What Are E-Numbers and Are They Safe?

Walk down any UK supermarket aisle and you'll spot E-numbers on ingredient labels. But what exactly are these codes, and should you be concerned about consuming them?

What Are E-Numbers?

E-numbers are codes for food additives that have been assessed and approved for use in the UK and European Union. The 'E' stands for Europe, indicating these additives have passed safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and are regulated by UK food law.

Food additives serve various purposes in modern food production:

• Preserving freshness: Prevent spoilage and extend shelf life
• Enhancing appearance: Add or restore colour to products
• Improving texture: Create smooth textures in processed foods
• Boosting flavour: Intensify taste or add sweetness
• Maintaining quality: Prevent separation or oxidation

Categories of E-Numbers

E-numbers are organised into categories based on their function:

E100-E199: Colours

These additives add or restore colour to food. Some are natural (like E100 turmeric), whilst others are synthetic. Several artificial colours have been linked to hyperactivity in children.

E200-E299: Preservatives

Preservatives prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life. Common examples include sorbic acid (E200) and sulphites (E220-E228). Some people are sensitive to certain preservatives.

E300-E399: Antioxidants

These prevent oxidation and rancidity. Many are natural substances — E300 is vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and E306-E309 are forms of vitamin E (tocopherols).

E400-E499: Thickeners, Stabilisers, Emulsifiers

These improve texture and consistency, helping ingredients mix that wouldn't naturally combine. Examples include pectin (E440) and lecithin (E322).

E500-E599: Acidity Regulators

Control pH levels in food products. Includes sodium bicarbonate (E500), used in baking.

E600-E699: Flavour Enhancers

Intensify the taste of food. MSG (monosodium glutamate, E621) is the most well-known example.

E900-E999: Miscellaneous

Various additives including glazing agents, sweeteners, and gases used in packaging.

Are E-Numbers Safe?

The presence of an E-number means the additive has undergone safety testing and been approved for use. However, "approved" doesn't mean completely risk-free for everyone.

Considerations for Sensitive Individuals

Whilst most people tolerate E-numbers without issue, some may experience reactions:

• Children may be more sensitive to certain artificial colours
• People with asthma may react to sulphites (E220-E228)
• Some individuals report sensitivity to MSG (E621)
• Certain preservatives can trigger reactions in sensitive people

E-Numbers That May Cause Concern

Artificial Colours Linked to Hyperactivity

The "Southampton Six" colours have been associated with increased hyperactivity in some children:

• E102 (Tartrazine) — Yellow colour
• E110 (Sunset Yellow) — Orange colour
• E122 (Carmoisine) — Red colour
• E124 (Ponceau 4R) — Red colour
• E129 (Allura Red) — Red colour
• E104 (Quinoline Yellow) — Yellow colour

Foods containing these colours must carry a warning label in the UK: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."

Preservatives

• Sulphites (E220-E228): Can trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals
• Sodium benzoate (E211): Some people report sensitivity
• Nitrites (E249-E250): Used in processed meats; concerns about formation of potentially harmful compounds when heated

Sweeteners

• Aspartame (E951): Some people report headaches or other reactions
• Sucralose (E955): Generally recognised as safe but ongoing research

Natural vs Synthetic E-Numbers

Many people assume "natural" automatically means safer, but this isn't always true. Some E-numbers are derived from natural sources:

• E100 (Curcumin) — From turmeric
• E160a (Carotenes) — From carrots, algae
• E300 (Ascorbic acid) — Vitamin C
• E322 (Lecithin) — From soya beans or eggs
• E440 (Pectin) — From fruit

Conversely, being synthetic doesn't necessarily mean dangerous. Safety depends on the specific substance and the amount consumed, not its origin.

How to Check E-Numbers in Your Food

Reading every ingredient label in the supermarket is time-consuming. NutraSafe's barcode scanner makes it simple:

1. Scan any food product barcode with your phone
2. Instantly see all E-numbers and additives present
3. Get information about each additive's purpose and safety profile
4. Identify potentially concerning additives for your circumstances

This is particularly useful for:

• Parents choosing products for children
• People with known sensitivities
• Anyone trying to reduce ultra-processed foods
• Those following specific dietary restrictions

The Bottom Line

E-numbers aren't inherently dangerous — they're simply codes for additives that have been approved for use in food. Most people consume them daily without problems.

However, some E-numbers may cause reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly children. The best approach is awareness: know what's in your food and make informed choices based on your individual needs.

Using a tool like NutraSafe to scan products helps you quickly identify additives without spending ages reading labels in the supermarket. This makes it easier to avoid specific E-numbers if you choose to, whilst not worrying unnecessarily about those that are safe.