Ever wondered what the difference is between E235 Natamycin and E102 Tartrazine? We did too, so we thought we would put this food additive list together with it’s possible side effects. It’s becoming increasingly more common to hear claims that we should avoid food additives so if you want to find out more about a particular additive, simply click the link and it will take you to wikipedia.
If you are confused by the ingredients and numbers listed on food labels then you may enjoy our article 5 tips for reading food labels here.
INS | Additive Name | Possible Side Effects |
E100 | Curcumin | Prohibited in infant food. Limit intake if suffering liver disorder or gallstones. |
E101 | Riboflavin | Prohibited in infant food. |
E101a | Riboflavin-5′-phosphate | Prohibited in infant food. |
E102 | Tartrazine | Known to provoke asthma attacks and urticaria (nettle rash) in children, headaches, insomnia; also linked to thyroid tumors, chromosomal damage, urticaria (hives) and hyperactivity; tartrazine sensitivity is also linked to aspirin sensitivity. |
E104 | Quinoline Yellow | Hyperactivity, asthma, may be toxic when combined with other additives. |
E107 | Yellow 7G | 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 | Urticaria (hives), rhinitis (runny nose), nasal congestion, allergies, hyperactivity, behavioural problems, vomiting, kidney tumors, chromosomal damage, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, distaste for food; seen increased incidence of tumours in animals; banned in Norway. |
E120 | Cochineal | Dermatitis, asthma, prohibited in infant food. |
E122 | Azorubine | Hyperactivity, behavioural problems, reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; banned in Sweden, USA, Austria and Norway. |
E123 | Amaranth | 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 | Reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; banned in USA & Norway, prohibited in infant food. |
E127 | Erythrosine | 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; banned in Norway. |
E128 | Red 2G | Banned in Australia and many other places except UK. |
E129 | Allura Red AC | 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 | May cause nausea, asthma, hyperactivity, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems and other allergic reactions. Banned in Norway. |
E133 | Brilliant blue FCF | Suspected neurotoxicity, hyperactivity, asthma. |
E140 | Chlorophylis | Prohibited in infant food. |
E141 | Copper complexes of chloropyll and chlorophyllins | Prohibited in infant food. |
E142 | Green S | Asthma, insomnia, allergies, banned inSweden, USA and Norway |
E150a | Caramel | Gastro-intestinal problems, prohibited in infant food. |
E150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | Asthma, may affect the liver, prohibited in infant food. |
E150c | Ammonia caramel | Asthma, may affect the liver, prohibited in infant food. |
E150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | Asthma, may affect the liver, prohibited in infant food. |
E151 | Brilliant Black BN | Asthma, possible carcinogen, prohibited in infant food. |
E153 | Vegetable carbon | Possible carcinogen, mildly toxic by skin contact. |
E154 | Brown FK | Banned in USA |
E155 | Brown HT | 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. |
E160a | Carotene | May cause allergies, prohibited in infant food. |
E160b | Annatto | Known to cause urticaria (nettle rash), prohibited in infant food. |
E160c | Paprika extract | May cause allergies, prohibited in infant food. |
E160d | Lycopene | May cause allergies, prohibited in infant food. |
E160e | Beta-apo-8′-carotenal (C 30) | May cause allergies, prohibited in infant food. |
E160f | Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8′-carotenic acid (C 30) | No adverse effects are known. |
E161b | Lutein | May cause allergies, prohibited in infant food. |
E161g | Canthaxanthin | May cause allergies, prohibited in infant food. |
E162 | Beetroot Red | No adverse effects are known, prohibited in infant food. |
E163 | Anthocyanins | Seems safe, prohibited in infant food. |
E170 | Calcium carbonate | Toxic at ‘high doses.’ |
E171 | Titanium dioxide | Suspected reproductive toxicity, prohibited in infant food. |
E172 | Iron oxides and hydroxides | Potentially toxic, prohibited in infant food. |
E173 | Aluminium | Aggrevates lung and kidney disorders, prohibited in infant food. |
E174 | Silver | Toxic in large doses, prohibited in infant food. |
E175 | Gold | Toxic in large doses, prohibited in infant food. |
E180 | Latolrubine BK | No adverse effects are known. |
E181 | Tannic acid | May cause allergies, prohibited in infant food. |
E200 | Sorbic acid | Behavioural problems, asthma, prohibited in infant food. |
E201 | Sodium sorbate | Headaches, skin irritations, digestive disorders, asthma, prohibited in infant food. |
E202 | Potassium sorbate | Skin irritations, digestive disorders, asthma, prohibited in infant food. |
E203 | Calcium sorbate | Skin irritations, digestive disorders, asthma, prohibited in infant food. |
E210 | Benzoic acid, also known as flowers of benzoin, phenlycarboxylic acid | Reputed to cause neurological disorders and to react with sulphur bisulphite (222), shown to provoke hyperactivity in children; obtained from Benzoin, prohibited in infant food. |
E211 | Sodium benzoate | Skin irritations, digestive disorders, asthma, prohibited in infant food. |
E212 | Potassium benzoate | People with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions. |
E213 | Calcium benzoate | People with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions. |
E214 | Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Banned in some countries. |
E215 | Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Banned in Australia. |
E216 | Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Possible contact allergen, prohibited in infant food. |
E217 | Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Banned in some countries. |
E218 | Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Allergic reactions possible, mainly affecting the skin. |
E219 | Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate | Asthma, eczema. |
E220 | Sulphur dioxide | Can provoke asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1. |
E221 | Sodium sulphite | Destroyes Vitamin B, asthma, prohibited in infant food. |
E222 | Sodium hydrogen sulphite | Can provoke asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1. |
E223 | Sodium metabisulphite | Can provoke asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1. |
E224 | Potassium metabisulphite | Can provoke asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1. |
E225 | Potassium sulphite | Can provoke asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1. |
E226 | Calcium sulphite | Bronchial problems, flushing, low blood pressure, tingling, and anaphylactic shock. |
E227 | Calcium hydrogen sulphite | Allergy, Asthma, Digestive Disorders, Reduce Vitamin Absorbption. |
E228 | Potassium hydrogen sulphite | Can provoke asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1. |
E230 | Biphenyl | Headaches, intestine upset, skin disorders, prohibited in infant food. |
E231 | Orthophenyl phenol | Headaches, intestine upset, skin disorders, prohibited in infant food. |
E232 | Sodium orthophenyl phenol | Headaches, intestine upset, skin disorders, prohibited in infant food. |
E233 | Thiabendazole | Headaches, intestine upset, skin disorders, prohibited in infant food. |
E234 | Nisin | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, prohibited in infant food. |
E235 | Natamycin | Can cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea and skin irritation. |
E236 | Formic acid | Allergy, Cancer, Kidney Problems. |
E237 | Sodium formate | Banned in some countries. |
E238 | Calcium formate | Banned in some countries. |
E239 | Hexamethylene tetramine | Banned in some countries. |
E249 | Potassium nitrite | 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. |
E251 | Sodium nitrate | May provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions, potentially carcinogenic, restricted in many countries. |
E252 | Potassium nitrate | May provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions; potentially carcinogenic; restricted in many countries. |
E260 | Acetic acid | Respiratory problems |
E261 | Potassium acetate | Avoided by people with impaired kidney function. |
E262 | Sodium acetate | Aviod if sensitive to vinagar. |
E263 | Calcium acetate | Aviod if sensitive to vinagar. |
E264 | Ammonium acetate | Nausea and vomiting. |
E270 | Lactic acid | Difficult for babies to metabolise. |
E280 | Propionic acid | Headaches, migranes, skin disorders, liver toxicity |
E281 | Sodium propionate | May be linked to migraines. |
E282 | Calcium propionate | May be linked to migraines. |
E283 | Potassium propionate | May be linked to migraines. |
E290 | Carbon dioxide | Prohibited in infant food. |
E296 | Malic acid | Infants and young children should avoid. |
E297 | Fumaric acid | Prohibited in infant food. |
E300 | Ascorbic acid | Check for GM status. |
E301 | Sodium ascorbate | Check for GM status. |
E302 | Calcium ascorbate | Check for GM status. |
E303 | Potassium ascorbate | Check for GM status. |
E304 | Ascorbyl palmitate | No known side effects. |
E306 | Tocopherol-rich extract | No known side effects. |
E307 | alpha-tocopherol | No known side effects. |
E308 | gamma-tocopherol | No known side effects. |
E309 | delta-tocopherol | No known side effects. |
E310 | Propyl gallate | Not permitted in foods for infants and small children because of their known tendency to cause the blood disorder, methemoglobinemia. |
E311 | Octyl gallate | Not permitted in foods for infants and small children because of their known tendency to cause the blood disorder, methemoglobinemia. |
E312 | Dodecyl gallate | 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, methemoglobinemia. |
E317 | Erythorbic acid | No known side effects. |
E318 | Sodium erythorbate | No known side effects. |
E319 | Tert-ButylHydroQuinone (TBHQ) | May cause nausea, vomiting, delirium. |
E320 | Butylated hydroxy-anisole (BHA) | 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. |
E321 | Butylated hydroxy-toluene (BHT) | 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. |
E322 | Lecithins | Can upset the stomach, kill the appetite and cause profuse sweating. |
E325 | Sodium lactate | Young children with lactose intolerance may show adverse reactions. |
E326 | Potassium lactate | Young children with lactose intolerance may show adverse reactions. |
E327 | Calcium lactate | Young children with lactose intolerance may show adverse reactions. |
E328 | Ammonium lactate | Young children with lactose intolerance may show adverse reactions. |
E329 | Magnesium lactate | Young children with lactose intolerance may show adverse reactions. |
E330 | Citric acid | Can provoke symptoms similar to MSG. |
E331 | Sodium citrates | Can provoke symptoms similar to MSG. |
E332 | Potassium citrates | Can provoke symptoms similar to MSG. |
E333 | Calcium citrates | Can provoke symptoms similar to MSG. |
E334 | Tartaric acid | Laxative effect. |
E335 | Sodium tartrates | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E336 | Potassium tartrates | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E337 | Sodium potassium tartrate | Avoid if high blood pressure/liver issues. Not permitted in infant foods. |
E338 | Phosphoric acid | Tooth decay, calcium loss in bones, neuro toxin. Not permitted in infant foods. |
E339 | Sodium phosphates | High intakes may upset the calcium/phosphorus equilibrium |
E340 | Potassium phosphates | High intakes may upset the calcium/phosphorus equilibrium |
E341 | Calcium phosphates | Calcium defficiency. Not permitted in infant foods. |
E343 | Magnesium phosphates | Calcium defficiency. Not permitted in infant foods. |
E350 | Sodium malates | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E351 | Potassium malate | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E352 | Calcium malates | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E353 | Metatartaric acid | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E354 | Calcium tartrate | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E355 | Adipic acid | Allergies |
E357 | Potassium adipate | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E363 | Succinic acid | Diarrhoea. Not permitted in infant foods. |
E365 | Sodium fumarate | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E366 | Potassium fumarate | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E367 | Calcium fumarate | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E370 | 1,4-Heptonolactone | No known side effects. |
E375 | Niacin | 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). |
E380 | Tri-ammonium citrate | May interfere with liver and pancreas function |
E381 | Ammonium ferric citrates | Can provoke symptoms similar to MSG. |
E385 | Calcium disodium EDTA | Kidney damage, muscle cramps. Not permitted in infant foods. |
E400 | Alginic acid | Large quantities can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients. |
E401 | Sodium alginate | Large quantities can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients. |
E402 | Potassium alginate | Large quantities can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients. |
E403 | Ammonium alginate | Large quantities can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients. |
E404 | Calcium alginate | Large quantities can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients. |
E405 | Propylene glycol alginate | Not permitted in infant foods. |
E406 | Agar | Flatulence, bloating. |
E407 | Carrageenan | Linked to toxic hazards, including ulcers and cancer; the most serious concerns relate to degraded carrageenan, which is not a permitted additive; however, native carrageenan, which is used, may become degraded in the gut |
E410 | Locust bean gum | May lower cholesterol levels. |
E412 | Guar gum | Can cause nausea, flatulence and cramps, may reduce cholesterol levels. |
E413 | Tragacanth | Possible contact allergy. |
E414 | Acacia | Possible allergen, soothes irritations of mucous membranes. |
E415 | Xanthan gum | Diarrhoea, bloating. |
E416 | Karaya gum | Possible allergen. |
E417 | Tara gum | Flatulence, bloating. |
E420 | Sorbitol | Not permitted in foods for infants and young children, can cause gastric disturbance |
E421 | Mannitol | Not permitted in infant foods due to its ability to cause diarrhea and kidney dysfunction, also may cause nausea, vomiting; typical products are low calorie foods |
E422 | Glycerol | Has been shown to protect against DNA damage induced by tumor promoters, ultraviolet lights and radiation, presumably via free radical scavenging; large quantities can cause headaches, thirst, nausea and high blood sugar levels. |
E425 | Konjac | No known side effects. |
E430 | Polyoxyethylene (8) stearate | People intolerant of propylene glycol should also avoid the group of 430-E436. |
E431 | Polyoxyethylene (40) stearate | People intolerant of propylene glycol should also avoid the group of 430-E436. |
E432 | Polysorbate 20 | People intolerant of propylene glycol should also avoid the group of 430-E436. |
E433 | Polysorbate 80 | People intolerant of propylene glycol should also avoid the group of 430-E436. |
E434 | Polysorbate 40 | People intolerant of propylene glycol should also avoid the group of 430-E436. |
E435 | Polyoxyethylene (20) | People intolerant of propylene glycol should also avoid the group of 430-E436. |
E436 | Polyoxyethylene (20) | People intolerant of propylene glycol should also avoid the group of 430-E436. |
E440a | Pectin | Large quantities may cause temporary flatulence or intestinal discomfort |
E440b | Amidated pectin | Large quantities may cause temporary flatulence or intestinal discomfort |
E441 | Gelatine | Mmay contain 220, asthmatics and people allergic to sulphites beware! |
E442 | Ammonium phosphatides | No known side effects. |
E450 | Diphosphates | High intakes may upset the calcium/phosphate equilibrium |
E451 | Triphosphates | No known side effects. |
E452 | Polyphosphates | No known side effects. |
E459 | Beta-cyclodextrine | No known side effects. |
E460 | Cellulose | No known side effects. |
E461 | Methyl cellulose | Can cause flatulence, distension, intestinal obstruction |
E463 | Hydroxypropyl cellulose | Flatulence, bloating. |
E464 | Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose | Flatulence, bloating. |
E465 | Ethyl methyl cellulose | Large concentrations can cause intestinal problems, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. |
E466 | Carboxy methyl cellulose | Large concentrations can cause intestinal problems, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. |
E468 | Cross linked sodium carboxy methyl cellulose | National Cancer Institute of America states it “should be forbidden as a food additive”. |
E469 | Sodium caseinate | No known side effects. |
E470a | Fatty acids salts | No known side effects. |
E470b | Fatty acids salts | No known side effects. |
E471 | Mono- & di- glycerides of fatty acids | No known side effects. |
E472a | No known side effects. | |
E472b | No known side effects. | |
E472c | May provoke symptions similar to MSG. | |
E472d | No known side effects. | |
E472e | No known side effects. | |
E472f | No known side effects. | |
E473 | Sucrose esters of fatty acids | May cause stomach pain, nausea, bloating, diarrhoea. |
E474 | Sucroglycerides | Not registered for use in Australia. |
E475 | Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids | No known side effects. |
E476 | Polyglycerol polyricinoleate | No known side effects. |
E477 | Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids | No known side effects. |
E478 | May cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhoea, theist, dizziness and mental confusion. Avoid it. | |
E479b | Likely GM soy. | |
E480 | Dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate | Eye irritations, laxative effect. |
E481 | Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate | No known side effects. |
E482 | Calcium stearoyl-2-lactylate | No known side effects. |
E483 | Stearyl tartrate | Banned in Australia. |
E491 | Sorbitan monostearate | No known side effects. |
E492 | Sorbitan tristearate | No known side effects. |
E493 | Sorbitan monolaurate | Banned in Australia. |
E494 | Sorbitan mono-oleate | Banned in Australia. |
E495 | Sorbitan monopalmitate | Banned in Australia. |
E500 | Sodium carbonates | Large concentrations can cause intestinal problems, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. |
E501 | Potassium carbonates | Large concentrations can cause intestinal problems, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. |
E503 | Ammonium carbonates | Irritant to mucous membranes. |
E504 | Magnesium carbonate | Large concentrations can cause intestinal problems, such as bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. |
E507 | Hydrochloric acid | Safe in small quantities. |
E508 | Potassium chloride | Large quantities can cause gastric ulceration. |
E509 | Calcium chloride | No known side effects. |
E510 | Ammonium chloride | Should be avoided by people with impaired liver or kidney function. |
E511 | Magnesium chloride | Magnesium is an essential mineral. |
E513 | Sulphuric acid | Not permitted in Australia |
E514 | Sodium sulphates | May upset the body’s water balance |
E515 | Potassium sulphates | Gastric erosion in large quantities. |
E516 | Calcium sulphate | No known side effects. |
E518 | Magnesium sulphate | Llaxative. |
E519 | Copper sulphate | Essential mineral. |
E520 | Aluminium sulfate | Aluminium inhibits the uptake of B-vitamins. It may also influence liver function in high concentrations. |
E521 | Aluminium sodium sulfate | No known side effects. |
E522 | Aluminium potassium sulfate | Aluminium inhibits the uptake of B-vitamins. It may also influence liver function in high concentrations. |
E523 | Aluminium ammonium sulfate | Aluminium inhibits the uptake of B-vitamins. It may also influence liver function in high concentrations. |
E524 | Sodium hydroxide | Not permitted in Australia. |
E525 | Potassium hydroxide | Not permitted in Australia. |
E526 | Calcium hydroxide | No adverse effects in small quantities. |
E527 | Ammonium hydroxide | Not permitted in Australia. |
E528 | Magnesium hydroxide | Not permitted in Australia. |
E529 | Calcium oxide | Safe in small quantities. |
E530 | Magnesium oxide | Not permitted in Australia. |
E535 | Sodium ferrocyanide | Safe in small quantities. |
E536 | Potassium ferrocyanide | Reduces oxygen transport in the blood, which in turn may cause breathing difficulties, dizziness or headache. |
E540 | Dicalcium diphosphate | Not permitted in Australia. |
E541 | Sodium aluminium phosphate | Possible link to osteoporosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. |
E542 | Edible Bone phosphate | Cannot be used by vegans, vegetarians, Muslims, Jews or Hindus. The product is made of animal bones, such as from pigs and cattle. |
E544 | Calcium polyphosphates | Not permitted in Australia. |
E545 | Ammonium polyphosphates | Not permitted in Australia. |
E551 | Silicon dioxide | No adverse effect. |
E552 | Calcium silicate | No adverse effect. |
E553a | Magnesium silicates | Not permitted in Australia. |
E553b | Talc | Has been linked to stomach cancer. |
E554 | Sodium aluminium silicate | known to cause placental problems in pregnancy and has been linked to Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, bone loss. |
E556 | Calcium aluminium silicate | No known adverse effects. |
E558 | Bentonite | Known to block skin pores. |
E559 | Aluminium silicate (Kaolin) | Known to block skin pores. |
E570 | Stearic acid | Prohibited in infant foods. |
E572 | Magnesium stearate | Inhalation of the powder is harmful. |
E575 | Glucono delta-lactone | No known adverse effects. |
E576 | Sodium gluconate | Not permitted in Australia. |
E577 | Potassium gluconate | Mildly toxic by ingestion. |
E578 | Calcium gluconate | May cause stomach upsets and heart problems. |
E579 | Ferrous gluconate | Safe in small amounts |
E585 | Ferrous lactate | No known adverse effects. |
E620 | Glutamic acid | Might cause similar problems as MSG(621), young children should avoid it. |
E621 | Monosodium glutamate | Adverse effects appear in some asthmatic people, not permitted in foods for infants and young children. |
E622 | Monopotassium glutamate | Can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps. |
E623 | Calcium diglutamate | Can provoke symptoms similar to MSG. |
E624 | Monoammonium glutamate | Can provoke symptoms similar to MSG. |
E625 | Magnesium diglutamate | Can provoke symptoms similar to MSG. |
E626 | Guanylic acid | Asthmatic people should avoid. |
E627 | Disodium guanylate | May trigger gout, not permitted in foods for infants and young children. |
E629 | Calcium guanylate | May trigger gout. |
E631 | Disodium inosinate | 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. |
E636 | Maltol | In large quantities it can help aluminium pass into the brain to cause Alzheimer’s disease. |
E637 | Ethyl maltol | Some countries ban it for babies and young children. |
E640 | Glycine | Mildly toxic if ingested. |
E900 | Dimethyl polysiloxane | No known adverse effects. |
E901 | Beeswaxes | Occasionally causes allergic reactions. |
E903 | Carnauba wax | Occasionally causes allergic reactions. |
E904 | Shellac | Occasionally causes irritations of the skin |
E905 | Paraffins | Listed as having teratogenic properties linked to bowel cancer and can cause defects. |
E907 | Refined microcrystalline wax | Banned in Australia. |
E913 | Lanolin | Allergies. |
E920 | L-Cysteine hydrochloride | Is a known neurotoxin. |
E921 | L-Cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate | Is a known neurotoxin. |
E924 | Potassium bromate | Large quantities can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain |
E925 | Chlorine | Possible health concerns. |
E926 | Chlorine dioxide | Possible health concerns |
E927 | Azodicarbonamide | Banned in Australia. |
E928 | Benzoyl peroxide | Asthmatics and people with a history of allergies should avoid. |
E931 | Nitrogen | No known adverse effects. |
E932 | Nitrous oxide | Safe in small quantities |
E950 | Acesulphane potassium | Possible carcinogen in humans, caused cancer in test animals. |
E951 | Aspartame | Too many adverse effects possible to list! |
E952 | Cyclamic acid | Banned in the US and UK due its links with cancer. |
E954 | Saccharines | It interferes with normal blood coagulation, blood sugar levels and digestive function. |
E957 | Thaumatin | No known adverse effects. |
E965 | Maltitol | laxative in high concentrations. |
E967 | Xylitol | May cause bloating and flatulence. |
E999 | Quillaia extract | Banned in a number of countries. |
E1103 | Invertase | Little information known at this time. |
E1100 | Amylase | Allergies. |
E1200 | Polydextrose | Seems safe in small doses |
E1201 | Polyvinylpyrrolidone | Excess may cause damage to the lungs or kidneys, gas and faecal impaction. |
E1202 | Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone | May cause damage to kidneys and stay in the system for up to a year. |
E1400 | Dextrin | No known adverse effects, but not fully evaluated for safety. |
E1401 | Modified starch | No known adverse effects. |
E1402 | Alkaline modified starch | No known adverse effects. |
E1403 | Bleached starch | Asthma. |
E1404 | Oxidized starch | High concentrations cause diarrhoea and kidney defects in animals. |
E1410 | Monostarch phosphate | No known adverse effects, further testing required. |
E1412 | Distarch phosphate | No known adverse effects, further testing required. |
E1413 | Phosphated distarch phosphate | No known adverse effects, further testing required. |
E1414 | Acetylated distarch phosphate | No known adverse effects at low levels, further testing required. May cause diarrhoea. |
E1420 | Acetylated starch | No known adverse effects at low levels, further testing required. May cause diarrhoea. |
E1421 | Acetylated starch | No known adverse effects. May cause diarrhoea. |
E1422 | Acetylated distarch adipate | No known adverse effects at low levels, further testing required. |
E1423 | Distarch glycerine | No known adverse effects. |
E1440 | Hydroxy propyl starch | No known adverse effects at low levels, further testing required. |
E1441 | Hydroxy propyl distarch glycerine | May cause diarrhoea. |
E1442 | Hydroxy propyl distarch phosphate | No known adverse effects at low levels, further testing required. |
E1450 | Starch sodium octenyl succinate | No known adverse effects at low levels, further testing required. |
E1451 | Acetylated oxidised starch | No known adverse effects at low levels, further testing required. |
E1505 | Triethyl citrate | Reaction reported from those with low tolerence to MSG. |
E1510 | Ethanol | Suspected neurotoxic hazard, danger to persons with Candida and allergies. |
E1517 | Glycerol acetates | May cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhoea, thirst, dizziness and mental confusion. |
E1518 | Glyceryl triacetate | Irritations. |
E1520 | Propylene glycol | Suspected as a neurotoxic hazard. |
Personally, we are advocates for real whole food at 180 Nutrition and always look to cut out food additives and chemicals from our diet as much as possible. Hence why there are no food additives in our 180 Natural Protein Supplement.
For more information, go to The Chemical Maze.
6 Replies to “It is a chemical maze: Food Additive List”
Great to see these chemicals listed – There is a book and App actually called The Chemical Maze which helps you decode the additives while shopping see http://www.chemicalmaze.com
There is another great book called Additive Alert written by Julie Eady, website http://www.additivealert.com.au
Thanks guys… Both great resources!
I can remember watching a bit of a doco on SBS earlier in the year called Food Additives: An edible adventure. Definitely worth a watch in regards to E numbers etc, interesting to find out where some of these come from and their effects on the body 🙂
Nice list, but what were the sources of these info? In its recent form it seems more like a panic mongering page to me than a list to be trusted. E.g. E170 (calcium carbonate): toxic at ‘high doses’. As we could see even hamburger is toxic at ‘high doses’ (Supersize me). What is high dose? 1 gram? 10 grams? And what is toxic? To inhale? To eat two spoons of CaCo3 or drink it in solvent form?
Of course, there are really problematic ingredients (e.g. some food colours), but blaming every ingredients in our food (including ones that occur naturally in vegetables) is not convincing to me.
Put together a reference list based on solid evidence an you get more credit for this list. And don’t panic! 😉
Thanks for your feedback Tibor, all references in this article were sourced from the Chemical Maze publication.
You can find out more information about the guide here: https://chemicalmaze.com/
Cheers,
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