Food additives database

Is It Safe? Side Effects & Regulation

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

E321 – Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Butylated hydroxytoluene (E321, BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant used to stabilize fats and oils. EFSA set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg bw/day in 2012. While permitted in the EU and US, mechanistic and high‑dose animal…
E320 – Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Butylated hydroxyanisole (E320, BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant used to protect fats and oils from rancidity. It is permitted in the EU with an ADI of 1.0 mg/kg bw/day and allowed in the US for…
E270 – Lactic acid

Lactic acid (E270) is a widely used acidity regulator and preservative. This summary explains its safety grade (GREEN), common uses, science and production, and where it is allowed.
E1422 – Acetylated Distarch Adipate

E1422 Acetylated Distarch Adipate is a modified starch thickener and stabiliser with a strong safety record. We grade it GREEN – SAFE.
E954 – Saccharin

Saccharin (E954) is an intense, zero‑calorie sweetener. It is legally approved but retains some controversy at high intakes, so we grade it ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS.

Browse by category

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.

Icon for thickeners stabilisers and emulsifiers additive category.

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

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

GREEN

Generally recognized as safe, widely accepted without controversy.

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

ORANGE

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

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

RED

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

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.

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