E-additives safety guide

Is it safe? Side effects & regulation

Check food additives and E-numbers

Each entry explains what an additive is, where it is used, and how it is safety graded. You can also review possible side effects and how regulators in the EU, US, and other markets classify it. The grading system shows whether an additive is GREEN (Safe), ORANGE (Some Concerns), or RED (Unsafe/Banned)

Recent additives

  • E415 – Xanthan Gum

    E415 – Xanthan Gum

    Health concerns are minimal, though excessive consumption may lead to mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. This can include bloating, flatulence, or a laxative effect when consumed in high amounts.

  • E141 – Copper complexes of chlorophylls

    E141 – Copper complexes of chlorophylls

    E141 (Copper complexes of chlorophylls) are natural green food colorants. Safe, stable, and widely used in beverages, canned vegetables, and confectionery.

  • E140 – Chlorophylls

    E140 – Chlorophylls

    Chlorophylls (E140) are natural green pigments used as food colorants. Safe, non-toxic, and with possible antioxidant benefits.

  • E160a – Beta-carotene

    E160a – Beta-carotene

    Beta-carotene (E160a) is a natural orange pigment and vitamin A precursor. Safe, widely used in foods, and beneficial as an antioxidant.

  • E955 – Sucralose

    E955 – Sucralose

    Sucralose (E955) is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener. Approved globally, but controversial for gut health, metabolism, and safety when heated.

  • E338 – Phosphoric Acid

    E338 – Phosphoric Acid

    Phosphoric acid (E338) is widely used in soft drinks and processed foods. It is legally permitted but controversial due to links with bone health, dental erosion, and kidney issues.

  • E172 – Iron oxides and hydroxides

    E172 – Iron oxides and hydroxides

    Colouring additive rated ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS due to safety debates, though legally permitted in EU and US.

Browse by category

Icon for colours additive category.

Colours

Colours are additives used to restore, enhance, or standardise the appearance of food and drinks.

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Preservatives

Preservatives help slow spoilage by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and extending shelf life.

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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.

Icon for ph regulators and anti caking agents.

pH regulators and anti caking agents

These additives adjust acidity and help powders or granules stay free-flowing instead of clumping together.

Icon for flavour enhancers additive category.

Flavour enhancers

Flavour enhancers are used to intensify or round out existing taste without necessarily adding a distinct flavour of their own.

Icon for antibiotics additive category.

Antibiotics

This category includes substances historically used in limited food-related contexts to inhibit bacterial growth.

Icon for glazing agents gases and sweereners additive category.

Glazing agents, gases and sweeteners

These additives provide shine, assist with packaging or processing, and add sweetness with or without sugar.

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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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