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 Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Acetic Acid E260 Digestive irritation in large amounts. Acetylated Distarch Adipate E1422 Excessive consumption may cause digestive upset. Adipic Acid E355 May cause mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals. Agar-Agar E406 Digestive discomfort in large amounts. Alginic Acid E400 Rare allergic reactions, mild digestive issues. Amaranth E123 (Red No. 2) Banned in some countries; possible carcinogen, linked to hyperactivity. Annatto E160b Allergic reactions, mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Ascorbic Acid E300 (Vitamin C) High doses may cause kidney stones or diarrhea. Aspartame E951, NutraSweet, Equal Headaches, linked to PKU (phenylketonuria), potential neurotoxicity. Acesulfame Potassium E950, Ace-K Linked to potential carcinogenic effects, disrupts gut microbiota. Aluminium Sulfate E520 Neurotoxicity concerns in excessive consumption. Aluminium Ammonium Sulfate E523 High levels may affect kidneys and nervous system. Aluminium Sodium Sulfate E521 Same as other aluminium compounds; neurotoxicity risk at high doses. Arabinogalactan None commonly listed High amounts may cause bloating or gas. Ammonium Bicarbonate E503(i) Overconsumption may cause mild gastrointestinal issues. Ammonium Carbonates E503(ii) Can cause mild digestive discomfort in large amounts. Azodicarbonamide E927a, dough conditioner Respiratory Issues, potential Carcinogenicity
B Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Benzoic Acid E210 Linked to hyperactivity, can trigger asthma and allergic reactions. Beta-Carotene E160a Excessive consumption can cause skin yellowing. BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) E320 Potential carcinogen, linked to hormonal disruption. BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) E321 Potential carcinogen, liver toxicity, hormonal disruption. Brominated Vegetable Oil None commonly listed Can accumulate in body fat; linked to neurological issues. Brilliant Blue FCF E133 May cause hyperactivity, allergic reactions, or asthma exacerbation. Butane None commonly listed Used as a propellant; linked to respiratory irritation. Butylated Starch E1422 Excessive intake may lead to digestive upset. Bone Phosphate None commonly listed Excess may affect calcium absorption.
C Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Calcium Carbonate E170 Excessive intake can lead to kidney stones. Calcium Propionate E282 Linked to migraines, behavioral issues in children. Calcium Sorbate E203 Rare allergic reactions; excessive intake may cause digestive upset. Canthaxanthin E161g May cause eye deposits in excessive amounts. Caramel Color E150a–d Some forms linked to cancer risk (4-MEI); possible allergic reactions. Carrageenan E407 Linked to inflammation, digestive issues, and colitis in some studies. Citric Acid E330 Tooth enamel erosion, possible allergic reactions. Carnauba Wax E903 High doses may cause digestive issues. Cellulose E460 Excessive amounts may cause bloating or gas. Chlorophyll E140 Excessive intake may cause digestive upset. Choline Chloride None commonly listed High doses can cause low blood pressure. Copper Gluconate E578 Excessive intake can lead to copper toxicity and liver damage. Cysteine E920 Overconsumption may cause digestive discomfort. Cyclamate E952 Carcinogenic, allergic Reactions and bladder issues.
D Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Dextrins E1400–E1405 Excessive intake may cause digestive issues. Disodium Inosinate E631 Linked to gout and kidney strain in sensitive individuals. Disodium Guanylate E627 May cause digestive discomfort when combined with MSG. Diphosphates E450 High intake may affect calcium absorption, causing bone issues. Dimethylpolysiloxane None commonly listed Found in anti-foaming agents; generally safe but overuse may irritate. Dicalcium Phosphate None commonly listed Overconsumption may disrupt calcium-phosphorus balance.
E Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Erythrosine E127 (Red No. 3) Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies, banned in some countries. Ethyl Vanillin None commonly listed May cause allergic reactions or headaches in sensitive individuals. Ethanol None commonly listed Overuse may cause intoxication or liver damage. Ethyl Acetate None commonly listed Overconsumption can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes. Erythritol E968 Excessive intake may cause bloating or diarrhea. Enzymes None commonly listed Allergens may be present in specific sources.
F Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Ferric Ammonium Citrate E381 Excessive intake may cause iron toxicity. Fumaric Acid E297 Digestive irritation in high doses; potential kidney strain. Formaldehyde None commonly listed Toxic in high amounts; linked to respiratory issues and cancer. Fatty Acid Esters E470a, E470b Excessive intake may lead to digestive discomfort.
G Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Guar Gum E412 May cause bloating or digestive issues in sensitive individuals. Glycerol E422 Overuse may lead to diarrhea or dehydration. Glycerol Triacetate E1518 Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Glucose Syrup None commonly listed High glycemic index; linked to obesity and diabetes. Glutamic Acid E620 May cause headaches or nausea in sensitive individuals. Gellan Gum E418 High doses may cause digestive discomfort. Gum Arabic E414 May cause allergic reactions in rare cases. Glyceryl Monostearate E471 Excessive use may cause mild digestive issues.
H Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Hydrochloric Acid E507 Corrosive in concentrated forms. Hydroxypropyl Cellulose E463 Excessive intake may cause bloating or gas. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose E464 Overuse may lead to digestive discomfort. Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates None commonly listed High glycemic index; linked to obesity and dental cavities. HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) HFCS-55 and HFCS-42 Potential metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity
I Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Inosinic Acid E630 May cause nausea or gout in sensitive individuals. Isomalt E953 Excessive consumption may cause bloating or diarrhea. Isoascorbic Acid E315 Generally safe; no significant health risks in moderate amounts. Iron Oxides E172 High doses may cause iron toxicity.
J Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Jelly Agents None commonly listed High consumption may cause mild digestive issues. Juices (Concentrates) None commonly listed OIverconsumption may lead to high sugar intake.
K Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Kaolin E559 High doses may cause constipation or digestive discomfort. Kappa-Carrageenan E407 Potential digestive irritation, linked to inflammation in some studies. Ketones None commonly listed High levels may cause irritation. Konjac Gum E425 Excessive intake may cause digestive discomfort or choking risk if not properly hydrated.
L Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Lecithin E322 May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Lactic Acid E270 Excessive intake may cause mild digestive upset. Locust Bean Gum E410 Excessive amounts may cause digestive issues. Lysozyme E1105 Potential allergen for egg-sensitive individuals. Lactitol E966 Excessive consumption may cause bloating or diarrhea. Lithium Carbonate None commonly listed Rarely used; high doses may lead to lithium toxicity.
M Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Maltodextrin None commonly listed Spikes blood sugar, potential digestive issues. Magnesium Carbonate E504 Excessive intake may lead to laxative effects. Magnesium Stearate E470b High doses may cause digestive issues. Mannitol E421 Excessive consumption may lead to diarrhea or bloating. Microcrystalline Cellulose E460 Overuse may cause digestive discomfort. Monosodium Glutamate MSG, E621 May cause headaches, nausea, or “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.” Modified Starches E1404–E1451 High doses may cause digestive upset.
N Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Nisin E234 Excessive intake may disrupt gut bacteria. Nitrites E249 (Potassium Nitrite), E250 (Sodium Nitrite ) Forms nitrosamines, potential carcinogens, linked to stomach cancer. Nitrate E251 (Sodium Nitrate ), E252 (Potassium Nitrate ) Forms nitrosamines; excessive consumption may strain kidneys. Nicotinic Acid None commonly listed Excessive intake may cause flushing or liver strain. Neotame E961 May cause headaches in sensitive individuals.
O Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Octyl Gallate E311 Potential allergen; linked to skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Olestra None commonly listed May cause gastrointestinal discomfort or nutrient malabsorption. Oxidized Starch E1404 Excessive intake may cause digestive issues.
P Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Phosphoric Acid E338 Bone loss, kidney damage, calcium depletion. Polysorbates E432–E436 Potential gastrointestinal inflammation, allergic reactions. Potassium Benzoate E212 May cause hyperactivity; forms benzene (carcinogenic) with ascorbic acid. Potassium Sorbate E202 Linked to allergic reactions, skin irritation. Propionic Acid E280 Excessive intake may cause nausea. Propyl Gallate E310 Potential carcinogen; linked to skin rashes, digestive issues. Potassium Bromate None commonly listed Potential carcinogen; banned in many countries. Polyvinyl Alcohol E1203 Generally safe; excessive intake may cause digestive upset.
Q Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Quillaja Extract E999 Rare allergic reactions; excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal irritation. Quinoline Yellow E104 May cause hyperactivity; banned in some countries due to health concerns. Quercetin None commonly listed High doses may interact with medications.
R Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Riboflavin E101 Generally safe; no significant risks in typical amounts. Rosemary Extract E392 Excessive intake may cause digestive upset. Red 2 G E128 Linked to hyperactivity in children, possible allergic reactions. Red 40 E129 (Allura Red AC) Linked to hyperactivity in children, possible allergic reactions. Rennet None commonly listed May trigger issues for those allergic to animal enzymes.
S Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Saccharin E954 Possible bladder cancer risk in high doses (animal studies). Sorbic Acid E200 Allergic reactions, potential skin irritation. Sodium Benzoate E211 Linked to hyperactivity; forms benzene (carcinogenic) with ascorbic acid. Sodium Metabisulfite E223 Can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Sodium Caseinate None commonly listed May cause reactions in people with dairy allergies. Sodium Nitrate E251, Chile saltpeter, soda niter Potential carcinogen, disease and diabetes. Sodium Nitrite E250 Forms nitrosamines (potential carcinogens), linked to stomach cancer. Sucralose Splenda, E955 May alter gut microbiota, potential gastrointestinal issues. Sodium Ascorbate E301 Excessive intake may cause kidney stones or diarrhea. Starch Acetates E1404 Excessive intake may lead to digestive issues.
T Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Tartrazine E102 (Yellow No. 5) Linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and asthma. Titanium Dioxide E171 Potential carcinogen, immune system effects; banned in some countries. Tartaric Acid E334 Can cause digestive upset in high doses. Tocopherols E306–E309 (Vitamin E) High doses may thin the blood. Transglutaminase None commonly listed May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
U Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Urea E927b Excessive intake may irritate the digestive system. Ultrafine Silica E551 Potential respiratory issues if inhaled during handling. Uronic Acid Derivatives None commonly listed Excessive intake may cause mild digestive issues.
V Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Vanillin Synthetic Vanilla May cause headaches or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid, E300 High doses may cause kidney stones or diarrhea. Vitamin D None commonly listed Excessive supplementation can lead to toxicity and kidney damage. Vinegar Acetic Acid, E260 Excessive amounts may irritate the stomach lining.
W Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Whey Protein None commonly listed May cause digestive discomfort for lactose-intolerant individuals. White Mineral Oil None commonly listed Generally safe in food-grade amounts; excessive intake may cause diarrhea. Wax Coatings None commonly listed (e.g., carnauba wax) Excessive intake may cause mild digestive issues.
X Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Xanthan Gum E415 May cause bloating or digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Xylitol E967 Excessive consumption may cause diarrhea or gas; toxic to dogs. Xylose None commonly listed Excessive intake may cause digestive upset.
Y Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Yeast Extract None commonly listed High sodium content may raise blood pressure. Yellow 5 E102 (Tartrazine) Linked to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and asthma in some individuals. Yellow 6 E110 (Sunset Yellow) Linked to hyperactivity and potential allergic reactions.
Z Food Additive Common Names (E Numbers or Label Names) Short Health Risks Zinc Gluconate None commonly listed High doses may cause nausea or copper deficiency. Zinc Oxide None commonly listed Excessive intake may lead to zinc toxicity. Zeaxanthin None commonly listed High doses may cause skin discoloration.
