Health specialists around the world are becoming increasingly convinced that the additives in processed foods are firmly linked to the dramatic
rise in Children's Allergies.
However, despite mounting evidence, there has been very few restrictions placed on the food manufacturers in the UK and the USA.
| Number | Name | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| E100 | Curcumin | orange-yellow colour; derived from the root of the curcuma (turmeric) plant, but can be artificially produced; used in cheese, margarine, baked sweets and fish fingers |
| E101 | Riboflavin, Riboflavin-5'-phosphate | 'Vitamin B2' and colour; occurs naturally in green vegs, eggs, milk, liver and kidney; used in margarine and cheese |
| E102 | Tartrazine | FD&C Yellow No.5; known to provoke asthma attacks (though the US FDA** do not recognise this) and urticaria (nettle rash) in children (the US FDA** estimates 1:10 000); also linked to thyroid tumours, chromosomal damage, urticaria (hives) and hyperactivity; tartrazine sensitivity is also linked to aspirin sensitivity; used to colour drinks, sweets, jams, cereals, snack foods, canned fish, packaged soups; banned in Norway and Austria |
| E104 | Quinoline Yellow | FD&C Yellow No.10; used in lipsticks hair products, colognes; also in a wide range of medications; cause dermatitis; banned in USA and Norway |
| E107 | Yellow 7G | yellow colour; the HACSG* recommends to avoid it; people who suffer Asthma may also show an allergic reaction to it; typical products are soft drinks; banned in Australia and USA |
| E110 | Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S | FD&C Yellow No.6; used in cereals, bakery, sweets, snack foods, ice cream, drinks and canned fish; synthetic; also in many medications including Polaramine, Ventolin syrup; side effects are urticaria (hives), rhinitis (runny nose), nasal congestion, allergies, hyperactivity, kidney tumours, chromosomal damage, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, distaste for food; seen increased incidence of tumours in animals; banned in Norway |
| E120 | Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines | red colour; made from insects; rarely used; the HASCG* recommends to avoid it |
| E122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | red colour; coal tar derivative; can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; typical products are confectionary, marzipan, jelly crystals; banned in Sweden, USA, Austria and Norway |
| E123 | Amaranth | FD&C Red No.2; derived from the small herbaceous plant of the same name; used in cake mixes, fruit-flavoured fillings, jelly crystals; can provoke asthma, eczema and hyperactivity; it caused birth defects and foetal deaths in some animal tests, possibly also cancer; banned in the USA, Russia, Austria and Norway and other countries |
| E124 | Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A | FD&C Red No.4; synthetic coal tar and azo dye, carcinogen in animals, can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; banned in USA & Norway |
| E127 | Erythrosine | FD&C Red No.3; red colour used in cherries, canned fruit, custard mix, sweets, bakery, snack foods; can cause sensitivity to light; can increase thyroid hormone levels and lead to hyperthyroidism, was shown to cause thyroid cancer in rats in a study in 1990; banned in January 1990, but not recalled by the US FDA**; banned in Norway |
| E128 | Red 2G | Banned in Australia and many other places except UK |
| E129 | Allura red AC | FD&C Red No.40; Orange-red colour used in sweets, drinks and condiments, medications and cosmetics, synthetic; introduced in the early eighties to replace amaranth which was considered not safe due to conflicting test results; allura red has also been connected with cancer in mice; banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and Norway |
| E131 | Patent blue V | Banned in Australia, USA and Norway |
| E132 | Indigotine, Indigo carmine | FD&C Blue No.2, commonly added to tablets and capsules; also used in ice cream, sweets, baked goods, confectionary, biscuits, synthetic coal tar derivative; may cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems and other allergic reactions. Banned in Norway |
| E133 | Brilliant blue FCF | FD&C Blue Dye No.1; used in dairy products, sweets and drinks, synthetic usually occurring as aluminium lake (solution) or ammonium salt; banned in Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Norway |
| E140 | Chlorophylis, Chlorophyllins | green colour occurs naturally in all plants; used for dyeing waxes and oils, used in medicines and cosmetics |
| E141 | Copper complexes of chloropyll and chlorophyllins | olive colour, no adverse effects are known |
| E142 | Green S | green colour; synthetic coal tar derivative; used in canned peas, mint jelly and sauce, packet bread crumbs and cake mixes; banned in Sweden, USA and Norway |
| E150(a) | Plain caramel | dark brown colour made from sucrose; the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. used in oyster, soy, fruit and canned sauces, beer, whiskey, biscuits, pickles |
| E150(b) | Caustic sulphite caramel | see E150(a) |
| E150(c) | Ammonia caramel | see E150(a) |
| E150(d) | Sulphite ammonia caramel | see E150(a) |
| E151 | Brilliant Black BN, Black PN | coloor; coal tar derivative; used in brown sauces, blackcurrant cake mixes; banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, USA, Norway |
| E153 | Vegetable carbon | black colour, charcoal pigment; used in jams, jelly crystals, liquorice; only the vegetable derived variety permitted in Australia, banned in the United States |
| E154 | Brown FK | banned in USA |
| E155 | Brown HT (Chocolate) | brown colour, coal tar and azo dye; used in chocolate cake mixes; can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; also known to induce skin sensitivity; banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, USA, Norway |
| E160(a) | Carotene, alpha-, beta-, gamma- | orange-yellow colour; human body converts it to 'Vitamin A' in the liver, found in carrots and other yellow or orange fruits and vegetables |
| E160(b) | Annatto (Arnatto, Annato), bixin, norbixin | red colour; derived from a tree (Bixa orellana); used as a body paint, fabric dye, digestive aid and expectorant; used to dye cheese, butter, margarine, cereals, snack foods, soaps, textiles and varnishes; known to cause urticaria (nettle rash), the HACSG* recommends to avoid it |
| E160(c) | Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin | red colour derived from red peppers. |
| E160(d) | Lycopene | red coloured carotenoid found in tomatoes and pink grapefruit, can cause decreasing risk of cancer |
| E160(e) | Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30) | orange colour, no adverse effects are known |
| E160(f) | Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic acid (C 30) | orange colour, no adverse effects are known |
| E161(b) | Xanthophylls - Lutein | yellow colour derived from plants, naturally found in green leaves, marigolds and egg yolks |
| E161(g) | Xanthophylls - Canthaxanthin | yellow colour possibly derived from animal sources (retinol); the pigment is found in some mushrooms, crustacea, fish, flamingo feathers |
| E162 | Beetroot Red, Betanin | purple colour derived from beets; no adverse effects are known |
| E163 | Anthocyanins | violet colour matter of flowers and plants; seems safe |
| E170 | Calcium carbonate | mineral salt, used in toothpastes, white paint and cleaning powders; may be derived from rock mineral or animal bones; sometimes used to deacidify wines and firm canned fruit and veg.; toxic at 'high doses' |
| E171 | Titanium dioxide | white colour used in toothpaste and white paint, pollutes waterways; no adverse effects are known |
| E172 | Iron oxides and hydroxides | black, yellow, red colour used in salmon and shrimp pastes; toxic at 'high doses' |
| E173 | Aluminium | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E174 | Silver | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E175 | Gold | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E180 | Latolrubine BK | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E181 | Tannic acid, tannins | clarifying agent in alcohol; derived from the nutgalls and twigs of oak trees; occurs naturally in tea |
| Number | Name | Comments |
| E200 | Sorbic acid | either obtained from berries or synthesised from ketene; possible skin irritant |
| E201 | Sodium sorbate | no known adverse effects |
| E202 | Potassium sorbate | no known adverse effects |
| E203 | Calcium sorbate | no known adverse effects |
| E210 | Benzoic acid | also known as flowers of benzoin, phenlycarboxylic acid, carboxybenzene; added to alcoholic beverages, baked goods, cheeses, gum, condiments, frozen dairy, relishes, soft sweets, cordials and sugar substitutes; used in cosmetics, as an antiseptic in many cough medications and an antifungal in ointments; can cause asthma, especially in those dependant on steroid asthma medications, is also reputed to cause neurological disorders and to react with sulphur bisulphite (222), shown to provoke hyperactivity in children; obtained from Benzoin, a resin exuded by trees native to Asia |
| E211 | Sodium benzoate | used as antiseptic, as a food preservative and to disguise taste, as of poor-quality food; orange soft drinks contain a high amount of it, upto 25mg per 250ml; also in milk and meat products, relishes and condiments, baked goods and lollies; used in many oral medications including Actifed, Phenergan and Tylenol; known to causes nettle rash and aggravate asthma |
| E212 | Potassium benzoate | people with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions. for using see 210 |
| E213 | Calcium benzoate | see 212 |
| E214 | Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E215 | Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E216 | Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate | possible contact allergen |
| E217 | Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E218 | Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate | allergic reactions possible, mainly affecting the skin |
| E219 | Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E220 | Sulphur dioxide | derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1; typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products |
| E221 | Sodium sulphite | decontaminating agent used in fresh orange juice; see 220 |
| E222 | Sodium hydrogen sulphite | see 220 |
| E223 | Sodium metabisulphite | treating agent, see 220 |
| E224 | Potassium metabisulphite | see 220 |
| E225 | Potassium sulphite | see 220 |
| E226 | Calcium sulphite | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E227 | Calcium hydrogen sulphite | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E228 | Potassium hydrogen sulphite | see 220 |
| E230 | Biphenyl, Diphenyl | banned in some countries; can be used for agricultural purposes; typical products are citrus fruit |
| E231 | Orthophenyl phenol | banned in some countries; can be used for agricultural purposes; typical products are pears, carrots, peaches, plums, prunes, sweet potatoe, citrus fruit, pineapples, tomatoes, peppers, cherries, nectarines |
| E232 | Sodium orthophenyl phenol | see 231 |
| E233 | Thiabendazole | banned in some countries, can be used for agricultural purposes, typical products are citrus fruits, apples, pears, potatoes, bananas, mushrooms, meat, milk |
| E234 | Nisin | antibiotic derived from bacteria; found in beer, processed cheese products, tomato paste |
| E235 | Natamycin | mould inhibitor derived from bacteria; sometimes used medically to treat candidiasis; can cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea and skin irritation;.typical products are meat, cheese |
| E236 | Formic acid | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E237 | Sodium formate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E238 | Calcium formate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E239 | Hexamethylene tetramine | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E249 | Potassium nitrite | colour fixative and curing agent for meat; nitrites can effect the body's ability to carry oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches; potential carcinogen; not permitted in foods for infant and young children |
| E250 | Sodium nitrite | may provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions, potentially carcinogenic, restricted in many countries, can combine with chemicals in stomach to form nitrosamine, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it |
| E251 | Sodium nitrate | also used in the manufacture of nitric acid, as a fertiliser and in fermented meat products (see 250) |
| E252 | Potassium nitrate | may be derived from waste animal or vegetable matter; used in gunpowder, explosives and fertilisers, and in the preservation of meat; may provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions; potentially carcinogenic; restricted in many countries (see 249) |
| E260 | Acetic acid | main component of vinegar, synthetically produced from wood fibres; used in pickles, chutneys, and sauces |
| E261 | Potassium acetate | food acid; should be avoided by people with impaired kidney function; typical products are sauces, pickles |
| E262 | Sodium acetate, Sodium diacetate | food acid, acidity regulator; no known adverse effects |
| E263 | Calcium acetate | food acid, acidity regulator; by product in the manufacture of wood alcohol; used to make acetic acid (vinegar) and in the production of dyers mordants |
| E264 | Ammonium acetate | can cause nausea and vomiting |
| E270 | Lactic acid | food acid, acidity regulator; produced by heating and fermenting carbohydrates in milk whey, potatoes, cornstarch or molasses; difficult for babies to metabolise; used in sweets, dressings, soft drinks (sometimes beer) infant formulas and confectionary |
| E280 | Propionic acid | all propionates are thought to be linked with migraine headaches; propionates occur naturally in fermented foods, human perspiration and ruminants digestive tract, also can be derived commercially from ethylene and carbon monoxide or propionaldehyde or natural gas or fermented wood pulp; produced when bacteria decompose fibre; commonly used in bread and flour products; |
| E281 | Sodium propionate | may be linked to migraines, typical products are flour products |
| E282 | Calcium propionate | see 281 |
| E283 | Potassium propionate | see 281 |
| E290 | Carbon dioxide | propellant, coolant, derived from lime manufacture; may increase the effect of alcohol; typical products are wine, soft drinks, confectionary |
| E296 | Malic acid | derived from fruit or synthetic; infants and young children should avoid it |
| E297 | Fumaric acid | derived from plants of the genus Fumaria esp. F. officianalis or from the fermentation of glucose with fungi; can be used to flavour, acidify, as an antioxidant or raising agent used in soft drinks and cake mixes |
| Number | Name | Comments | E300 | Ascorbic acid | flour treating agent, 'vitamin C'; may be made synthetically from glucose, naturally occurs in fruit and vegetables; added to products as diverse as cured meat, breakfast cereals, frozen fish and wine |
| E301 | Sodium ascorbate | sodium salt of vitamin C |
| E302 | Calcium ascorbate | vitamin C, may increase the formation of calcium oxalate stones |
| E303 | Potassium ascorbate | potassium salt of vitamin C |
| E304 | Ascorbyl palmitate, Ascorbyl stearate | fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid, same function as E300 |
|
E306,
E307, E308, E309 |
Tocopherols, alpha, gamma, delta | 'vitamin E'; found in many vegetable oils, including soy, wheat germ, rice germ, cottonseed, maize; works as an antioxidant for fatty acids and tissue fats, preventing vitamin A from oxidation; used in margarine and salad dressings |
| E310 | Propyl gallate | used to prevent rancidity in oily substances; derived from nutgalls; may cause gastric or skin irritation, gallates are not permitted in foods for infants and small children because of their known tendency to cause the blood disorder, methaemoglobinemia; used in oils, margarine, lard and salad dressings, sometimes used in packaging |
| E311 | Octyl gallate | see 310 |
| E312 | Dodecyl gallate | see 310 |
| E317 | Erythorbic acid | produced from sucrose |
| E318 | Sodium erythorbate | produced from E317 |
| E319 | Tert-ButylHydroQuinone (TBHQ) | petroleum based; the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. May cause nausea, vomiting, delirium. A dose of 5g is considered fatal. Typical products are fats, oils, margarine |
| E320 | Butylated hydroxy-anisole (BHA) | petroleum derivative, retards spoilage due to oxidation; used in edible oils, chewing gum, fats, margarine, nuts, instant potato products, polyethylene food wraps; not permitted in infant foods, can provoke an allergic reaction in some people, may trigger hyperactivity and other intolerances; serious concerns over carcinogenicity and estrogenic effects, in large doses caused tumours in lab animals, banned in Japan in 1958, official committees of experts recommended that it be banned in the UK, however due to industry pressure it was not banned, McDonald's eliminated BHT from their US products by 1986, see also Butyl compounds |
| E321 | Butylated hydroxy-toluene (BHT) | petroleum derivative; see E320 |
| E322 | Lecithins | emulsifier derived from soy beans, egg yolks, peanuts, corn or animal resources; non toxic but overdose can upset the stomach, kill the appetite and cause profuse sweating; used to allow combination of oils in margarine, chocolate, mayonnaise, milk powder; must be chosen vegetable type |
| E325 | Sodium lactate |
derived
from milk (lactic acid); may contain pork rennin or whey in
process, young children with lactose intolerance may show adverse reactions |
| E326 | Potassium lactate | see 325 |
| E327 | Calcium lactate | see 325 |
| E328 | Ammonium lactate | see 325 |
| E329 | Magnesium lactate | see 325 |
| E330 | Citric acid | food acid, naturally derived from citrus fruit, used in biscuits, canned fish, cheese and processed cheese products, infant formulas, cake and soup mixes, rye bread, soft drinks, fermented meat products |
| E331 | Sodium citrates | food acid; no known adverse effects |
| E332 | Potassium citrates | food acid; no known adverse effects |
| E333 | Calcium citrates | food acid; no known adverse effects in small quantities |
| E334 | Tartaric acid |
food
acid, obtained from unripe fruit, grape juice; no known adverse effects in small quantities |
| E335 | Sodium tartrates | food acid; no known adverse effects |
| E336 | Potassium tartrates | food acid; no known adverse effects |
| E337 | Sodium potassium tartrate | food acid; no known adverse effects |
| E338 | Phosphoric acid |
food
acid, derived from phosphate ore; used in cheese products; no known adverse effects |
| E339 | Sodium phosphates | mineral salt, used as a laxative and a fixing agent in textile dyeing; high intakes may upset the calcium/phosphorus equilibrium |
| E340 | Potassium phosphates | see 339 |
| E341 | Calcium phosphates | mineral salt found in rocks and bones; used in medicines as an antacid and polishing agent in enamels |
| E343 | Magnesium phosphates | essential mineral, anticaking agent found in salt substitutes |
| E350 | Sodium malates | no known adverse effects |
| E351 | Potassium malate | no known adverse effects |
| E352 | Calcium malates | no known adverse effects |
| E353 | Metatartaric acid | no known adverse effects |
| E354 | Calcium tartrate | seems safe |
| E355 | Adipic acid | food acid from the root adipose (pertaining to fat?) |
| E357 | Potassium adipate | no known adverse effects |
| E363 | Succinic acid | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E3120 | Sodium fumarate | food acid, salt of fumaric acid (derived from plants of the genus Fumaria esp. F.officianalis) |
| E366 | Potassium fumarate | no known adverse effects |
| E367 | Calcium fumarate | no known adverse effects |
| E370 | 1,4-Heptonolactone | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E375 | Niacin | vitamin B3; naturally occurs in bean, pea and other legumes, milk, egg, meat, poultry, and fish; at doses in excess of 1,000 mg per day can cause liver damage, diabetes, gastritis, eye damage, and elevated blood levels of uric acid (which can cause gout); at amounts as low as 50-100 mg may cause flushing (harmless but painful), headache, and stomach-ache especially if taken on an empty stomach |
| E380 | Tri-ammonium citrate | may interfere with liver and pancreas function |
| E381 | Ammonium ferric citrates | essential mineral, food acid derived from citric acid; used as a dietary iron supplement in breakfast cereals and dietary formulas |
| E385 | Calcium disodium EDTA | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| Number | Name | Comments |
| E400 | Alginic acid | thickener and vegetable gum, derived from seaweed; used in custard mix, cordial, flavoured milk, ice blocks, thickened cream and yoghurt; no known adverse effects in small quantities, large quantities can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients |
| E401 | Sodium alginate | see 400 |
| E402 | Potassium alginate | see 400 |
| E403 | Ammonium alginate | see 400 |
| E404 | Calcium alginate | see 400 |
| E405 | Propylene glycol alginate | thickener and vegetable gum, derived from petroleum; see separate entry |
| E406 | Agar | thickener and vegetable gum derived from red seaweed; sometimes used as a laxative, found in manufactured meats and ice cream |
| E407 | Carrageenan | a fibre extracted from seaweed, it has recently been linked with cancer because it may become contaminated when ethylene oxide is added to an inferior product, this results in ethylene chlorohydrins forming, a highly carcinogenic compound; linked to toxic hazards, including ulcers and cancer; the most serious concerns relate to degraded carrageen, which is not a permitted additive; however, native carrageen an, which is used, may become degraded in the gut |
| E410 | Locust bean gum | derived from Carob or Locust bean tree Ceratonia siliqua; used in lollies, cordials, essences, some flour products, dressings, fruit juice drinks; frequently used as a caffeine-free chocolate substitute; may lower cholesterol levels |
| E412 | Guar gum | derived from the seeds of Cyamoposis tetragonolobus of Indian origin; fed to cattle in the US; can cause nausea, flatulence and cramps, may reduced cholesterol levels |
| E413 | Tragacanth | resin form the tree Astragalus gummifer; used in foods, drugs including nasal solutions, elixirs and tablets; also used as a binder in cosmetics; possible contact allergy |
| E414 | Acacia gum | derived from the sap of Acacia Sengal; easily broken down by the human digestive system; possible allergen, soothes irritations of mucous membranes |
| E415 | Xanthan gum | derived from the fermentation of corn sugar with a bacterium |
| E416 | Karaya gum | derived from the tree Sterculia urens; often used in conjunction with Carob (E 410), in ice cream, custard and sweets, as a filler for its capability to multiply its volume by 100 times with the addition of water; possible allergen |
| E417 | Tara gum | derived from the Tara bush, Caesalpinia Spinosa is indigenous to Ecuador and Peru and is grown in Kenya |
| E420 | Sorbitol | artificial sweetener and humectants; derived from glucose, either obtained from berries or synthesised; used in lollies, dried fruit, pastries, confectionary, low calorie foods, pharmaceutical syrups and ophthalmic preparations and is the seventh most widely used preservative in cosmetics; not permitted in foods for infants and young children, can cause gastric disturbance |
| E421 | Mannitol | artificial sweetener and humectants; derived from seaweed or the manna ash tree; possible allergen, not permitted in infant foods due to its ability to cause diarrhoea and kidney dysfunction, also may cause nausea, vomiting; typical products are low calorie foods |
| E422 | Glycerol | humectants and sweetener; oily colourless alcohol; derived by decomposition of natural fats with alkalis; usually as a by-product of soap making using animal fat or vegetable oil; can be obtained from petroleum products sometimes synthesised from propylene or fermented from sugar; used in flexible coatings on sausages and cheeses, also in crystallised and dried fruit, liqueurs and vodka. "Glycerine has been shown to protect against DNA damage induced by tumour promoters, ultraviolet lights and radiation, presumably via free radical scavenging"; large quantities can cause headaches, thirst, nausea and high blood sugar levels. Typical products are liquors, confectionary, dried fruit, low calorie foods |
| E430 | ? | ? |
| E431 | Polyoxyethylene stearate | ? |
| E432 | Polysorbate 20 | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E433 | Polysorbate 80 | emulsifiers derived from animal fatty acids; used as synthetic flavourings, surfactants, defoaming agents and dough conditioners; may increase the absorption of fat-soluble substances |
| E434 | Polysorbate 40 | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E435 | Polysorbate 60 | see 433 |
| E436 | Polysorbate 120 | see 433 |
| E440(a) | Pectin | naturally occurring in the skins of apples; used to thicken jams, jellies and sauces; large quantities may cause temporary flatulence or intestinal discomfort |
| E440(b) | Amidated pectin | no known adverse effects |
| E441 | Gelatine | possible allergen, may contain 220, asthmatics and people allergic to sulphites beware! |
| E442 | Ammonium phosphatides | no known adverse effects |
| E450 | Diphosphates | High intakes may upset the calcium/phosphate equilibrium |
| E460 | Cellulose | anti-caking agent; no adverse effects known |
| E461 | Methyl cellulose | can cause flatulence, distension, intestinal obstruction |
| E463 | Hydroxypropyl cellulose | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E464 | Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose | no known adverse effects |
| E4120 | Ethyl methyl cellulose | no known adverse effects |
| E466 | Carboxy methyl cellulose, Sodium carboxy methyl cellulose | no known adverse effects |
| E469 | Sodium caseinate | no known adverse effects |
| E470 | Fatty acids salts | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E471 | Mono & di glycerides of fatty acids | no known adverse effects |
| E472 | Fatty acid esters of glycerides | no known adverse effects |
| E473 | Sucrose esters of fatty acids | no known adverse effects |
| E474 | Sucroglycerides | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E475 | Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids | no known adverse effects |
| E476 | Polyglycerol polyricinoleate | no known adverse effects |
| E477 | Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids | derived from petroleum; no known adverse effects |
| E478 | ? | ? |
| E479(b) | Thermally oxidized soya bean oil interacted with mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids | ? |
| E480 | Dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate | awaiting results of studies |
| E481 | Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate | no known adverse effects |
| E482 | Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate | no known adverse effects |
| E483 | Stearyl tartrate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E491 | Sorbitan monos tearate | no known adverse effects |
| E492 | Sorbitan tristearate | may increase the absorption of fat-soluble substances |
| E493 | Sorbitan monolaurate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E494 | Sorbitan mono-oleate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E495 | Sorbitan monopalmitate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| Number | Name | Comments |
| E500 | Sodium carbonates | no known adverse effects in small quantities |
| E501 | Potassium carbonates | no known adverse effects |
| E503 | Ammonium carbonates | irritant to mucous membranes |
| E504 | Magnesium carbonate | medically used as an antacid and laxative |
| E507 | Hydrochloric acid | safe in small quantities |
| E508 | Potassium chloride | large quantities can cause gastric ulceration |
| E509 | Calcium chloride | derived from brine |
| E510 | Ammonium chloride | should be avoided by people with impaired liver or kidney function. Typical products are flour products |
| E511 | Magnesium chloride | magnesium is an essential mineral |
| E513 | Sulphuric acid | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E514 | Sodium sulphates | may upset the body's water balance |
| E515 | Potassium sulphates | no known adverse effects |
| E516 | Calcium sulphate | derived from limestone |
| E518 | Magnesium sulphate | a laxative |
| E519 | Copper sulphate | essential mineral |
| E524 | Sodium hydroxide | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E525 | Potassium hydroxide | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E526 | Calcium hydroxide | no adverse effects in small quantities |
| E527 | Ammonium hydroxide | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E528 | Magnesium hydroxide | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E529 | Calcium oxide | safe in small quantities |
| E530 | Magnesium oxide | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E535 | Sodium ferrocyanide | no adverse effects known |
| E536 | Potassium ferrocyanide | by-product of coal gas production; low toxicity |
| E540 | Dicalcium diphosphate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E541 | Sodium aluminium phosphate, Acidic | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E542 | Bone phosphate | derived from bones; used in dried milk for coffee machines |
| E544 | Calcium polyphosphates | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E545 | Ammonium polyphosphates | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E551 | Silicon dioxide | no adverse effects are known in food use |
| E552 | Calcium silicate | derived from limestone and diatomaceous earth (the silicified skeletons of diatoms, a single celled plankton), antacid; no known adverse effects |
| E553(a) | Magnesium silicates | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E553(b) | Talc | has been linked to stomach cancer, typical products are polished rice, chocolate, confectionary |
| E554 | Sodium aluminium silicate | used in salt, dried milk substitutes and flours; aluminium is known to cause placental problems in pregnancy and has been linked to Alzheimer's |
| E556 | Calcium aluminium silicate | derived from minerals; used in milk powders; see E554 |
| E558 | Bentonite | no known adverse effects |
| E559 | Aluminium silicate (Kaolin) | no known adverse effects |
| E570 | Stearic acid | possibly of animal origin; see stearates |
| E572 | Magnesium stearate | no known adverse effects in food use |
| E575 | Glucono delta-lactone | no known adverse effects |
| E576 | Sodium gluconate | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E577 | Potassium gluconate | no known adverse effects |
| E578 | Calcium gluconate | no known adverse effects |
| E579 | Ferrous gluconate | colour-retention agent; derived from iron and glucose; used in olives, iron supplements; safe in small amounts |
| E585 | Ferrous lactate | ? |
| Number | Name | Comments |
| E620 | Glutamic acid | flavour enhancer, salt substitute; amino acid present in many animal and vegetable proteins, derived commercially from bacteria; might cause similar problems as MSG(621), young children should avoid it |
| E621 | Monosodium glutamate (MSG) | flavour enhancer derived from the fermentation of molasses, salt substitute; adverse effects appear in some asthmatic people, not permitted in foods for infants and young children; typical products are canned vegetables, canned tuna, dressings, many frozen foods |
| E622 | Monopotassium glutamate | can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps; typical products are low sodium salt substitutes |
| E623 | Calcium diglutamate | salt substitute, no known adverse effects |
| E624 | Monoammonium glutamate | salt substitute, no known adverse effects |
| E625 | Magnesium diglutamate | salt substitute, no known adverse effects |
| E626 | Guanylic acid | may trigger gout |
| E627 | Disodium guanylate | isolated from sardines or yeast extract; may trigger gout, not permitted in foods for infants and young children |
| E629 | Calcium guanylate | may trigger gout |
| E631 | Disodium inosinate | may be prepared from meat or sardines; may trigger gout, not permitted in foods for infants and young children |
| E633 | Calcium inosinate | may trigger gout |
| E635 | Disodium 5'-ribonucleotide | may be associated with itchy skin rashes up to 30 hours after ingestion; rashes may vary from mild to dramatic; the reaction is dose-related and cumulative, some individuals are more sensitive than others; typical foods include flavoured chips, instant noodles and party pies; avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E636 | Maltol | derived from the bark of larch trees, pine needles, chicory wood, oils and roasted malt; it may be produced synthetically |
| E637 | Ethyl maltol | derived from maltol |
| E640 | Glycine & its sodium salt | ? |
| Number | Name | Comments |
| E900 | Dimethyl polysiloxane | silicone based |
| E901 | Beeswaxes | glazing agent, used to wax fruit; see bee products; occasionally causes allergic reactions |
| E903 | Carnauba wax |
derived
from a South American palm; used in cosmetics and
inks, and to wax fruit; occasionally causes allergic reactions |
| E904 | Shellac | derived from insects; occasionally causes irritations of the skin |
| E905 | Paraffins, Microcrystalline wax | may inhibit absorption of fats and fat soluble vitamins, mild laxative, there may be a link to bowel cancer; used on sweets, in processing yeast, vitamin tablets, dried fruit, confectionary, collagen |
| E907 | Refined microcrystalline wax | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E913 | Lanolin | derived from sheep wool |
| E920 | L-Cystein | flour treatment agent derived from animal hair and chicken feathers |
| E921 | L-Cystin | see E920 |
| E924 | Potassium bromate | large quantities can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain. Typical products are flour products |
| E925 | Chlorine | destroys nutrients, carcinogen, in some areas tab water is contaminated with it, to make it 'safer' to drink. Typical products are flour products |
| E926 | Chlorine dioxide | well.....basically see 925 |
| E927 | Azodicarbonamide | avoid it, banned in some countries |
| E928 | Benzoyl peroxide | approved by FDA* for bleaching the carotenoids in refined flours; asthmatics and people with a history of allergies BEWARE, see 210 |
| E931 | Nitrogen | used in freezing and vacuum packing; seems safe |
| E932 | Nitrous oxide | seems quite safe in small quantities |
| E950 | Acesulphane potassium | ? |
| E951 | Aspartame | artificial sweetener, too many adverse effects possible to list, some people are allergic to aspartame, migraine headaches a common reaction in these people |
| E952 | Cyclamic acid | calcium & sodium cyclamate, artificial sweetener; known to cause migraines and other reactions, can be carcinogenic, caused damage ot rats testicles and mouse embriyos in tests, banned in the US and UK due its links with cancer |
| E954 | Saccharines | calcium & sodium saccharin; artificial sweetener derived from toluene (a known carcinogen); banned in 1977 in the US, but reinstated subject to strict labelling starting: "Use of this product may be hazardous to your health, this product contains saccharin which has been determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals" |
| E957 | Thaumatin | artificial sweetener, a protein derived from the tropical plant Thaumococcus danielli; used to sweeten wines, bread and fruit |
| E9120 | Maltitol, Hydrogenated glucose syrup | humectant, starch decomposed with digestive enzymes; used in confectionery, dried fruits, low-joule foods; laxative in high concentrations |
| E967 | Xylitol | humectant, found in raspberries, plums, lettuce and endives, though produced for commercial purposes from wood pulp; caused kidney stones and a diuretic effect on test rats: a waste of time and the lives of the rats, for the JEFCA in 1983 ruled the tests invalid in relation to humans, the symptoms caused by 'physiological disturbances' in the rats!, we can only imagine what conditions led to upset rats; used in low-joule foods and carbohydratemodified sweets, icecream and jams |
| E999 | Quillaia extract | foaming agent, emulsifier, natural surfactant; derived from chilean soap bark tree (Quillaia Saponaria); used in beer and soda; known to promote healing and reduce excessive oiliness in the skin |
| E1100 | Amylase | derived from mould mushroom or pig pancreas |
| E1200 | Polydextrose | seems safe in small doses |
| E1201 | Polyvinylpyrrolidone | dispersing agent, coating for tablets; used in artificial sweeteners |
| E1202 | Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone | clarifying agent for wine, colour and colloidal stabiliser |
| E1400-E1450 | Starches | no known adverse effects |
| E1505 | Triethyl acetate | part becomes alcohol in the body |
| E1510 | Ethanol | alcohol |
| E1517, E1518 | Glycerol acetates | humectants and solvent derived from glycerol; used to coat fresh fruit in the US |
| E1520 | Propylene glycol | humectants, wetting agent, dispersing agent, petroleum based; its glycerine like taste has made it popular for children's medications and other elixirs; used in many topical creams and ointments, cosmetics, hair products and deodorants; has been linked with fatal heart attacks (when given intravenously), central nervous system depression and cosmetic or pharmaceutical contact dermatitis |
| Name | Comments |
|---|---|
| Albumin | a component (protein) from the serum of animal blood |
| Ambergris | derived from whale |
| Arachidonic acid | derived from liver, brain, animal origin gland or oil |
| Aronia | derived from aronia arbutifolia; used as a taste expander in jelly, pudding, powdered deserts, yoghurt, milk deserts, creams, homogenised cheeses, confectionery products, crispy cakes, fruit creams, ice-creams and instant beverages |
| Aspartic acid | derived from aspartame (see E951) |
| Betaine | derived from oil |
| Biotin | colourless crystalline growth vitamin of the vitamin B complex found especially in yeast, liver, and egg yolk; no side effects are known, it is being tested |
| Caffeine | an alkaloid that exists naturally in tea, kola nut and coffee; clearly toxic in high doses, can cause heart palpitations, high blood pressure, vomiting, convulsions, headache, diarrhoea, frequent urination, dehydration, insomnia, stomach cramps, hand tremors, muscle twitches; acts as laxative, also saps the body's supply of calcium; used as a mild stimulant in moderation |
| Casein | phosphoprotein of milk, which has a molecular structure that is extremely similar to that of gluten; celiac people have to avoid |
| Catalase | derived from cattle liver |
| Cholesterin | |
| Cinnamon | spice made from bark; may be allergic |
| Citrus Red No.2 | cancer in animals; used for dying skins of oranges |
| Civet | derived from cat |
| Clove Bud Oil | natural essential oil steamed-distilled from clove buds (syzygium atmaticum); may be allergic |
| Colin bitartrate | animal origin tissue |
| Collagen | |
| Enzyme | |
| Erythritol | produced through a fermentation process that begins with dextrose (a simple sugar derived from corn starch), also derived from calf stomach; used as a sweetener for beverages and confectionery products |
| Ethyl Vanillin | a perfumed artificial vanilla flavouring, it is 3 1/2 times more powerful than the real thing and cheaper too, this explains why manufacturers like to use it in soft drinks, ice creams and baked goods; generally recognized as safe |
| Evans Blue CI Direct Blue 53 | contact dermatitis |
| FD&C Green No.3 Fast Green | bladder tumours |
| FD&C Red No.102 New Coccine | it is an allergen; not permitted to use for foods |
| FD&C Yellow No.11 | contact dermatitis |
| Fructose | this carbohydrate and simple sugar (monosaccharide) occurs naturally in honey and fresh fruits; commercial bakers use it in cakes, breads and cookies to make them brown better |
| Gentian Violet CI Basic Violet No.3 | contact dermatitis |
| Glucuronolactone, Glucuronic acid | a naturally occurring substance in the body, made in the liver from glucose, helps to stimulate the metabolism and thus helps to detoxify the body; also occurs in plants, mainly in gums; also an important constituent of fibrous and connective tissues in all animals |
| Glycerides | components of fats; used to stabilize sausages, lard, vegetable oils, margarines and shortenings, the most widely used of them is monoglyceride citrate, although the FDA* imposes strict limits |
| Glycogen | |
| Gliadin | wheat is the first consideration; it is a major ingredient in breads, rolls, pastry, cakes, cookies and most baked products; noodles macaroni and spaghetti are typically made with wheat; celiac people have to avoid |
| Guaiacol | has been used for decades in compounded products as an expectorant |
| Hormone | |
| Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) | cereal gluten; glutens are proteins found in the plant kingdom subclass of monocotyledonae (monocots); these plants are members of the grass family of wheat, oat, barley, rye and triticale and their derivatives, (derivatives include: malt, grain starches, hydrolysed vegetable/plant proteins, textured vegetable proteins, grain vinegars, soy sauce, grain alcohol, flavourings and the binders and fillers found in vitamins and medications.); celiac people have to avoid, celiac disease (also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is a chronic disease in which malabsorption of nutrients is caused by a characteristic lesion of the small intestine mucosa; used in smallgoods, packaged convenience foods, gravies and many canned products. It is also present in excipients in pharmaceutical preparations, particularly vitamin and mineral supplements |
| Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP) | same as HVP |
| Keratin | derived from nail or hair |
| Lipid, Lipoid | |
|
Lysin-L Lysin-DL |
same as erythritol |
| Maltodextrin, Mdltrin | natural, complex carbohydrate, it is not a simple sugar (dextrose, fructose, sucrose etc.); can be derived from potato or corn starch; used in food industry such as sweets, drink, bear, ice cream, preserved fruit, milk powder, malted mild, cake, biscuit and bread, as well as in medicine, textile, printing and dyeing, paper making, casting and petroleum drilling; generally recognized as safe |
| Menthol | crystalline alcohol that occurs especially in mint oils, has the sharp fragrance and cooling properties of peppermint; may be allergic |
| Metionine | derived from protein |
| Neutral Red | contact dermatitis |
| Nucleıc acid | derived from cells |
| Oleamine, Oleic acid | |
| Rennet | cheese yeast derived from calf stomach |
| Oxysterin | |
| Palmitic acid | |
| Panthenol | |
| Pepsin | |
| Phenylalanine, Phenylanine | essential amino acid; the body uses it to produce some hormones (epinephrine, norepinephrine, thyroxine, cholecystokinin) and melanin, (a brown skin pigment); cholecystokinin causes suppression of the appetite (this may be useful to sports people who need to reduce body fat or maintain a certain weight); pain relieving effects of phenylalanine may be of use to athletic people who experience pain due to muscle, ligament, joint and tendon injury, inflammation and spasms which commonly result from intense exercise |
| Phenylephrine | decongestant which helps relieve nasal congestion; used in pharmacy; side effects are nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, nervousness, restlessness, dizziness, headache, chest pain, rapid heart rate, anxiety, fear, difficult or painful urination and sleeplessness |
| Phospholipide | cheese yeast |
| Polypeptides | |
| PolyVinylPolyPyrrolidone, PVPP | white powder added to beer for removing phenolic compounds, then beer is clear and has long shelf life |
| Progesterone | |
| Salicylate | salt of salicylic acid; used in candies, pies, soft drinks and sweet rolls |
| Quinine dihydrochloride, Quinine sulfate | toxic alkaloid extracted from the bark of chinchona tree; used as flavourings in carbonated beverages (primarily bitter lemon and tonic water), bitters and as a treatment for malaria; side effects are headache, nausea, ringing in the ears and blurred vision; FDA strictly limits the amounts of it that can be used |
| Taurine | nonessential amino acid; produced by synthesis of the amino acids methionine and cysteine in the liver, vitamin B6 helps the process; diabetic and hypoglycaemic patients should use taurine under medical supervision as it may have an effect on insulin activity, excessive consumption of taurine may result in diarrhoea and peptic ulcer formation |
| Thiamine | a source of vitamin B1; functions as a coenzyme in energy metabolism, keeps appetite, digestive tract and nervous system healthy; adverse effects in high doses are headache, irritability, rapid pulse, trembling and weakness |
| Thimerosal | very effective preservative that contains mercury and has been used in some vaccines and other products; FDA* estimates that it is used in more than 30 licensed vaccines and biologics; mercury is excreted from the body over time; nervous system is very sensitive to all forms of mercury, methyl mercury and metal vapours are more harmful than other forms, exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys and developing foetus, effects on brain functioning may result in irritability, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing and memory problems |
| Torula | high-protein derived from wood sugars as a by-product of the pulping process in paper making; type S is used in baby food and cereals, type F is used in feed supplements for cattle, fish and chickens; allergen for hay fever and asthma |
| Zinc | essential element for humans; naturally occurs in meat (especially liver), fish (especially shellfish), lentils, green leafy vegetables, whole cereals (including wheat germ), brewer's yeast, cheese, milk, nuts, sunflower and sesame seeds; toxic doses of zinc cause vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, stomach irritation, depressed immune function and anaemia; excessive zinc doses may decrease the level of HDL ("good") cholesterol and increase the risk for heart disease |
