Recent additives
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E282 – Calcium propionate
E282 (calcium propionate) is a common bread preservative that helps stop mould, but newer human and cohort evidence supports an ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS rating rather than a fully reassuring green grade.
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E326 – Potassium lactate
E326, potassium lactate, is a lactic acid salt used mainly in processed meats to control pH, hold moisture, and slow bacterial growth; for most consumers it appears low risk, but people on potassium-restricted diets should…
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E445 – Glycerol esters of wood rosin
E445 helps keep citrus flavour oils evenly suspended in cloudy drinks. Current reviews place compliant food-grade material in the low-risk range at permitted use levels.
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E252 – Potassium nitrate
E252 (potassium nitrate) is a curing preservative used in some traditional meats, fish and cheeses. It remains legal, but nitrosation concerns and newer human signals keep it in the some-concerns range.
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E235 – Natamycin
E235 (natamycin) is a surface antifungal preservative used mainly on cheese rind and some cured sausages. Current evidence supports low risk at permitted levels, but broader mixed-through uses would raise more questions about gut exposure…
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Colours
Colours are additives used to restore, enhance, or standardise the appearance of food and drinks.
Preservatives
Preservatives help slow spoilage by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and extending shelf life.
Antioxidants and acidity regulators
These additives help prevent oxidation, maintain freshness, and control the acidity or alkalinity of food.
Thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers
These additives improve texture, keep ingredients evenly mixed, and help foods maintain a consistent structure.
pH regulators and anti caking agents
These additives adjust acidity and help powders or granules stay free-flowing instead of clumping together.
Flavour enhancers
Flavour enhancers are used to intensify or round out existing taste without necessarily adding a distinct flavour of their own.
Antibiotics
This category includes substances historically used in limited food-related contexts to inhibit bacterial growth.
Glazing agents, gases and sweeteners
These additives provide shine, assist with packaging or processing, and add sweetness with or without sugar.
Additional additives
Additional additives include specialised substances that do not fit neatly into the main standard additive groups.
Browse by safety grade
Food additives scanner mobile application
- Designed to quickly scan product labels in any language.
- Automatic detection of additives and E-numbers.
- Instantly provide a safety analysis based on the additives detected.
- Clear results without complex chemistry.
- Science-based safety approach.
