E number

For the mathematical constant see: e (mathematical constant).

E numbers are short form definitions for food additives and are usually found on food labels. The 'E' prefix indicates the additive is approved for use in the European Union.

The addition of E-numbered additives to food products has been an issue of ongoing health concern for many years. Many such additives are believed to be linked to disorders including allergies, nervous diseases, bowel disorders, cancer, heart disease and arthritis. In more recent years further concerns have been raised that many of these additives may be of genetically modified (GM) origin. Some E-numbered additives may also be considered to be unsuitable for halal, kosher, vegetarian or vegan diets.

("E605" is not an E number; it stands for Parathion, a highly lethal insecticide. It is obviously not a food additive; in this case the "E" stands for Entwicklungsnummer (German for development number), not for Europe.)

See also: List of food additives, Organic food

Abbreviations used in this article

Contents
1 Classification by tens
2 E100–E199
3 E200–E299
4 E300–E399
5 E400–E499
6 E500–E599
7 E600–E699
8 E900–E999
9 E1000–E1999

Classification by tens

NOTE: these tens do not always hold out; some chemicals may not belong to their group. When searching for a chemical, note that many, particularly in the E4... range, have a variety of purposes.

E100–E199

E200–E299

E300–E399

E400–E499

E500–E599

E600–E699

E900–E999

E1000–E1999

See also: E number, Acesulfame potassium, Acetic acid, Agar, Allergies, Allergy, Alpha-carotene, Aluminium, Aluminium sulfate, Ammonium chloride