F O O D
A D D I T I V E S
COLORS (E100-E181)
Num. Name
Comments
E100*
Curcumin Orange-yellow
color, derived from the root of the curcuma (turmeric) plant of the ginger
family, but can
be artificially produced. Used in cheese, margarine, baked sweets and fish
fingers.
E101*
Riboflavin (vitamin B2),
Riboflavin-5'-phosphate
Vitamin B2 and yellow color, occurs naturally in
greenveges, eggs, milk, liver and kidney. Used in
margarine and cheese.
E102
Tartrazine FD&C
Yellow No.5., commonly used color, the HACSG
(Hyperactive Children's Support Group declares that the substance may cause
allergic reactions) recommends to avoid it. Known to provoke asthma attacks
(though the US FDA (Food and Drug
Administration) do not recognise this) and urticaria (nettle rash) in
children (FDA estimates 1:10 000); also linked to thyroid tumors, chromozomal
damage, urticaria (hives) and hyperactivity. Tatrazine sensitivity is also
linked to aspirin sensiticity. Used to colour drinks, sweets, jams, cereals,
snack foods, canned fish, packaged soups. Typical products are soft
drinks, confectionary, cordials, pickles. Banned
in Norway and Austria.
E104
Quinoline yellow
FD&C Yellow No.10. Used in lipsticks, hair products, colognes; also
in wide range
of medications. Cause dermatitis. Banned in Australia, USA
and Norway.
E107 Yellow
2G/7G Yellow color, the HACSG recommends to avoid it. People who
suffer asthma may also
show an allergic reaction to it. Typical products are soft
drinks. Banned in Australia, USA.
E110* Sunset
yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S
FD&C Yellow No.6,
synthetic. HACSG recommends to avoid it. Typical products are cordials,
confectionary, packet soups.Used in cereals, bakery, sweets, snack foods, ice
cream, drinks and canned fish; also in many medications including Berocca,
Polaramine, Ventolin syrup. Side effects are urticaria (hives), rhinitis (runny
nose), nasal congestion, allergies, swelling, hyperactivity, kidney tumors,
chromosomal damage, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, distaste for food; seen increased
incidence of tumours in animals. Banned in Norway.
E120*
Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines
Red color, made from insects, rarely used. HACSG recommends
to avoid it.
E122
Azorubine, Carmoisine
Red color, coal tar derivate. HACSG recommends to avoid it. Sensitive
people, people allergic to aspirin and asthmatics may produce bad reactions to
it. Typical products are confectionary, marzipan, jelly cristals. Banned in
Sweden, USA, Australia and Norway
E123
Amaranth FD&C
Red No.2 (Purplish-red), derived from the small herbaceous plant of the same
name. Used in cake mixes, fruit-flavoured fillings, jelly cristals. Can provoke
asthma, eczema and hyperactivity; it causes birth defects and foetal deaths in
some animal tests, possibly also cancer. Banned in the United States in 1976,
Russia, Austria and Norway; still used in Australia. Avoid it!
E124
Brilliant scarlet 4R (Ponceau 4R), Cochineal Red A
FD&C Red No.4, synthetic coal tar and azo dye. Carcinogen in animals.
Asthmatics and people with aspirin sensitivity may show bad reactions. The HACSG
recommends to avoid it. Banned in USA and Norway.
E127
Erythrosine FD&C
Red No.3. Red color used
in custard mix, biscuits, glace
cherries, canned cherries and strawberries (canned fruit), sweets, bakery, snack
foods. HACSG recommends to avoid it. Might increase thyroid hormone levels and
lead to hyperthyroidism; was shown to cause thyroid cancer in rats in a study in
1990. Can cause sensitivity to light. Banned in January 1990, but not recalled
by the US FDA; banned in Norway.
E128 Red
2G
Banned in Australia and many other places except UK.
E129 Allura
red AC FD&C
Red No.40. Synthetic orange-red color used in sweets, biscuits, cake mixes,
fruit-flavoured fillings, drinks and condiments, medications and cosmetics.
Introduced in the early eighties to replace amaranth which was considered not
safe due to conflicting test results. Allura red has also been connected with
cancer in mice. May be an allergen in allergic skin conditions. Banned in
Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and Norway.
E131 Patent
blue V Banned in Australia, USA and Norway.
E132*
Indigotine, Indigo carmine
FD&C Blue No.2, synthetic coal tar derivative. Commonly added to
tablets and capsules; also used in ice cream, sweets, baked goods,
confectionary, biscuits. People with allergies should avoid it. May cause
nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems and other
allergic reactions.
E133
Brilliant blue FCF
FC&D Blue Dye No.1, synthetic usually occuring as aluminium lake
(solution) or ammonium salt. Used in dairy products, sweets and drinks. HACSG
recommends to avoid it. Banned in Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden,
Austria and Norway.
E140
Chlorophyll
Green to olive color, occurs naturally in all plants, naturally part of
man's diet. Used for dyeing waxes and oils, used in medicines.
E141
Copper complexes of chorophyll and chlorophyllins
Olive color, no adverse effects are known.
E142
Green S
Green color, seems safe in small quantities.
E150(a)
Plain caramel
Dark brown color made from sucrose. HACSG recommends to avoid it. Typical
products are oyster, soy, fruit and caramel sauces, beer, whiskey, biscuitts,
pickles.
E150(b)
Caustic sulphite caramel
See E150(a)
E150(c)
Ammonia caramel
See E150(a)
E150(d)
Sulphite ammonia caramel
See E150(a)
E151
Brilliant
black BN, Black PN
Black color, coal tar derivative. Used in brown sauces, blackcurrant cake
mixes. HACSG recommends to avoid it. Banned in Denmark, Australia, Belgium,
France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, USA and Norway.
E153*
Vegetable carbon
Black color, charcoal pigment. Used in jams, jelly cristals, liquorice.
Only the vegetable variety permitted in Australia, banned in USA
E154 Brown
FK
Not permitted in Australia, banned in USA.
E155
Chocolate brown HT
Brown color, coal tar and azo dye. Used in chocolate cake mixes. HACSG
recommends to avoid it. Can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people
allergic to aspirin; also known to induce skin sensitivity. Banned in Denmark,
Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, USA, Norway.
E160(a)*
Carotene, alpha-, beta-, gamma-
Orange-yellow colour. Human body converts it to vitamin A in the liver.
Found in carrots and other yellow or orange fruits and vegetables.
E160(b)*
Annato (Arnatto, Annato), bixin,
norbixin
Red color (peach colour), derived from a tree (Bixa orellana). Used as a
body paint, fabric dye, digestive aid and expectorant. Typical products are
dairy products.Used to dye cheese, butter, margarine, cereales, snack foods,
soaps, textiles and varnishes. Known to cause urticaria (nettle rash). HACSG
recommends to avoid it.
E160(c)* Paprika
extract, capsanthin, capsorubin
Not permitted in Australia. Avoid it, banned in some countries.
E160(d)*
Lycopene
Red coloured carotenoid, found in tomatoes and pink grapefruit. Can cause
decreasing risk of cancer. Not permitted in Australia.
E160(e)* Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C30)
Orange color, no adverse effects are known.
E160(f)* Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic acid (C30)
Orange color, no adverse effects are known.
E161(b)
Xanthophylls - Lutein
Yellow color, derived from plants, naturally found in green leaves,
marigolds and egg yolks. Unlikely to produce adverse effects.
E161(g)*
Xanthophylls - Canthaxanthin
Yellow/Orange color, possibly derived from animal sources (retinol).
Pegment is found in some mushroms, crustacea, fish, flamingo feathers. No
adverse effects are known.
E162 Beetroot red, Betanin
Purple color, derived from beets. No adverse effects are known.
E163 Anthocyanins
Violet color, matter of flowers and plants.
Seems safe.
E170*
Calcium carbonate
Mineral salt, may be derived from rock mineral or animal bones. Used in
toothpastes, white paint and cleaning powders. Sometimes used to deacidify wines
and firm canned fruit and vegetables. Toxic at 'high doses'.
E171 Titanium
dioxide
White color. Used in toothpaste and white paint, pollutes waterways. No
adverse effects are known.
E172
Iron oxides and hydroxides
Black, yellow, red color. Used in salmon and shrimp pastes. Toxic at
'high doses'.
E173
Aluminium Not permitted in Australia. Avoid it.
Banned in some countries.
E174 Silver
Not permitted in Australia. Avoid it. Banned in some countries.
E175 Gold
Not permitted in Australia. Avoid it. Banned in some countries.
E180
Latolrubine BK (Pigment rubine)
Not permitted in Australia. Avoid it. Banned in some countries.
E181 Tannic acid,
tannins
Clarifying agent in alcoholic drinks, derived from the nutgalls and twigs
of oak trees, occurs naturally in tea.
_________________________________
* Additives
which are probably or definitely anymal (mostly pig) derivation.
PRESERVATIVES (E200-E290)
Num. Name
Comments
E200
Sorbic acid Possible skin irritant.
E201
Sodium sorbate
No known adverse effects.
E202
Potassium sorbate
No known adverse effects.
E203
Calcium sorbate
No known adverse effects.
E210
Benzoic acid
HACSG
recommends to avoid it. Typical products are soft drinks, juices, cordials,
chilly pastes.
E211
Sodium benzoate
HACSG recommends to avoid it. Typical products same as E210.
E212
Potassium benzoate
People with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions. Typical
products same as E210.
E213
Calcium benzoate
See E212.
E214
Ethyl4-hydroxybenzoate
Not permitted in Australia.
E215
Sodium salt
Not permitted in Australia.
E216
Propylparaben
Possible contact allergen.
E217
Propyl4-hydroxybenzoate
Not
permitted in Australia.
E218
Methylparaben
Allergic
reactions possible, mainly affecting the skin.
E219
Methyl4-hydroxybenzoate
Not permitted in Australia.
E220
Sulphur dioxides
Produced
by combustion of sulphur or gypsum. Typical products are raw fruits and
vegetables, beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar,
potato products. HACSG recommends to avoid it. May cause allergic reactions in
asthmatics, destroys vitamin B1, difficult to metabolise for those with impaired
kidney function.
E221
Sodium sulphite
Decontaminating agent, used in
fresh orange juice. See E220.
E222
Sodium bisulphite
See E220.
E223
Sodium metabisulphite
Treating agent. See E220.
E224
Potassium metabisulphite
See E220.
E225
Potassium sulphite
See E220.
E226
Calcium sulphite
Avoid it. Banned in some
countries. Not permitted in Australia.
E227
Calcium hydrogen sulphite
Avoid it. Banned in some countries. Not permitted in Australia.
E228
Potassium bisulphite
See E220.
E230
Biphenyl, Diphenyl
Can be used for agricultural
purposes. Typical products are citrus fruit. Not permitted in Australia. Banned
in some countries.
E231
2-Hydroxybiphenyl/Orthophenyl phenol
Can
be used for agricutural puposes. Typical products are pears, carrots, peaches,
plums, prunes, sweet potatoe, citrus fruit, pineapples, tomatoes, peppers,
cherries, nectarines. Not permitted in Australia. Banned in some countries.
E232
Sodium biphenyl-2-oxide/Sodium orthophenyl phenol
See
E231.
E233
Thiabendazole
Can be used for agricultural
purposes. Typical products are citrus fruits, apples, pears, patatoes, bananas,
mushrooms, meat, milk. Not permitted in Australia. Banned in some countries.
E234
Nisin
Antibiotic derived from bacteria. Found in beer, processed cheese
products, tomato paste. Not known adverse effects.
E235
Natamycin
Mould
inhibitor derived from bacteria. Sometimes used medically to treat candidiasis.
Can cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea and skin irritation. Typical
products are meat, cheese.
E236
Formic acid
Avoid
it. Banned in some countries. Not permitted in Australia.
E237
Sodium formate
Avoid
it. Banned in some countries. Not permitted in Australia.
E238
Calcium formate
Avoid
it. Banned in some countries. Not permitted in Australia.
E239
Hexamine
Avoid
it. Banned in some countries. Not permitted in Australia.
E249
Potassium nitrite
Color
fixative and curing agent for meet. Nitrites can effect the body's ability to
carry oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches. Not
permitted in foods for infant and young children. Potential carcinogen.
E250
Sodium nitrite
See
E249. Can combine with chemicals in stomach to form nitrosamine. May provoke
hyperactivity and other adverse reactions. Potentially carcinogenic. Restricted
in many countries. HACSG recommends
to avoid it.
E251
Sodium nitrate
See
E250. Also used in the manufacture of nitric acid, as a fertiliser and in
fermented meat products.
E252*
Potassium nitrate
See
E249. May be derived from waste animal or vegetable matter. Used in gunpowder
explosives and fertilisers, and in the preservation of meat. May provoke
hyperactivity and other adverse reactions; potencially carcinogenic. Restricted
in many countries.
E260
Acetic acid
Main component of vinegar, synthetically produced from wood fibres.
Used in pickles, chutneys and sauces. No known adverse effects.
E261
Potassium acetate
Food
acid. Typical products are sauces, pickles. Should be avoided by people with
impaired kidney function.
E262
Sodium diacetate, sodium acetate
Food acid, acidity regulator. No known adverse effects.
E263
Calcium acetate
Food acid, acidity regulator. By product in the manufacture of wood
alcohol. Used to make acetic acid (vinegar) and in the production of dyers
mordants.
E264
Amonium acetate
Can
cause nausea and vomiting.
E270*
Lactic acid
Food
acid, acidity regulator. Produced by heating and fermenting carbohydrates in
milk whey, potatoes, cornstarch or molasses. Difficult for babies to metabolise.
Typical products are infant formulas, confectionary, sweets, dressings, soft
drinks, sometimes beer.
E280
Propionic acid
Propionates
occur naturally in fermented foods, human perspiration and ruminants digestive
tract. Also can be derived commercially from ethylene and carbon monoxide or
propionaldehyde or natural gas or fermented wood pulp. Produced when bacteria
decompose fibre. Commonly used in bread and flour products. All propionates are
thought to be linked with migraine headaches.
E281
Sodium propionate
May
be linked to migraines. Typical productes are flour products.
E282
Calcium propionate
See
E281.
E283
Potassium propionate
See
E281.
E290
Carbon dioxide
Propellant
coolant, derived from lime manufacture. May increase the effect of alcohol.
Typical products are wine, soft drinks, confectionary.
ACIDS, ANTIOXIDANTS, MINERAL SALTS
(E296-E385)
Num. Name
Comments
E296 DL-Malic acid
Derived from fruit or synthetic. Infants and young children should avoid
it.
E297
Fumaric acid
Derived from plants of the genus Fumaria esp. F.officianalis or from the
fermentation of glucose with fungi. Can be used to flavour, acidify, as an
antioxidant or raising agent used in soft drinks and cake mixes. No known
adverse effects.
E300
Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C, flour treating agent. May be made synthetically from glucose.
Naturally occurs in fruit and vegetables. Added to products as diverse as cured
meat, breakfast cereals, frozen fish and wine.
E301 Sodium ascorbate
Sodium salt of vitamin C.
E302 Calcium
ascorbate
Vitamin C. May increase the formation of calcium axalate stones.
E303
Potassium ascorbate
Potassium salt of vitamin C.
E304
Ascorbyl palmitate, Ascorbyl
Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid. Same function as vitamin C
(E300).
E306, E307, E308,
E309 Tocopherols,
alpha-, gamma-, delta-
Vitamin E. Found in many vegetable oils, including soy, wheat germ, rice
germ, cottonseed, maize. Works as an antioxidant for fatty acids and tissue
fats, preventing vitamin A from oxidation. Used in margarine and salad
dressings.
E310
Propyl gallate
Derived
from nutgalls. Used to prevent rancidity in oily substances Typical products are
margarine, fats, oils, lard and salad dressings, sometimes used in packaging.
Gallates are not permitted in foods for infants and small chidren because of
their known tendency to cause the blood disorder, methemoglobinemia. May cause
gastric or skin irritation.
E311
Octyl gallate
See
E310.
E312
Dodecyl gallate
See
E310.
E317
Erythorbic acid Produced
from sucrose. No known adverse effects.
E318
Sodium erythorbate
Produced from E317. No known adverse effects.
E319
Tert-ButylHydroQuinone (TBHQ)
Petroleum based. Typical products are fats, oils, margarine. HACSG
recommends to avoid it. May cause nausea, vomiting, delirium. A dose of
5g is considered fatal.
E320
Butylated hydroxy-anisole (BHA)
Petroleum derivative, retards spoilage due to oxidation.Typical products
are fats, edible oils, margarine, nuts, instant potato products, chewing gum, polyethylene food wraps..
HACSG recommends
to avoid it. Not permitted in foods for infants or young chidren. Can provoke an
allergic reaction in some people, may trigger hyperactivity and other
intolerances. Serious concerns over carcinogenicity and estrogenic effects. In
large doses caused tumors in lab animals. Banned in Japan in 1958. Official
committees of experts recommended that it be banned in the UK, however due to
industry pressure it was not banned. McDonald's eliminated BHT from their US
products by 1986. See also Butil compounds.
E321
Butylated hydroxy-toluene (BHT)
Petroleum derivate. Typical products are nuts. HACSG recommend to avoid
it. Not permitted in foods for infants or young chidren. See E320.
E322
Lecithins*
Emulsifier derived from soy beans, egg yolks, peanuts, corn or animal
resources. Nutritious and
non-toxic, but overdose can upset the stomach, kill the appetite and cause
profuse sweting. Used to allow combination of oils in margarine, chocolate,
mayonnaise, milk powder. Must be choosen vegetable type.
E325
Sodium lactate*
Derived from milk (lactic acid). May contain pork rennin or whey in
process. Young children with lactose intolerance may show adverse reactions
E326*
Potassium lactate
See E325.
E327*
Calcium lactate
See E325.
E328*
Ammonium lactate
See E325.
E329*
Magnesium lactate
See E325.
E330
Citric acid
Food
acid, naturally derived from citrus fruit. Used in biscuits, canned fish, cheese
and processed cheese products, infant formulas, cake and soup mixes, rye bread,
soft drinks, fermented meat products.
E331
Sodium citrates
Food acid. No known adverse effects.
E332
Potassium citrates
Food acid. No known adverse effects.
E333
Calcium citrates
Food acid. No known adverse effects in small quantities.
E334
Tartaric acid
Food acid. No known adverse effects in small quantities.
E335
Sodium tartrates
Food acid. No known adverse effects.
E336
Potassium tartrates
Food acid. No known adverse effects.
E337
Sodium potassium tartrate
Food acid. No known adverse effects.
E338
Phosphoric acid
Food acid, derived from phosphate ore. Used in cheese products. No known
adverse effects.
E339
Sodium orthophosphates
Mineral salt, used as a laxative and a fixing agent in textile dyeing.
High intakes may upset the calcium/phosphorus equilibrium.
E340
Potassium (ortho)phosphates
See E339.
E341*
Calcium (ortho)phosphates
Mineral salt found in rocks and bones. Used in medicines as an antacid
and polishing agent in enamels. No known adverse effects.
E343
Magnesium phosphates
Essential minerals, anticaking agent found in salt substitutes.
E350
Sodium malates
No known adverse effects.
E351
Potassium malate
No known adverse effects.
E352
Calcium malates
No known adverse effects.
E353
Metatartaric acid
No known adverse effects.
E354
Calcium tartrate
Seems safe.
E355
Adipic acid
Food
acid from the root adipose (pertaining to fat?) No known adverse effects.
E357
Potassium adipate
No known adverse effects.
E363
Succinic acid
Not permitted in Australia. Avoid it. Banned in some countries.
E365
Sodium fumarate
Food acid, salt of fumaric acid (derived from plants of the genus Fumaria
esp. F.officianalis). No known adverse effects.
E366
Potassium fumarate
No known adverse effects.
E367
Calcium fumarate
No known adverse effects.
E370
1,4-Heptonolactone
Not permitted in Australia. Avoid it. Banned in some countries.
E375
Niacin
Vitamin B3, naturally occurs in bean, pea and other legumes, milk, egg,
meat, poultry and fish. At doses in excess of 1.000 mg per day can cause liver
damage, diabetis, gastritis, eye damage, and elevated blood levels of uric acid
(which can cause gout). At amounts as low as 50-100 mg may cause flushing
(harmless but painful), headache and stomachache especially if taken on an empty
stomach.
E380
Tri-ammonium citrate
May interfere with liver and pancreas function.
E381
Ammonium ferric citrates
Essential mineral, food acid derived from citric acid. Used as a dietary
iron supplement in breakfast cereals and dietary formulas.
E385
Calcium disodium EDTA
Not permitted in Australia. Avoid it. Banned in some countries.
VEGETABLE
GUMS, EMULSIFIERS, STABILISERS, etc.
(E400-E495)
Num. Name
Comments
E400
Alginic acid
Thickener and vegetable gum, derived from seaweed. Used in custard mix,
cordials, flavoured milk, ice blocks, thickened cream and yoghurt.
No known adverse effects in small quantities. Large quantities can
inhibit the absorption of some nutrients.
E401
Sodium alginate
See E400.
E402
Potassium alginate
See E400.
E403
Ammonium alginate
See E400.
E404
Calcium alginate
See E400.
E405
Propylene glycol alginate alginate
Thickener and vegetable gum, derived from petroleum. See separate entry.
E406
Agar
Thickener and vegetable gum, derived from red seaweed. Sometimes used as
a laxative. Found in manufactured meats and ice cream.
See E400.
E407
Carrageenan
A fibre extracted from seaweed. It
has recently been linked with cancer because it may become contaminated when
ethylene oxyde is added to an inferior product - this results in
ethylene chlorohydrin forming, a highly carcinogenic compound. Linked to toxic
hazards, including ulcers and cancer. The most serious concerns relate to
degraded carrageenan, which is not permitted additive. However native
carrageenan, which is used, may become degraded in the gut.
E410
Locust bean gum
Derived from Carob or Locust bean tree Ceratonia siliqua. Used in
lollies, cordials, essences, some flour products, dressings, fruit juice drinks.
Frequently used as a caffeine-tree chocolate substitute. No known adverse
effects in small quantities. May lower choleserol levels.
E412
Guar gum
Derived from the seeds of Cyamoposis tetragonolobus of Indian origin. Fed
to cattle in the USA. Can cause nausea, flatulence and cramps, may reduce the
cholesterol levels. See E410.
E413
Tragacanth
Resin form of the tree 'Astragalus gummifier'. Used in foods, drugs
including nasal solutions, elexirs and tablets. Also used as a binder in
cosmetics. Possible contact alergy.
E414
Acacia
Derived from the sap of Acacia Sengal. Easily broken down by the human
digestive system.
Possible allergen, soothes irritations of the mucous membranes.
E415
Xanthan gum
Derived from the fermentation of corn sugar with bacterium. No known
adverse effects.
E416
Karaya gum
Derived from the tree Sterculia urens. Often used in conjunction with
Carob (E410), in ice cream, custard and sweets, as a filler for its capacity to
multiply its volume by 100 times with the addition of water. Possible allergen.
E417
Tara gum Derived
from the Tara bush, Caesalpinia Spinosa, indigenous to Equador and Peru, grown
in Kenya.
E420
Sorbitol
Artificial sweetener and humectant. Derived from glucose, either obtained
from berries or synthesised. Used
in lollies, dried fruits, confectionary, pastries, low calorie foods,
pharmacuetical syrups and opthalmic preparations and is the seventh most widely
used preservative in cosmetics. Not permitted in foods for infants and young
children, can cause gastric disturbance.
E421
Mannitol
Artificial sweetener and humectant. Derived from seaweed or the Manna ash tree. Typical products are low calorie foods.
Possible allergen. Not permitted in infant foods due to its ability to cause
diarrhea and kidney disfunction. Also may cause nausea and vomiting.
E422* Glycerol/Glycerin