Discover the most comprehensive list of food additives, their common names, and potential health risks in this index. Stay informed about what’s in your food and make healthier choices with ease! Check out our #LabelWise campaign!

*where we have articles on a food additive, a link will display for the name – click on that and you can view more details about the additive.

A

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Acetic AcidE260Digestive irritation in large amounts.
Acetylated Distarch AdipateE1422Excessive consumption may cause digestive upset.
Adipic AcidE355May cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals.
Agar-AgarE406Digestive discomfort in large amounts.
Alginic AcidE400Rare allergic reactions, mild digestive issues.
AmaranthE123 (Red No. 2)Banned in some countries; possible carcinogen, linked to hyperactivity.
AnnattoE160bAllergic reactions, mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Ascorbic AcidE300 (Vitamin C)High doses may cause kidney stones or diarrhea.
AspartameE951, NutraSweet, EqualHeadaches, linked to PKU (phenylketonuria), potential neurotoxicity.
Acesulfame PotassiumE950, Ace-KLinked to potential carcinogenic effects, disrupts gut microbiota.
Aluminium SulfateE520Neurotoxicity concerns in excessive consumption.
Aluminium Ammonium SulfateE523High levels may affect kidneys and nervous system.
Aluminium Sodium SulfateE521Same as other aluminium compounds; neurotoxicity risk at high doses.
ArabinogalactanNone commonly listedHigh amounts may cause bloating or gas.
Ammonium BicarbonateE503(i)Overconsumption may cause mild gastrointestinal issues.
Ammonium CarbonatesE503(ii)Can cause mild digestive discomfort in large amounts.
Azodicarbonamide E927a, dough conditionerRespiratory Issues, potential Carcinogenicity

B

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Benzoic AcidE210Linked to hyperactivity, can trigger asthma and allergic reactions.
Beta-CaroteneE160aExcessive consumption can cause skin yellowing.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)E320Potential carcinogen, linked to hormonal disruption.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)E321Potential carcinogen, liver toxicity, hormonal disruption.
Brominated Vegetable OilNone commonly listedCan accumulate in body fat; linked to neurological issues.
Brilliant Blue FCFE133May cause hyperactivity, allergic reactions, or asthma exacerbation.
ButaneNone commonly listedUsed as a propellant; linked to respiratory irritation.
Butylated StarchE1422Excessive intake may lead to digestive upset.
Bone PhosphateNone commonly listedExcess may affect calcium absorption.

C

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Calcium CarbonateE170Excessive intake can lead to kidney stones.
Calcium PropionateE282Linked to migraines, behavioral issues in children.
Calcium SorbateE203Rare allergic reactions; excessive intake may cause digestive upset.
CanthaxanthinE161gMay cause eye deposits in excessive amounts.
Caramel ColorE150a–dSome forms linked to cancer risk (4-MEI); possible allergic reactions.
CarrageenanE407Linked to inflammation, digestive issues, and colitis in some studies.
Citric AcidE330Tooth enamel erosion, possible allergic reactions.
Carnauba WaxE903High doses may cause digestive issues.
CelluloseE460Excessive amounts may cause bloating or gas.
ChlorophyllE140Excessive intake may cause digestive upset.
Choline ChlorideNone commonly listedHigh doses can cause low blood pressure.
Copper GluconateE578Excessive intake can lead to copper toxicity and liver damage.
CysteineE920Overconsumption may cause digestive discomfort.
CyclamateE952Carcinogenic, allergic Reactions and bladder issues.

D

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
DextrinsE1400–E1405Excessive intake may cause digestive issues.
Disodium InosinateE631Linked to gout and kidney strain in sensitive individuals.
Disodium GuanylateE627May cause digestive discomfort when combined with MSG.
DiphosphatesE450High intake may affect calcium absorption, causing bone issues.
DimethylpolysiloxaneNone commonly listedFound in anti-foaming agents; generally safe but overuse may irritate.
Dicalcium PhosphateNone commonly listedOverconsumption may disrupt calcium-phosphorus balance.

E

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
ErythrosineE127 (Red No. 3)Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies, banned in some countries.
Ethyl VanillinNone commonly listedMay cause allergic reactions or headaches in sensitive individuals.
EthanolNone commonly listedOveruse may cause intoxication or liver damage.
Ethyl AcetateNone commonly listedOverconsumption can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes.
ErythritolE968Excessive intake may cause bloating or diarrhea.
EnzymesNone commonly listedAllergens may be present in specific sources.

F

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Ferric Ammonium CitrateE381Excessive intake may cause iron toxicity.
Fumaric AcidE297Digestive irritation in high doses; potential kidney strain.
FormaldehydeNone commonly listedToxic in high amounts; linked to respiratory issues and cancer.
Fatty Acid EstersE470a, E470bExcessive intake may lead to digestive discomfort.

G

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Guar GumE412May cause bloating or digestive issues in sensitive individuals.
GlycerolE422Overuse may lead to diarrhea or dehydration.
Glycerol TriacetateE1518Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Glucose SyrupNone commonly listedHigh glycemic index; linked to obesity and diabetes.
Glutamic AcidE620May cause headaches or nausea in sensitive individuals.
Gellan GumE418High doses may cause digestive discomfort.
Gum ArabicE414May cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
Glyceryl MonostearateE471Excessive use may cause mild digestive issues.

H

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Hydrochloric AcidE507Corrosive in concentrated forms.
Hydroxypropyl CelluloseE463Excessive intake may cause bloating or gas.
Hydroxypropyl MethylcelluloseE464Overuse may lead to digestive discomfort.
Hydrogenated Starch HydrolysatesNone commonly listedHigh glycemic index; linked to obesity and dental cavities.
HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) HFCS-55 and HFCS-42Potential metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity

I

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Inosinic AcidE630May cause nausea or gout in sensitive individuals.
IsomaltE953Excessive consumption may cause bloating or diarrhea.
Isoascorbic AcidE315Generally safe; no significant health risks in moderate amounts.
Iron OxidesE172High doses may cause iron toxicity.

J

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Jelly AgentsNone commonly listedHigh consumption may cause mild digestive issues.
Juices (Concentrates)None commonly listedOIverconsumption may lead to high sugar intake.

K

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
KaolinE559High doses may cause constipation or digestive discomfort.
Kappa-CarrageenanE407Potential digestive irritation, linked to inflammation in some studies.
KetonesNone commonly listedHigh levels may cause irritation.
Konjac GumE425Excessive intake may cause digestive discomfort or choking risk if not properly hydrated.

L

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
LecithinE322May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Lactic AcidE270Excessive intake may cause mild digestive upset.
Locust Bean GumE410Excessive amounts may cause digestive issues.
LysozymeE1105Potential allergen for egg-sensitive individuals.
LactitolE966Excessive consumption may cause bloating or diarrhea.
Lithium CarbonateNone commonly listedRarely used; high doses may lead to lithium toxicity.

M

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
MaltodextrinNone commonly listedSpikes blood sugar, potential digestive issues.
Magnesium CarbonateE504Excessive intake may lead to laxative effects.
Magnesium StearateE470bHigh doses may cause digestive issues.
MannitolE421Excessive consumption may lead to diarrhea or bloating.
Microcrystalline CelluloseE460Overuse may cause digestive discomfort.
Monosodium GlutamateMSG, E621May cause headaches, nausea, or “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.”
Modified StarchesE1404–E1451High doses may cause digestive upset.

N

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
NisinE234Excessive intake may disrupt gut bacteria.
NitritesE249 (Potassium Nitrite), E250 (Sodium Nitrite)Forms nitrosamines, potential carcinogens, linked to stomach cancer.
NitrateE251 (Sodium Nitrate), E252 (Potassium Nitrate)Forms nitrosamines; excessive consumption may strain kidneys.
Nicotinic AcidNone commonly listedExcessive intake may cause flushing or liver strain.
NeotameE961May cause headaches in sensitive individuals.

O

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Octyl GallateE311Potential allergen; linked to skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
OlestraNone commonly listedMay cause gastrointestinal discomfort or nutrient malabsorption.
Oxidized StarchE1404Excessive intake may cause digestive issues.

P

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Phosphoric AcidE338Bone loss, kidney damage, calcium depletion.
PolysorbatesE432–E436Potential gastrointestinal inflammation, allergic reactions.
Potassium BenzoateE212May cause hyperactivity; forms benzene (carcinogenic) with ascorbic acid.
Potassium SorbateE202Linked to allergic reactions, skin irritation.
Propionic AcidE280Excessive intake may cause nausea.
Propyl GallateE310Potential carcinogen; linked to skin rashes, digestive issues.
Potassium BromateNone commonly listedPotential carcinogen; banned in many countries.
Polyvinyl AlcoholE1203Generally safe; excessive intake may cause digestive upset.

Q

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Quillaja ExtractE999Rare allergic reactions; excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Quinoline YellowE104May cause hyperactivity; banned in some countries due to health concerns.
QuercetinNone commonly listedHigh doses may interact with medications.

R

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
RiboflavinE101Generally safe; no significant risks in typical amounts.
Rosemary ExtractE392Excessive intake may cause digestive upset.
Red 2 GE128Linked to hyperactivity in children, possible allergic reactions.
Red 40E129 (Allura Red AC)Linked to hyperactivity in children, possible allergic reactions.
RennetNone commonly listedMay trigger issues for those allergic to animal enzymes.

S

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
SaccharinE954Possible bladder cancer risk in high doses (animal studies).
Sorbic AcidE200Allergic reactions, potential skin irritation.
Sodium BenzoateE211Linked to hyperactivity; forms benzene (carcinogenic) with ascorbic acid.
Sodium MetabisulfiteE223Can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Sodium CaseinateNone commonly listedMay cause reactions in people with dairy allergies.
Sodium NitrateE251, Chile saltpeter, soda niterPotential carcinogen, disease and diabetes.
Sodium NitriteE250Forms nitrosamines (potential carcinogens), linked to stomach cancer.
SucraloseSplenda, E955May alter gut microbiota, potential gastrointestinal issues.
Sodium AscorbateE301Excessive intake may cause kidney stones or diarrhea.
Starch AcetatesE1404Excessive intake may lead to digestive issues.

T

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
TartrazineE102 (Yellow No. 5)Linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and asthma.
Titanium DioxideE171Potential carcinogen, immune system effects; banned in some countries.
Tartaric AcidE334Can cause digestive upset in high doses.
TocopherolsE306–E309 (Vitamin E)High doses may thin the blood.
TransglutaminaseNone commonly listedMay cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

U

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
UreaE927bExcessive intake may irritate the digestive system.
Ultrafine SilicaE551Potential respiratory issues if inhaled during handling.
Uronic Acid DerivativesNone commonly listedExcessive intake may cause mild digestive issues.

V

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
VanillinSynthetic VanillaMay cause headaches or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Vitamin CAscorbic Acid, E300High doses may cause kidney stones or diarrhea.
Vitamin DNone commonly listedExcessive supplementation can lead to toxicity and kidney damage.
VinegarAcetic Acid, E260Excessive amounts may irritate the stomach lining.

W

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Whey ProteinNone commonly listedMay cause digestive discomfort for lactose-intolerant individuals.
White Mineral OilNone commonly listedGenerally safe in food-grade amounts; excessive intake may cause diarrhea.
Wax CoatingsNone commonly listed (e.g., carnauba wax)Excessive intake may cause mild digestive issues.

X

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Xanthan GumE415May cause bloating or digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.
XylitolE967Excessive consumption may cause diarrhea or gas; toxic to dogs.
XyloseNone commonly listedExcessive intake may cause digestive upset.

Y

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Yeast ExtractNone commonly listedHigh sodium content may raise blood pressure.
Yellow 5E102 (Tartrazine)Linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and asthma in some individuals.
Yellow 6E110 (Sunset Yellow)Linked to hyperactivity and potential allergic reactions.

Z

Food AdditiveCommon Names (E Numbers or Label Names)Short Health Risks
Zinc GluconateNone commonly listedHigh doses may cause nausea or copper deficiency.
Zinc OxideNone commonly listedExcessive intake may lead to zinc toxicity.
ZeaxanthinNone commonly listedHigh doses may cause skin discoloration.