Tag: GREEN
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E235 – Natamycin
E235 (natamycin) is a surface antifungal preservative used mainly on cheese rind and some cured sausages. Current evidence supports low risk at permitted levels, but broader mixed-through uses would raise more questions about gut exposure and resistance pressure.
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E503 – Ammonium carbonates
E503 (ammonium carbonates) is a low-risk raising agent used mainly in biscuits and crackers. It usually breaks down during baking into volatile gases, but it still deserves a caveat because ammonium bicarbonate can influence heat-formed compounds such as acrylamide in some baked foods.
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E440 – Pectin
E440 (pectin) is a fruit-derived gelling and thickening agent used in jams, yogurts, desserts and confectionery. Current EFSA and JECFA assessments support a GREEN - SAFE grade, although very-young-infant medical-formula uses were assessed separately.
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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 caveat rather than a downgrade.
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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.
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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 in some foods.
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E101 – Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) (i, ii)
E101 (riboflavins) is a yellow food colour based on riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2. It is widely permitted and well studied, with very low toxicity at typical food-use levels.
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E260 – Acetic acid
E260 (acetic acid) is the acid that gives vinegar its sharp taste and preservative power. It is widely permitted as a food additive and is generally considered safe at typical food-use levels, with irritation risks mainly from undiluted or highly concentrated use.
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E412 – Guar gum
E412 (guar gum) is a plant-based thickener made from guar beans. It is widely authorised in the EU and affirmed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) in the US. For most people it is considered low risk, with digestive discomfort at high intakes as the main caveat.
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E509 – Calcium chloride
E509 (calcium chloride) is a mineral salt used mainly as a firming and anti-caking agent. It helps keep canned vegetables crisp and improves cheese curd formation. Our grade is GREEN – SAFE, with the main caveat that highly concentrated calcium chloride products can irritate the digestive tract.
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E162 – Beetroot Red (Betanin)
E162 (Beetroot Red), also known as betanin, is a natural red-purple food colour extracted from beetroot. It is widely used in beverages, confectionery and dairy products and is considered safe for consumers based on current scientific evidence.
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E417 – Tara gum
E417 (Tara gum) is a natural thickener obtained from the seeds of the tara tree. It is widely used to improve texture and stability in dairy, bakery and processed foods. Current scientific evidence supports a GREEN – SAFE safety grading for the general population.
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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 support a strong GREEN – SAFE grading.
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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 classify it as safe, and independent research supports good tolerance at normal dietary levels. Safety grade: GREEN – SAFE.
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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 grading is GREEN – SAFE.
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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, so we grade it GREEN – SAFE for normal dietary exposure.
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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.
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E262(i) – Sodium Acetate
Sodium acetate (E262(i)) is a heat-stable acidity regulator and preservative used in snacks, sauces and meat products. It is approved in the EU and US and considered safe at permitted use levels.
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E160c – Paprika Extract (Capsanthin, Capsorubin)
Natural red-orange colorant extracted from paprika (Capsicum annuum). E160c – Paprika extract (Capsanthin, Capsorubin) is graded GREEN – SAFE due to its natural origin, strong antioxidant profile, and regulatory approval by EFSA and FDA.
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E170 – Calcium carbonate
Calcium carbonate (E170) is a naturally occurring mineral used as a white food colorant and acidity regulator. It is considered safe by EFSA and FDA when used within regulated limits.
