What does the food additives database provide?

Each entry explains what the additive is, where it is used, and its safety profile. There are also details about possible side effects and how regulators in the EU, US, and other markets classify it. Simple grading system shows whether an additive is GREEN (Safe), ORANGE (Some Concerns), or RED (Unsafe/Banned).

Recent additives

  • E306 – Tocopherol-rich extract (Vitamin E)

    E306 – Tocopherol-rich extract (Vitamin E)

    E306 (Tocopherol-rich extract) is a natural antioxidant sourced from vegetable oils and rich in vitamin E forms. It protects fats from oxidation and is considered safe at permitted levels. EFSA evaluations and independent research both…

  • E296 – Malic Acid

    E296 – Malic Acid

    E296 (Malic Acid) is a naturally occurring organic acid found in fruits such as apples and grapes. It is widely used as an acidity regulator and flavor enhancer with a strong safety record. Regulatory agencies…

  • E322 – Lecithins

    E322 – Lecithins

    E322 (Lecithins) are natural phospholipid emulsifiers from soy, sunflower or egg. They are widely used in chocolate, baked goods and infant formulas. Regulatory bodies consider lecithins safe, and independent studies support excellent tolerance, so the…

  • E452 – Polyphosphates (i, ii, iii, iv, v)

    E452 – Polyphosphates (i, ii, iii, iv, v)

    E452 (Polyphosphates) includes sodium, potassium, calcium, ammonium and mixed polyphosphate salts used as stabilising and emulsifying agents. EFSA’s phosphate group ADI has been exceeded in some population groups, and independent studies link high phosphate additive…

  • E900 – Dimethylpolysiloxane

    E900 – Dimethylpolysiloxane

    E900 (Dimethylpolysiloxane, PDMS) is a silicone-based antifoaming agent used in frying oils, soft drinks and processed foods. EFSA’s 2020 re-evaluation set an ADI of 17 mg/kg bw/day and found no safety concern at authorised uses,…

  • E451(i) – Pentasodium triphosphate

    E451(i) – Pentasodium triphosphate

    E451(i) (Pentasodium triphosphate) is a fast-absorbing inorganic phosphate widely used in processed meats and bakery products. High intake has been linked to kidney strain and vascular calcification in independent studies. We assign ORANGE – SOME…

  • E450(i) – Disodium diphosphate

    E450(i) – Disodium diphosphate

    Inorganic pyrophosphate produced by heating sodium phosphate salts. Widely used to stabilise texture and moisture in processed foods but is absorbed very rapidly in the body, which can stress kidney and cardiovascular systems in sensitive…

  • E262(ii) – Potassium Acetate

    E262(ii) – Potassium Acetate

    Analysis of potassium acetate (E262(ii)) including its preservative action, metabolic behaviour, toxicology data, and regulatory approval in the EU and worldwide.

  • E331 – Sodium and Potassium Citrates

    E331 – Sodium and Potassium Citrates

    A complete safety and regulatory overview of E331 sodium and potassium citrates, including how they’re used and why authorities consider them safe.

  • E500 – Sodium Carbonates (i, ii, iii)

    E500 – Sodium Carbonates (i, ii, iii)

    Full scientific review of sodium carbonates (E500(i), E500(ii), E500(iii)), their uses, safety profile and regulatory status.

Browse by category

COLOURS

E100 – E199

Icon for colours additive category.

PRESERVATIVES

E200 – E299

Icon for preservative additives category.

ANTIBIOTICS

E700 – E713

Icon for antibiotics additive category.

ADDITIONAL ADDITIVES

E1100 – E1599

Icon for additional additives category.

Browse by safety grade

GREEN – safe

Green grain dots symbol for safe food additive (E number classification – GREEN level).

Generally recognized as safe, widely accepted without controversy.

ORANGE – some concerns

Orange grain dots symbol for food additive with some concerns (E number classification – ORANGE level).

Additives still legally allowed in the EU/US but controversial, restricted in some contexts, or under scientific debate.

RED – unsafe

Red grain dots symbol for unsafe food additive (E number classification – RED level).

Only for additives that are banned or clearly unsafe based on strong scientific consensus.

Food additives scanner mobile application

Food Additives Scanner is an Android mobile application designed to quickly scan product labels in any language and instantly provide a safety analysis based on the additives detected.

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