F O O D A D D I T I V E S

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.

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* 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