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E number

This article is about the food additive codes. For the constant, see e (mathematical constant). For other uses, see E number (disambiguation).

A solution of E101 riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2)
Crystals of E621 monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavour enhancer

E numbers, short for Europe numbers, are codes for substances used as food additives, including those found naturally in many foods, such as vitamin C, for use within the European Union (EU)[1]: 27  and European Free Trade Association (EFTA).[2] Commonly found on food labels, their safety assessment and approval are the responsibility of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).[3] The fact that an additive has an E number implies that its use was at one time permitted in products for sale in the European Single Market; some of these additives are no longer allowed today.

Having a single unified list for food additives was first agreed upon in 1962 with food colouring. In 1964, the directives for preservatives were added, in 1970 antioxidants were added, in 1974 emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners and gelling agents were added as well.[4]

  1. ^ "Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives". EUR-Lex: Access to European Union law. 16 December 2008. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  2. ^ Matthew Snelson. "Explainer: what are E numbers and should you avoid them in your diet?". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 26 April 2019. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  3. ^ "Frequently Asked Questions | Why Food Additives". Food Additives and Ingredients Association UK & Ireland- Making life taste better. Archived from the original on 1 June 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2010.
  4. ^ David Jukes. "Food Additives in the European Union". Foodlaw-Reading | The University of Reading, UK. Archived from the original on 26 April 2019.