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

  • E469 – Enzymatically hydrolysed carboxymethyl cellulose

    E469 – Enzymatically hydrolysed carboxymethyl cellulose

    E469 is a lower-viscosity cellulose derivative used when manufacturers want stability and mouthfeel without a heavy, gummy texture. Current evidence still supports a GREEN – SAFE rating, while newer CMC-family gut studies justify a narrow…

  • E460 – Cellulose

    E460 – Cellulose

    E460 covers microcrystalline cellulose and powdered cellulose. Current EFSA and JECFA evaluations support a GREEN – SAFE rating, with no numerical ADI needed and only mild digestive effects possible at high intakes.

  • E160b – Annatto (bixin, norbixin)

    E160b – Annatto (bixin, norbixin)

    E160b (annatto, bixin, norbixin) is a natural orange-yellow colour used mainly in cheeses, spreads, and snacks. It is legally permitted in the EU and US, but rare allergic reactions and a lower ADI for norbixin…

  • E325 – Sodium lactate

    E325 – Sodium lactate

    E325 (sodium lactate) is a lactate salt used mainly as an acidity regulator and antimicrobial support, especially in processed meats. It is generally considered low risk for most people. Main practical concern is added sodium…

  • E450 – Diphosphates

    E450 – Diphosphates

    Diphosphates (E450) are phosphate salts used in baking, processed meats and cheese to control acidity, improve texture and retain moisture. They are permitted in the EU and US, but high cumulative phosphate intake from additive-heavy…

  • E466 – Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Cellulose Gum)

    E466 – Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Cellulose Gum)

    E466 (carboxymethyl cellulose, also called cellulose gum) is a cellulose-derived thickener and stabiliser. Regulators consider it safe for general use, but controlled human studies suggest it can alter the gut microbiome and cause mild gastrointestinal…

  • E316 – Sodium erythorbate

    E316 – Sodium erythorbate

    E316 (sodium erythorbate) is an antioxidant used mainly in cured and processed meats to stabilise colour and slow oxidation. It remains legally permitted, but a new large cohort study reported a small association with cancer…

Browse by category

Icon for colours additive category.

Colours

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

Icon for preservative additives category.

Preservatives

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

Icon for antioxidants and acidity regulators icon.

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.

Icon for additional additives category.

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.

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