Category: Thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers

400–499 – THICKENERS, STABILISERS AND EMULSIFIERS
400–409 Alginates
410–419 Natural gums
420–429 Other natural agents
430–439 Polyoxyethene compounds
440–449 Natural emulsifiers
450–459 Phosphates
460–469 Cellulose compounds
470–489 Fatty acids and compounds
490–499 Others

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 diets may be a concern, especially for people with kidney disease.
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 discomfort in some people at higher intakes, so it is graded ORANGE - SOME CONCERNS.
E451 – Triphosphates

E451 (triphosphates) are phosphate salts used to stabilise processed foods and improve texture by binding water. They are permitted in the EU and US, but high overall phosphate intake can be a concern for people with kidney disease, so E451 is graded ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS.
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.
E471 – Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids

E471 (mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids) are widely used food emulsifiers derived from fats and oils. They are legally approved and generally safe for most consumers, but their metabolic equivalence to dietary fats, possible animal origin, and high exposure in ultra-processed foods justify an ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS grading.
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.
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.
E452 – Polyphosphates (i, ii, iii, iv, v)

E452 (Polyphosphates) includes sodium, potassium, calcium, ammonium and mixed polyphosphate salts used as stabilising and emulsifying agents. EFSA’s phosphate group ADI has been exceeded in some population groups, and independent studies link high phosphate additive intake to kidney and cardiovascular concerns. Safety grade: ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS.
E451(i) – Pentasodium triphosphate

E451(i) (Pentasodium triphosphate) is a fast-absorbing inorganic phosphate widely used in processed meats and bakery products. High intake has been linked to kidney strain and vascular calcification in independent studies. We assign ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS to reflect these exposure-related risks.
E450(i) – Disodium diphosphate

Inorganic pyrophosphate produced by heating sodium phosphate salts. Widely used to stabilise texture and moisture in processed foods but is absorbed very rapidly in the body, which can stress kidney and cardiovascular systems in sensitive individuals.
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.
E410 – Locust Bean Gum

Toxicological studies show no evidence of carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, or reproductive toxicity. Locust bean gum functions like other soluble dietary fibers and is not absorbed intact in the gut. Instead, it passes into the colon where it undergoes fermentation by gut microbiota.
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.
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.