E-Numbers List: Complete Overview of All Approved Food Additives
Introduction
E-numbers are the European labeling system for approved food additives. Each E-number represents a specific substance evaluated and authorized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). For restaurant operators, understanding E-numbers is essential for correctly meeting menu labeling obligations. This page provides a complete overview of all E-numbers with a traffic-light safety rating, available as a downloadable PDF. For general information on food additives, see our food additives overview page.What Are E-Numbers?
E-numbers are the EU-wide classification system for approved food additives, in use since 1962. The „E“ stands for „Europe“ and signals that a substance has passed an EU-wide safety assessment. Each approved additive receives a unique number within the system.
Authorization is granted by EFSA following a comprehensive safety evaluation. Existing authorizations are regularly re-evaluated — if safety concerns emerge, an authorization can be restricted or revoked. An important point for food service professionals: not every E-number denotes an artificial substance. Many E-numbers represent entirely natural compounds — E300, for example, is simply Vitamin C, and E330 is citric acid found in every lemon.
The Traffic-Light Rating Explained
The traffic-light rating used in the tables below is based on the current EFSA evaluation status and helps you quickly distinguish between safe, restricted, and controversial substances:
- Green: Safe. Of natural origin or extensively researched, with no known risks at intended use levels.
- Yellow: Generally safe, but with conditions. Observe quantity limits or note that specific population groups (children, pregnant women, PKU patients) may be affected.
- Red: Controversial or with restricted authorization. A warning label is required, EFSA re-evaluation is ongoing, or the substance requires special attention for other reasons.
Recommendation: for any specific substance where uncertainty exists, always consult the supplier’s safety data sheet.
E100-E199 — Colourings
Detailed guide on food colourings| E-Number | Name | Origin | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E100 | Curcumin | Natural (turmeric) | Green | Yellow pigment, vegan |
| E101 | Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | Natural/synthetic | Green | Also relevant as a nutrient |
| E102 | Tartrazine | Synthetic | Red | Southampton Six — may impair attention in children; warning label mandatory |
| E104 | Quinoline yellow | Synthetic | Red | Southampton Six — warning label mandatory |
| E110 | Sunset yellow FCF | Synthetic | Red | Southampton Six — warning label mandatory |
| E120 | Carmine (cochineal) | Animal (scale insects) | Yellow | Not vegan/vegetarian; allergy possible |
| E122 | Azorubine | Synthetic | Red | Southampton Six — warning label mandatory |
| E124 | Ponceau 4R | Synthetic | Red | Southampton Six — warning label mandatory |
| E129 | Allura red AC | Synthetic | Red | Southampton Six — warning label mandatory |
| E131 | Patent blue V | Synthetic | Yellow | Restricted authorization |
| E150a | Caramel colour, plain | Natural | Yellow | Common in cola and sauces |
| E150b-d | Caramel colour (variants) | Natural/chemical | Yellow | Varies by production method |
| E160a | Beta-carotene | Natural/synthetic | Green | Precursor of Vitamin A |
| E162 | Betanin (beetroot extract) | Natural | Green | Vegan, safe |
| E171 | Titanium dioxide | Synthetic | Red | Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022 |
| E172 | Iron oxides and hydroxides | Mineral | Yellow | Limited authorized applications |
Note on Southampton Six (E102, E104, E110, E122, E124, E129): These six azo dyes must carry an EU warning label: „may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.“
E200-E299 — Preservatives
Detailed guide on preservatives| E-Number | Name | Origin | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E200 | Sorbic acid | Natural/synthetic | Green | Widely used, well tolerated |
| E202 | Potassium sorbate | Synthetic | Green | Salt of sorbic acid |
| E210 | Benzoic acid | Natural/synthetic | Yellow | Can interact with E102; quantity limit applies |
| E211 | Sodium benzoate | Synthetic | Yellow | Common in soft drinks |
| E220 | Sulphur dioxide | Synthetic | Red | Allergen (sulphites) — dual declaration required |
| E221-E228 | Sulphites (salts) | Synthetic | Red | All require allergen declaration |
| E249 | Potassium nitrite | Synthetic | Red | Curing additive — possible conversion to nitrosamines |
| E250 | Sodium nitrite | Synthetic | Red | Curing additive; strict maximum limits |
| E251 | Sodium nitrate | Synthetic | Red | In cured meats and cheese |
| E252 | Potassium nitrate | Synthetic | Red | Curing additive |
| E270 | Lactic acid | Natural | Green | Natural from fermentation |
| E282 | Calcium propionate | Synthetic | Yellow | In baked goods to prevent mould |
E300-E399 — Antioxidants
Detailed guide on antioxidants| E-Number | Name | Origin | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E300 | Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) | Natural/synthetic | Green | Safe; also a nutrient |
| E301 | Sodium ascorbate | Synthetic | Green | Salt of ascorbic acid |
| E306-309 | Tocopherols (Vitamin E) | Natural/synthetic | Green | Fat-soluble antioxidants |
| E310 | Propyl gallate | Synthetic | Yellow | In fats and oils; quantity limit |
| E320 | Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) | Synthetic | Red | Controversial; possible carcinogenic effect debated |
| E321 | Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) | Synthetic | Yellow | Restricted authorization |
| E330 | Citric acid | Natural | Green | In citrus fruit; widely used |
| E331 | Sodium citrate | Natural/synthetic | Green | Salt of citric acid |
E400-E499 — Thickeners and Gelling Agents
| E-Number | Name | Origin | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E400-405 | Alginates | Natural (seaweed) | Green | Vegan, safe |
| E406 | Agar-agar | Natural (seaweed) | Green | Vegan; gelling agent |
| E407 | Carrageenan | Natural (seaweed) | Yellow | Debate around gut inflammation at high intake |
| E410 | Locust bean gum | Natural | Green | Vegan; thickener |
| E412 | Guar gum | Natural | Green | From guar bean; vegan |
| E414 | Gum arabic | Natural (acacia) | Green | Vegan; in sweets and beverages |
| E415 | Xanthan gum | Natural (fermentation) | Green | Biotechnologically produced; vegan |
| E422 | Glycerol | Animal/plant | Yellow | Not always vegan — check origin |
| E440 | Pectin | Natural (fruit) | Green | From apple or citrus peel; vegan |
| E471 | Mono- and diglycerides | Animal/plant | Yellow | Common in baked goods; check vegan status |
E500-E599 — Acidity Regulators and Anti-Caking Agents
| E-Number | Name | Origin | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E500 | Sodium carbonate (baking soda) | Mineral | Green | Leavening agent; safe |
| E501 | Potassium carbonates | Mineral | Green | In cocoa powder |
| E504 | Magnesium carbonates | Mineral | Green | Anti-caking agent |
| E507 | Hydrochloric acid | Synthetic | Green | Authorized as acidity regulator |
| E509 | Calcium chloride | Mineral | Green | In cheese and vegetables |
| E551 | Silicon dioxide | Mineral | Green | Anti-caking agent in powders |
| E570 | Fatty acids | Animal/plant | Yellow | Check vegan status by origin |
E600-E699 — Flavour Enhancers
Detailed guide on flavour enhancers| E-Number | Name | Origin | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E620 | Glutamic acid | Natural/synthetic | Yellow | Naturally in tomatoes, parmesan; declarable |
| E621 | Monosodium glutamate (MSG) | Synthetic | Yellow | „Chinese restaurant syndrome“ not scientifically confirmed |
| E622 | Monopotassium glutamate | Synthetic | Yellow | As E621 |
| E627 | Disodium guanylate | Synthetic | Yellow | Often combined with MSG; not for infants |
| E631 | Disodium inosinate | Synthetic/animal | Yellow | From fish or meat — not vegan |
| E635 | Disodium ribonucleotides | Synthetic/animal | Yellow | Combination of E627 + E631 |
E900-E1521 — Miscellaneous Additives
| E-Number | Name | Origin | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E901 | Beeswax | Animal | Green | Not vegan; used as glazing agent |
| E903 | Carnauba wax | Plant | Green | Vegan; glazing agent |
| E904 | Shellac | Animal (lac insects) | Yellow | Not vegan |
| E950 | Acesulfame K | Synthetic | Yellow | Sweetener; heat-stable |
| E951 | Aspartame | Synthetic | Red | Phenylalanine source — warning label mandatory; IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic) |
| E953 | Isomalt | Synthetic | Yellow | May have laxative effect — disclosure required |
| E955 | Sucralose | Synthetic | Yellow | 600x sweeter than sugar |
| E960 | Steviol glycosides | Natural (stevia) | Green | Plant-derived; observe ADI |
| E965 | Maltitol | Synthetic | Yellow | May have laxative effect — disclosure required |
| E1105 | Lysozyme | Animal (hen egg white) | Yellow | Allergen (egg) — declaration required; used in cheese |
| E1400-1452 | Modified starches | Plant | Green | Generally safe |
Download the E-Numbers List as PDF
The complete E-numbers list is available as a printable A4 PDF. The document contains all EU-approved E-numbers with full name, category, and traffic-light rating — suitable for printing and posting in the kitchen as a quick reference for your team.
We also recommend downloading the allergen table as PDF, which clearly presents all 14 EU allergens in a single overview. Together, both documents cover the main labeling obligations for menus and displayed notices. Allergens on the menuConclusion
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FAQ
Q1: How many E-numbers are there?
Approximately 330 E-numbers are currently authorized in the EU, although the numbering system extends to E1521. Not every number in that range is assigned — there are deliberate gaps, and some numbers have been withdrawn following EFSA re-evaluation. E171 (titanium dioxide), for example, was banned as a food additive in the EU in 2022 after a safety reassessment. The actual count of approved substances changes over time as new substances are authorized and existing ones are restricted or revoked. For food service professionals, the total number is less important than the roughly 30 to 40 E-numbers that actually appear in the most commonly used convenience products and pre-processed ingredients. Knowing these well is sufficient for confident day-to-day menu labeling compliance.
Q2: Are all E-numbers harmful?
No — not at all. Many E-numbers denote completely natural and harmless substances that would appear in food even without additive legislation. E300 is ascorbic acid, the scientific name for Vitamin C. E330 is citric acid, found naturally in every lemon and lime. E160a is beta-carotene, the natural orange pigment from carrots and other vegetables. EFSA evaluates every additive for safety before authorization and sets acceptable daily intake (ADI) limits where necessary. The traffic-light rating in this list is designed to help you quickly identify the small number of genuinely controversial substances — such as the Southampton Six colorings, nitrites, or aspartame — from the much larger pool of well-researched and safe additives. The presence of an E-number on a label is not in itself a cause for concern.