene (extracted from tomatoes)

Preservatives

PSorbates (E200 - 203). Inhibits the growth of yeasts/moulds. Found in dairy products, wine, canned/bottled foods.

E200               Sorbic acid

E201               Sodium sorbate

E202               Potassium sorbate

E203               Calcium sorbate 

Benzoates (E210 - 213). Anitbacterial and antifungal. Found in frui/vegetable - based products -jams, juices, sauces, condiments.

E210               Benzoic acid

E211               Sodium benzoate

E212               Potassium benzoate

E213               Calcium benzoate 

Sulphites (E220 - 227) Prevents foid spoilage. Most widely used in preserving fruit and vegetable based products and in the manufacture of wine

E220               Sulphur dioxide

E221               Sodium sulphite

E222               Sodium bisulphite

E223               Sodium metabisulphite

E224               Potassium metabisulphite

E226               Calcium sulphite

E227               Calcium bisulphite 

Nitrates/Nitrites (E249 - 252). Antibacterial, preservative in meat, fish and cheese

E249               Potassium nitrite

E250               Sodium nitrite

E251               Sodium nitrate

E252               Potassium nitrate

Propionates (E280 - 283). Antifungal agent. Found in dairy products

E280               Propionic acid                                    

E281               Sodium propionate                             

E282               Calcium propionate                            

E283               Potassium propionate                

Antioxidants (E310 - 321). Stops fats from going rancid. Found in vegetable oils, snack foods, breakfast cereals and many foods containing fat.

E310               Propyl gallate

E311               Octyl gallate

E312               Dodecyl gallate

E320               Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

E321               Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)  

Flavour enhancers

E621               Monosodium glutamate (MSG). Used to enhance the falavour of meats and soups (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome)

For more information about organic and genetically modified food click here.

back to top