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

E128 – Red 2G

Red 2G (E128) is a synthetic azo dye, banned in the EU since 2007 due to carcinogenic concerns.
E123 – Amaranth

Amaranth (E123) is a synthetic red azo dye banned in the US and many countries due to cancer risk. Still permitted in limited EU uses, it is classified as UNSAFE and should be avoided.
E211 – Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate (E211) is a preservative used in soft drinks, sauces, and processed foods. While generally safe at regulated levels, it has been linked to benzene formation and hyperactivity in children, making it a substance…
E407 – Carrageenan

Carrageenan (E407) is a seaweed-derived thickener and stabilizer used in dairy, plant-based milks, and processed foods. It is legally allowed but remains controversial due to concerns about digestive health.
E304 – Ascorbyl palmitate

Ascorbyl palmitate (E304) is a fat‑soluble vitamin C derivative used as an antioxidant to protect fats and flavors. Widely considered safe at authorised uses.

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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