Classification by numeric range

E number range Subranges Description

100–109 yellows
110–119 oranges
120–129 reds
100–199 (full list)
130–139 blues & violets
Colours
140–149 greens
150–159 browns & blacks
160–199 gold and others
200–209 sorbates
210–219 benzoates
220–229 sulphites
230–239 phenols & formates (methanoates)
200–299 (full list)
240–259 nitrates
Preservatives
260–269 acetates (ethanoates)
270–279 lactates
280–289 propionates (propanoates)
290–299 others
300–305 ascorbates (vitamin C)
306–309 Tocopherol (vitamin E)
310–319 gallates & erythorbates
300–399 (full list) 320–329 lactates
Antioxidants & acidity 330–339 citrates & tartrates
regulators 340–349 phosphates
350–359 malates & adipates
360–369 succinates & fumarates
370–399 others
400–409 alginates
410–419 natural gums
420–429 other natural agents
400–499 (full list) 430–439 polyoxyethene compounds
Thickeners, stabilisers & 440–449 natural emulsifiers
emulsifiers 450–459 phosphates
460–469 cellulose compounds
470–489 fatty acids & compounds
490–499 others
500–599 (full list) 500–509 mineral acids & bases
pH regulators & anti-caking 510–519 chlorides & sulphates
agents 520–529 sulphates & hydroxides
530–549 alkali metal compounds
550–559 silicates
 570–579 stearates & gluconates
580–599 others
620–629 glutamates & guanylates
600–699 (full list)
630–639 inosinates
Flavour enhancers
640–649 others
700–799 (full list)
700–713
Antibiotics
900–909 waxes
910–919 synthetic glazes
900–999 (full list) 920–929 improving agents
Miscellaneous 930–949 packaging gases
950–969 sweeteners
990–999 foaming agents
1100–1599 (full list) New chemicals that do not fall into standard
1100–1599
Additional chemicals classification schemes

NB: Not all examples of a class fall into the given numeric range. Moreover, many
chemicals, particularly in the E400–499 range, have a variety of purposes.

E100–E199 (colours)
Code Name(s) Colour Status
Approved in the EU.[9]
E100 Curcumin (from turmeric) Yellow-orange
Approved in the US.[10]
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), formerly Approved in the EU.[9]
E101 Yellow-orange
called lactoflavin Approved in the US.[10]
Code Name(s) Colour Status
E101a Riboflavin-5'-Phosphate Yellow-orange Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
E102 Tartrazine (FD&C Yellow 5) Lemon yellow
Approved in the US.[10]
E103 Alkannin[11] Red-brown
Approved in the EU.[9]
Dull or greenish Undergoing a voluntary
E104 Quinoline Yellow WS
yellow phase-out in the UK.[citation
needed]

E105 Fast Yellow AB Yellow

E106 Riboflavin-5-Sodium Phosphate Yellow
E107 Yellow 2G Yellow
Approved in the EU.[9]
Banned in Norway.[12]
Sunset Yellow FCF (Orange Products in the EU require
E110 Yellow-orange
Yellow S, FD&C Yellow 6) warnings and its use is
being phased-out.[citation needed]
Approved in the US.[10]
E111 Orange GGN Orange
Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmine Approved in the EU.[9]
E120 Crimson
(Natural Red 4) Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the United
States only for use in
E121 Citrus Red 2 Dark red
colouring the skin of
oranges.[13]
Approved in the EU.[9]
Undergoing a voluntary
phase-out in the UK.
Currently banned in
E122 Carmoisine (azorubine) Red to maroon
Canada, Japan, Norway,
USA .[citation needed] EU
currently evaluating health
risks.[citation needed]
E123 Amaranth (FD&C Red 2) Dark red Approved in the EU.[9]
Ponceau 4R (Cochineal Red A,
E124 Red Approved in the EU.[9]
Brilliant Scarlet 4R)
Only permitted for
E125 Ponceau SX, Scarlet GN Red externally applied drugs and
cosmetics in the US.[14][15][16]
E126 Ponceau 6R Red
Approved in the EU.[9]
E127 Erythrosine (FD&C Red 3) Red
Approved in the US.[10]
E128 Red 2G Red
E129 Allura Red AC (FD&C Red 40) Red Approved in the EU.[9]
Code Name(s) Colour Status
Banned in Switzerland[citation
needed]
. Undergoing a
voluntary phase out in the
UK. Approved in the US.[10]
E130 Indanthrene blue RS Blue
E131 Patent Blue V Dark blue Approved in the EU.[9]
Indigo carmine (indigotine, FD&C Approved in the EU.[9]
E132 Indigo
Blue 2) Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]
E133 Brilliant Blue FCF (FD&C Blue 1) Reddish blue
Approved in the US.[10]
Chlorophylls and Chlorophyllins:
E140 Green Approved in the EU.[9]
(i) Chlorophylls (ii) Chlorophyllins
Copper complexes of chlorophylls
and chlorophyllins (i) Copper
Approved in the EU.[9]
E141 complexes of chlorophylls (ii) Green
Approved in the US.[10]
Copper complexes of
chlorophyllins
E142 Green S Green Approved in the EU.[9]
E143 Fast Green FCF (FD&C Green 3) Sea green
Approved in the EU.[9]
E150a Plain caramel Brown
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]
E150b Caustic sulphite caramel Brown
Approved in the US.[10]
Approved in the EU.[9]
E150c Ammonia caramel Brown
Approved in the US.[10]
E150d Sulphite ammonia caramel Brown Approved in the US.[10]
E151 Black PN, Brilliant Black BN Black Approved in the EU.[9]
E152 Carbon black (hydrocarbon) Black
E153 Vegetable carbon Black Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU for
dyeing kippers only,
E154 Brown FK (kipper brown) Brown
however appears to no
longer be used. [17]
E155 Brown HT (chocolate brown HT) Brown Approved in the EU.[9]
Alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, Yellow-orange to
E160a Approved in the EU.[9]
Gamma-carotene brown
Approved in the EU.[9]
E160b Annatto, bixin, norbixin Orange
Approved in the US.[10]
Paprika oleoresin, Capsanthin, Approved in the EU.[9]
E160c Red
capsorubin Approved in the US.[10]
Bright to deep Approved in the EU.[9]
E160d Lycopene
red Approved in the US.[10]
E160e Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30) Orange-red to Approved in the EU.[9]
Code Name(s) Colour Status
yellow Approved in the US.[10]
Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic Orange-red to
E160f Approved in the EU.[9]
acid (C 30) yellow
Golden-yellow
E161a Flavoxanthin
and brownish
Orange-red to
E161b Lutein Approved in the EU.[9]
yellow
E161c Cryptoxanthin Orange-red
E161d Rubixanthin Orange-red
E161e Violaxanthin Orange
E161f Rhodoxanthin Purple
Approved in the EU.[9]
E161g Canthaxanthin Violet
Approved in the US.[10]
E161h Zeaxanthin Orange-red
E161i Citranaxanthin Deep violet
E161j Astaxanthin Red
Approved in the EU.[9]
E162 Beetroot Red, Betanin Red
Approved in the US.[10]
pH
dependent(Red,
E163 Anthocyanins Approved in the EU.[9]
green and purple
ranges)
E164 Saffron Orange-red[colour?] Approved in the US.[10]
E170 Calcium carbonate, Chalk White Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the EU.[9]
E171 Titanium dioxide White
Approved in the US.[10]
E172 Iron oxides and iron hydroxides Brown Approved in the EU.[9]
Approved in the US for
sausage casings.[10]
E173 Aluminium Silver to grey Approved in the EU.[9]
E174 Silver Silver Approved in the EU.[9]
E175 Gold Gold Approved in the EU.[9]
Pigment Rubine, Lithol Rubine
E180 Red Approved in the EU.[9]
BK
E181 Tannin Brown
E182 Orcein, Orchil Purple
E200–E299 (preservatives)
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E200 Sorbic acid preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E201 Sodium sorbate preservative
E202 Potassium sorbate preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E203 Calcium sorbate preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E209 Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate preservative
E210 Benzoic acid preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E211 Sodium benzoate preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E212 Potassium benzoate preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E213 Calcium benzoate preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
Ethylparaben (ethyl para-
E214 preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
hydroxybenzoate)
Sodium ethyl para-
E215 preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
hydroxybenzoate
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
Propylparaben (propyl para-
E216 preservative
hydroxybenzoate)
Sodium propyl para-
E217 preservative
hydroxybenzoate
Methylparaben (methyl para-
E218 preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
hydroxybenzoate)
Sodium methyl para-
E219 preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
hydroxybenzoate
E220 Sulphur dioxide preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E221 Sodium sulphite preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
Sodium bisulphite (sodium
E222 preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
hydrogen sulphite)
E223 Sodium metabisulphite preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E224 Potassium metabisulphite preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E225 Potassium sulphite preservative
E226 Calcium sulphite preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
Calcium hydrogen sulphite
E227 firming agent Approved in the EU.[9]
(preservative)
E228 Potassium hydrogen sulphite preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E230 Biphenyl, diphenyl preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E231 Orthophenyl phenol preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E232 Sodium orthophenyl phenol preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E233 Thiabendazole preservative
E234 Nisin preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E235 Natamycin, Pimaracin preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E236 Formic acid preservative
E237 Sodium formate preservative
E238 Calcium formate preservative
Hexamine (hexamethylene
E239 preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
tetramine)
E240 Formaldehyde preservative
E242 Dimethyl dicarbonate preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E249 Potassium nitrite preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E250 Sodium nitrite preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E251 Sodium nitrate (Chile saltpeter) preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E252 Potassium nitrate (Saltpetre) preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E260 Acetic acid (preservative) acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E261 Potassium acetate (preservative) acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
Sodium acetates (i) Sodium acetate
preservative,
E262 (ii) Sodium diacetate (sodium Approved in the EU.[18]
acidity regulator
hydrogen acetate)
E263 Calcium acetate (preservative) acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E264 Ammonium acetate preservative
E265 Dehydroacetic acid preservative
E266 Sodium dehydroacetate preservative
E270 Lactic acid (preservative) antioxidant Approved in the EU.[18]
E280 Propionic acid preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E281 Sodium propionate preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E282 Calcium propionate preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E283 Potassium propionate preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E284 Boric acid preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E285 Sodium tetraborate (borax) preservative Approved in the EU.[9]
E290 Carbon dioxide acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E296 Malic acid (acid) acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E297 Fumaric acid acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]

E300–E399 (antioxidants, acidity regulators)

Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E300 Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E301 Sodium ascorbate antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E302 Calcium ascorbate antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E303 Potassium ascorbate antioxidant
Fatty acid esters of ascorbic acid
E304 antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
(Ascorbyl palmitate)
E305 Ascorbyl stearate antioxidant
E306 Tocopherols (natural) antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E307 Alpha-tocopherol (synthetic) antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E308 Gamma-tocopherol (synthetic) antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E309 Delta-tocopherol (synthetic) antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E310 Propyl gallate antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E311 Octyl gallate antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E312 Dodecyl gallate antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E313 Ethyl gallate antioxidant
E314 Guaiac resin antioxidant
E315 Erythorbic acid antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E316 Sodium erythorbate antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E317 Erythorbin acid antioxidant
E318 Sodium erythorbin antioxidant
E319 tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E320 Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E321 Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E322 Lecithin emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E323 Anoxomer antioxidant
E324 Ethoxyquin antioxidant
E325 Sodium lactate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E326 Potassium lactate (antioxidant) acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E327 Calcium lactate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E328 Ammonium lactate acidity regulator
E329 Magnesium lactate acidity regulator
acid, acidity
E330 Citric acid Approved in the EU.[18]
regulator
Sodium citrates (i) Monosodium
E331 citrate (ii) Disodium citrate (iii) acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
Sodium citrate (trisodium citrate)
Potassium citrates (i)
Monopotassium citrate (ii)
E332 acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
Potassium citrate (tripotassium
citrate)
Calcium citrates (i) Monocalcium acidity regulator,
E333 citrate (ii) Dicalcium citrate (iii) firming agent, Approved in the EU.[18]
Calcium citrate (tricalcium citrate) sequestrant
E334 Tartaric acid (L(+)-) (acid) Approved in the EU.[18]
Sodium tartrates (i) Monosodium
E335 acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
tartrate (ii), Disodium tartrate
Potassium tartrates (i)
E336 Monopotassium tartrate (cream of acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
tartar) (ii) Dipotassium tartrate
E337 Sodium potassium tartrate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E338 Orthophosphoric acid acid Approved in the EU.[18]
Sodium phosphates (i)
Monosodium phosphate (ii)
E339 antioxidant Approved in the EU.[18]
Disodium phosphate (iii)
Trisodium phosphate
Potassium phosphates (i)
Monopotassium phosphate (ii)
E340 antioxidant Approved in the EU.[18]
Dipotassium phosphate (iii)
Tripotassium phosphate
E341 Calcium phosphates (i) anti-caking Approved in the EU.[18]
Monocalcium phosphate (ii) agent, firming
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
Dicalcium phosphate (iii)
agent
Tricalcium phosphate
Ammonium phosphates: (i)
E342 monoammonium phosphate (ii)
diammonium phosphate
Approved in the EU.[18] This
additive is under discussion
Magnesium phosphates (i)
and may be included in a
E343 monomagnesium phosphate (ii) anti-caking agent
future amendment to the
Dimagnesium phosphate
Directive on miscellaneous
additives.
E344 Lecitin citrate acidity regulator
E345 Magnesium citrate acidity regulator
E349 Ammonium malate acidity regulator
Sodium malates (i) Sodium malate
E350 acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
(ii) Sodium hydrogen malate
E351 Potassium malate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E352 Calcium malates (i) Calcium acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
malate (ii) Calcium hydrogen
malate
E353 Metatartaric acid emulsifier Approved in the EU.[18]
E354 Calcium tartrate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[18]
E355 Adipic acid acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E356 Sodium adipate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E357 Potassium adipate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E359 Ammonium adipate acidity regulator
E363 Succinic acid acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E365 Sodium fumarate acidity regulator
E366 Potassium fumarate acidity regulator
E367 Calcium fumarate acidity regulator
E368 Ammonium fumarate acidity regulator
E370 1,4-Heptonolactone acidity regulator
E380 Triammonium citrate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E381 Ammonium ferric citrate acidity regulator
E383 Calcium glycerylphosphate acidity regulator
E384 Isopropyl citrate acidity regulator
E385 Calcium disodium ethylene sequestrant Approved in the EU.[18]
diamine tetraacetate, (Calcium
disodium EDTA)
Disodium ethylene diamine
E386 sequestrant
tetraacetate (Disodium EDTA)
E387 Oxystearin stabiliser
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E388 Thiodipropionic acid
E389 Dilauryl thiodipropionate
E390 Distearyl thiodipropionate
E391 Phytic acid
E392 Extracts of rosemary Approved in 2010[21]

E400–E499 (thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers)

Code Name(s) Purpose Status
Alginic acid (thickener) (stabiliser)
E400 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
(gelling agent)
Sodium alginate (thickener)
E401 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
(stabiliser) (gelling agent)
Potassium alginate (thickener)
E402 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
(stabiliser) (gelling agent)
Ammonium alginate (thickener)
E403 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
(stabiliser)
Calcium alginate (thickener)
E404 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
(stabiliser) (gelling agent)
Propane-1,2-diol alginate
E405 (Propylene glycol alginate) emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
(thickener) (stabiliser)
E406 Agar (thickener) (gelling agent) stabiliser Approved in the EU.[20]
Carrageenan (thickener)
E407 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
(stabiliser) (gelling agent)
Processed eucheuma seaweed
E407a (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
agent)
E408 Bakers yeast glycan
E409 Arabinogalactan
Locust bean gum (Carob gum)
E410 (thickener) (stabiliser) (gelling emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
agent)
E411 Oat gum (thickener) stabiliser
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E412 Guar gum (thickener) stabiliser Approved in the EU.[20]
E413 Tragacanth (thickener) (stabiliser) emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
Acacia gum (gum arabic)
E414 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
(thickener) (stabiliser)
E415 Xanthan gum (thickener) stabiliser Approved in the EU.[20]
E416 Karaya gum (thickener) (stabiliser) emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E417 Tara gum (thickener) stabiliser Approved in the EU.[20]
E418 Gellan gum (thickener) (stabiliser) emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E419 Gum ghatti (thickener) (stabiliser) emulsifier
Sorbitol (i) Sorbitol (ii) Sorbitol
E420 humectant Approved in the EU.[22]
syrup (emulsifier) (sweetener)
E421 Mannitol (anti-caking agent) sweetener Approved in the EU.[22]
E422 Glycerol (emulsifier) sweetener Approved in the EU.[18]
E424 Curdlan
Approved in the EU.[20] May
Konjac (i) Konjac gum (ii) Konjac not be used in confectionery
E425 emulsifier
glucomannane owing to choking risk.[citation
needed]

E426 Soybean hemicellulose Approved in the EU.[20]

E427 Cassia gum Approved in 2010[21]
E429 Peptones
Polyoxyethene (8) stearate
E430 stabiliser
(emulsifier)
E431 Polyoxyethene (40) stearate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[18]
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E432 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
monolaurate (polysorbate 20)
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E433 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
monooleate (polysorbate 80)
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E434 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
monopalmitate (polysorbate 40)
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E435 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
monostearate (polysorbate 60)
Polyoxyethene (20) sorbitan
E436 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
tristearate (polysorbate 65)
Pectins (i) pectin (ii) amidated
E440 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
pectin
E441 Gelatine (emulsifier) gelling agent
E442 Ammonium phosphatides emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E444 Sucrose acetate isobutyrate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E445 Glycerol esters of wood rosins emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E446 Succistearin
E450 Diphosphates (i) Disodium emulsifier Approved in the EU.[18]
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
diphosphate (ii) Trisodium
diphosphate (iii) Tetrasodium
diphosphate (iv) Dipotassium
diphosphate (v) Tetrapotassium
diphosphate (vi) Dicalcium
diphosphate (vii) Calcium
dihydrogen diphosphate
Triphosphates (i) Sodium
triphosphate (pentasodium
E451 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[18]
triphosphate) (ii) Pentapotassium
triphosphate
Polyphosphates (i) Sodium
polyphosphates (ii) Potassium
polyphosphates (iii) Sodium
E452 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[18]
calcium polyphosphate (iv)
Calcium polyphosphates (v)
Ammonium polyphosphate
E459 Beta-cyclodextrin emulsifier Approved in the EU.[18]
Cellulose (i) Microcrystalline
E460 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
cellulose (ii) Powdered cellulose
E461 Methyl cellulose emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E462 Ethyl cellulose emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E463 Hydroxypropyl cellulose emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
Hypromellose (hydroxypropyl
E464 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
methylcellulose)
E465 Ethyl methyl cellulose emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
Carboxymethyl cellulose, Sodium
E466 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
carboxy methyl cellulose
E467 Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose
Approved in the EU.[20] This
additive is under discussion
Crosslinked sodium
and may be included in a
E468 carboxymethyl cellulose emulsifier
future amendment to the
(Croscarmellose)
Directive on miscellaneous
additives
Enzymically hydrolysed
E469 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
carboxymethylcellulose
Sodium, potassium and calcium
E470a anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[20]
salts of fatty acids (emulsifier)
Magnesium salts of fatty acids
E470b anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[20]
(emulsifier)
E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
acids (glyceryl monostearate,
glyceryl distearate)
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
Acetic acid esters of mono- and
E472a emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
diglycerides of fatty acids
Lactic acid esters of mono- and
E472b emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
diglycerides of fatty acids
Citric acid esters of mono- and
E472c emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
diglycerides of fatty acids
Tartaric acid esters of mono- and
E472d emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
diglycerides of fatty acids
Mono- and diacetyl tartaric acid
E472e esters of mono- and diglycerides of emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
fatty acids
Mixed acetic and tartaric acid
E472f esters of mono- and diglycerides of emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
fatty acids
E472g Succinylated monoglycerides emulsifier
E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E474 Sucroglycerides emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E475 Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E476 Polyglycerol polyricinoleate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
Propane-1,2-diol esters of fatty
E477 acids, propylene glycol esters of emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
fatty acids
Lactylated fatty acid esters of
E478 emulsifier
glycerol and propane-1
Thermally oxidized soya bean oil
E479b interacted with mono- and emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
diglycerides of fatty acids
E480 Dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate emulsifier
E481 Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E482 Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E483 Stearyl tartrate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E484 Stearyl citrate emulsifier
E485 Sodium stearoyl fumarate emulsifier
E486 Calcium stearoyl fumarate emulsifier
E487 Sodium laurylsulphate emulsifier
Ethoxylated Mono- and Di-
E488 emulsifier
Glycerides
E489 Methyl glucoside-coconut oil ester emulsifier
E490 Propane-1,2-diol
E491 Sorbitan monostearate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E492 Sorbitan tristearate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E494 Sorbitan monooleate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E495 Sorbitan monopalmitate emulsifier Approved in the EU.[20]
E496 Sorbitan trioleate emulsifier
Polyoxypropylene-
E497
polyoxyethylene polymers
Partial polyglycerol esters of
E498 polycondensed fatty acids of castor
oil
E500–E599 (acidity regulators, anti-caking agents)
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
Sodium carbonates (i) Sodium
carbonate (ii) Sodium bicarbonate
E500 (Sodium hydrogen carbonate) (iii) raising agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Sodium sesquicarbonate (acidity
regulator)
Potassium carbonates (i)
Potassium carbonate (ii) Potassium
E501 acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
bicarbonate (Potassium hydrogen
carbonate)
Ammonium carbonates (i)
Ammonium carbonate (ii)
E503 acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
Ammonium bicarbonate
(Ammonium hydrogen carbonate)
Magnesium carbonates (i)
Magnesium carbonate (ii) acidity regulator,
E504 Approved in the EU.[18]
Magnesium bicarbonate anti-caking agent
Magnesium hydrogen carbonate
E505 Ferrous carbonate acidity regulator
E507 Hydrochloric acid acid Approved in the EU.[18]
E508 Potassium chloride (gelling agent) seasoning Approved in the EU.[18]
E509 Calcium chloride (sequestrant) firming agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Ammonium chloride, ammonia
E510 improving agent
solution (acidity regulator)
E511 Magnesium chloride firming agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E512 Stannous chloride antioxidant Approved in the EU.[18]
E513 Sulphuric acid acid Approved in the EU.[18]
Sodium sulphates (i) Sodium
E514 acid Approved in the EU.[18]
sulphate (ii)
Potassium Sulphates (i) Potassium
E515 Approved in the EU.[18]
Sulphate (ii)
E516 Calcium sulphate Approved in the EU.[18]
E517 Ammonium sulphate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
Magnesium sulphate (Epsom
E518 firming agent
salts), (acidity regulator)
E519 Copper(II) sulphate preservative
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E520 Aluminium sulphate firming agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E521 Aluminium sodium sulphate firming agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E522 Aluminium potassium sulphate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E523 Aluminium ammonium sulphate acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E524 Sodium hydroxide acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E525 Potassium hydroxide acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
Calcium hydroxide (acidity
E526 firming agent Approved in the EU.[18]
regulator)
E527 Ammonium hydroxide acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E528 Magnesium hydroxide acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
E529 Calcium oxide (acidity regulator) improving agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Magnesium oxide (acidity
E530 anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
regulator)
Sodium ferrocyanide (acidity
E535 anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
regulator)
E536 Potassium ferrocyanide anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E537 Ferrous hexacyanomanganate anti-caking agent
E538 Calcium ferrocyanide anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E539 Sodium thiosulphate antioxidant
Dicalcium diphosphate (acidity
E540 emulsifier
regulator)
Sodium aluminium phosphate (i)
E541 emulsifier Approved in the EU.[18]
Acidic (ii) Basic
Bone phosphate (Essentiale
E542 anti-caking agent
Calcium Phosphate, Tribasic)
E543 Calcium sodium polyphosphate emulsifier
E544 Calcium polyphosphate emulsifier
E545 Ammonium polyphosphate emulsifier
Sodium Silicates (i) Sodium
E550 anti-caking agent
silicate (ii) Sodium metasilicate
E551 Silicon dioxide (Silica) anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E552 Calcium silicate anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(i) Magnesium silicate (ii)
E553a anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Magnesium trisilicate
E553b Talc anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Sodium aluminosilicate (sodium
E554 anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
aluminium silicate)
E555 Potassium aluminium silicate anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Calcium aluminosilicate (calcium
E556 anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
aluminium silicate)
E557 Zinc silicate anti-caking agent
E558 Bentonite anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E559 Aluminium silicate (Kaolin) anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E560 Potassium silicate anti-caking agent
E561 Vermiculite
E562 Sepiolite
E563 Sepiolitic clay
E565 Lignosulphonates
E566 Natrolite-phonolite
E570 Stearic acid (Fatty acid) anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Magnesium stearate, calcium
E572 anti-caking agent
stearate (emulsifier)
E574 Gluconic acid acidity regulator Approved in the EU.[18]
Glucono delta-lactone (acidity
E575 sequestrant Approved in the EU.[18]
regulator)
E576 Sodium gluconate sequestrant Approved in the EU.[18]
E577 Potassium gluconate sequestrant Approved in the EU.[18]
E578 Calcium gluconate firming agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E579 Ferrous gluconate food colouring Approved in the EU.[18]
E580 Magnesium gluconate
E585 Ferrous lactate food colouring Approved in the EU.[18]
E586 4-Hexylresorcinol antioxidant Approved in the EU.[19]
E598 Synthetic calcium aluminates
E599 Perlite
E600–E699 (flavour enhancers)
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E620 Glutamic acid flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E621 Monosodium glutamate (MSG) flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E622 Monopotassium glutamate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E623 Calcium diglutamate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E624 Monoammonium glutamate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E625 Magnesium diglutamate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E626 Guanylic acid flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
Disodium guanylate, sodium
E627 flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
guanylate
E628 Dipotassium guanylate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E629 Calcium guanylate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E630 Inosinic acid flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E631 Disodium inosinate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E632 Dipotassium inosinate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E633 Calcium inosinate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E634 Calcium 5'-ribonucleotides flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E635 Disodium 5'-ribonucleotides flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E636 Maltol flavour enhancer
E637 Ethyl maltol flavour enhancer
E638 Sodium aspartate flavour enhancer
E639 Alanine (DL-) flavour enhancer
E640 Glycine and its sodium salt flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E641 L-leucine flavour enhancer
E642 Lysine hydrochloride flavour enhancer
E650 Zinc acetate flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[18]
E900–E999 (glazing agents and sweeteners)
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
Dimethyl polysiloxane (anti-
E900 anti-caking agent Approved in the EU.[18]
foaming agent)
E901 Beeswax, white and yellow glazing agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E902 Candelilla wax glazing agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E903 Carnauba wax glazing agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E904 Shellac glazing agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E905 Paraffins Approved in the EU.[18]
anti-foaming
E905a Mineral oil
agent
E905b Petrolatum
Petroleum wax (i)Microcrystalline
E905c glazing agent
wax (ii) Paraffin wax
E906 Gum benzoic flavour enhancer
E907 Crystalline wax glazing agent
E908 Rice bran wax glazing agent
E909 Spermaceti wax glazing agent
E910 Wax esters glazing agent
E911 Methyl esters of fatty acids glazing agent
Montanic acid esters, Montan acid
E912 glazing agent Approved in the EU.[18]
esters
E913 Lanolin, sheep wool grease glazing agent
Oxidized polyethylene wax,
E914 glazing agent Approved in the EU.[18]
oxidized polyethylene
E915 Esters of colophony glazing agent
E916 Calcium iodate
E917 Potassium iodate
E918 Nitrogen oxides
E919 Nitrosyl chloride
E920 L-cysteine improving agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E921 L-cystine improving agent
E922 Potassium persulphate improving agent
E923 Ammonium persulphate improving agent
E924 Potassium bromate improving agent
E924b Calcium bromate improving agent
preservative,
E925 Chlorine bleach,
improving agent
E926 Chlorine dioxide (preservative) bleach
E927a Azodicarbonamide improving agent
E927b Carbamide (urea) improving agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
Benzoyl peroxide (improving
E928 bleach
agent)
E929 Acetone peroxide
Calcium peroxide (improving
E930 bleach
agent)
E938 Argon packaging gas Approved in the EU.[18]
E939 Helium packaging gas Approved in the EU.[18]
E940 Dichlorodifluoromethane packaging gas Rarely used
E941 Nitrogen (packaging gas) propellant Approved in the EU.[18]
E942 Nitrous oxide propellant Approved in the EU.[18]
E943a Butane propellant Approved in the EU.[18]
E943b Isobutane propellant Approved in the EU.[18]
E944 Propane propellant Approved in the EU.[18]
E945 Chloropentafluoroethane propellant
E946 Octafluorocyclobutane propellant
E948 Oxygen packaging gas Approved in the EU.[18]
E949 Hydrogen packaging gas Approved in the EU.[18]
E950 Acesulfame potassium sweetener Approved in the EU.[22]
E951 Aspartame sweetener Approved in the EU.[22]
Cyclamic acid and its sodium and
E952 calcium salts, also known as sweetener Approved in the EU.[22]
Cyclamate
E953 Isomalt, Isomaltitol sweetener Approved in the EU.[22]
Saccharin and its sodium,
E954 sweetener Approved in the EU.[22]
potassium and calcium salts
Sucralose
E955 sweetener Approved in the EU.[22]
(Trichlorogalactosucrose)
E956 Alitame sweetener
E957 Thaumatin (sweetener) flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[22]
E958 Glycyrrhizin (sweetener) flavour enhancer
Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone
E959 flavour enhancer Approved in the EU.[22]
(sweetener)
E960 Steviol glycosides sweetener Approved in the EU.[23]
E961 Neotame sweetener Approved in 2010[21]
Aspartame-acesulfame salt
E962 stabiliser Approved in the EU.[22]
(sweetener)
Maltitol (i) Maltitol (ii) Maltitol
E965 humectant Approved in the EU.[22]
syrup (sweetener) (stabiliser)
E966 Lactitol sweetener Approved in the EU.[22]
E967 Xylitol sweetener Approved in the EU.[22]
E968 Erythritol humectant Approved in the EU.[22]
E999 Quillaia extract foaming agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E1000–E1599 (additional chemicals)
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E1000 Cholic acid emulsifier
E1001 Choline salts emulsifier
stabiliser, flavour
E1100 Amylase
enhancer
Proteases ((i)Protease, (ii)Papain, stabiliser, flavour
E1101
(iii)Bromelain, (iv)Ficin) enhancer
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
E1102 Glucose oxidase antioxidant
E1103 Invertase stabiliser Approved in the EU.[20]
E1104 Lipases
E1105 Lysozyme preservative
stabiliser,
thickening agent,
E1200 Polydextrose Approved in the EU.[18]
humectant,
carrier
E1201 Polyvinylpyrrolidone stabiliser Approved in the EU.[18]
E1202 Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (carrier) stabiliser Approved in the EU.[18]
E1203 Polyvinyl alcohol Approved in 2010[21]
E1204 Pullulan Approved in the EU.[18]
Dextrin (Dextrins, roasted starch
E1400 thickening agent
white and yellow) (stabiliser)
Modified starch ((Acid-treated
E1401 thickening agent
starch) stabiliser)
Alkaline modified starch
E1402 thickening agent
(stabiliser)
E1403 Bleached starch (stabiliser) thickening agent
E1404 Oxidized starch (emulsifier) thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E1405 Enzyme treated starch
E1410 Monostarch phosphate (stabiliser) thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
Distarch glycerol (thickening
E1411 emulsifier
agent)
Distarch phosphate esterified with
sodium trimetasphosphate;
E1412 thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
esterified with phosphorus
oxychloride (stabiliser)
Phosphated distarch phosphate
E1413 thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(stabiliser)
Acetylated distarch phosphate
E1414 thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(emulsifier)
Starch acetate esterified with
E1420 thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
acetic anhydride (stabiliser)
Starch acetate esterified with vinyl
E1421 thickening agent
acetate (stabiliser)
Acetylated Distarch Adipate
E1422 thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(stabiliser)
E1423 Acetylated distarch glycerol thickening agent
E1430 Distarch glycerine (stabiliser) thickening agent
E1440 Hydroxy propyl starch (emulsifier) thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
E1441 Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerine thickening agent
Code Name(s) Purpose Status
(stabiliser)
Hydroxy propyl distarch phosphate
E1442 thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(stabiliser)
E1443 Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerol
Starch sodium octenyl succinate
E1450 thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(emulsifier) (stabiliser)
Acetylated oxidised starch
E1451 thickening agent Approved in the EU.[18]
(emulsifier)
Starch aluminium octenyl
E1452 Approved in the EU.[18]
succinate
E1501 Benzylated hydrocarbons
E1502 Butane-1, 3-diol
E1503 Castor oil resolving agent
E1504 Ethyl acetate flavour solvent
E1505 Triethyl citrate foam stabiliser Approved in the EU.[18]
E1510 Ethanol
E1516 Glyceryl monoacetate flavour solvent
E1517 Glyceryl diacetate or diacetin flavour solvent
E1518 Glyceryl triacetate or triacetin humectant Approved in the EU.[18]
E1519 Benzyl alcohol
E1520 Propylene glycol humectant Approved in the EU.[18]
[24]
E1521 Polyethylene glycol 8000 Approved in 2010[21]
E1525 Hydroxyethyl cellulose thickening agent