What do E numbers mean? A guide to reading food additives on the label

What is an E number?

The letter “E” stands for Europe. When an additive is given an E number, it means the substance is authorised for use as a food additive in the European Union. Today this authorisation is based on scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In Türkiye, additives are regulated under the Turkish Food Codex, and the system is largely aligned with the EU.

Additives can be listed on the label either by their E number or by their name; in both cases their function is given in front. For example, “preservative (E211)” and “preservative (sodium benzoate)” mean the same thing. Some manufacturers prefer to write the name because they think the code puts consumers off; this does not mean the ingredient has changed.

How are the numbers grouped?

E numbers are roughly divided into groups of hundreds according to the substance's function. This grouping is not a strict rule, but it gives you a quick idea when reading a label:

• E100–E199: Colours. For example tartrazine (E102) and caramel colour (E150a–d).
• E200–E299: Preservatives. Sodium benzoate (E211), potassium sorbate (E202), sulphites (E220–E228), sodium nitrite (E250).
• E300–E399: Antioxidants and acidity regulators. Ascorbic acid (E300, vitamin C), tocopherol (E306, vitamin E), citric acid (E330), BHA (E320), BHT (E321), lecithin (E322).
• E400–E499: Thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers. Xanthan gum (E415), carrageenan (E407), polysorbate 80 (E433), mono- and diglycerides (E471).
• E500–E599: Acidity regulators and anti-caking agents. For example sodium bicarbonate (E500, baking soda).
• E600–E699: Flavour enhancers. The best known is monosodium glutamate (E621).
• E900–E999: Glazing agents, gases and sweeteners. Aspartame (E951), acesulfame K (E950), sucralose (E955).
• E1000 and above: Modified starches and various other additives.

Phosphates, meanwhile, are spread across a wide range from E338 to E452, so you may come across them under different numbers on labels. For details, see the phosphates page.

Being approved does not mean they are all equal

An additive being approved means it is considered safe under the specified conditions of use and in the specified amounts. But this does not mean every E number is equally harmless. For some additives the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is quite high, or no limit is needed at all; for others the limits are tighter and they are permitted only in certain product groups.

Scientific assessments are also updated over time. EFSA runs a programme to re-evaluate older approvals. For example, titanium dioxide (E171) was withdrawn from use as a food additive in the EU in 2022, after EFSA concluded in 2021 that it could no longer be considered safe. In Türkiye, too, the new Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Additives published in 2023 removed E171 from the list of permitted additives, giving food businesses until 1 April 2024 to comply. This is an example of the system working; but it is also a reminder that “approved” is not a permanent guarantee.

Which E numbers deserve more attention?

• Some artificial colours: For products containing tartrazine (E102) and certain azo dyes, EU law requires the warning “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”. Tartrazine can also cause allergy-like reactions in sensitive people.
• Sodium nitrite (E250): It is important for bacterial safety in processed meats, but it can contribute to the formation of nitrosamines when cooked at high temperatures. IARC has classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). It makes sense to eat products such as sucuk (spicy sausage), salami and sausages in moderation.
• Sulphites (E220–E228): These are found in dried fruit, wine and some drinks. They can cause reactions in some people with asthma, so above a certain amount they must be declared as allergens on the label.
• BHA (E320): Classified by IARC in Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans; limited evidence). The amount that can be used is restricted.
• Sweeteners: Because aspartame contains phenylalanine, it is not suitable for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), and the label carries a warning about this. In 2023 IARC placed aspartame in Group 2B, but in the same period JECFA did not change its acceptable daily intake.

Common E numbers that are no cause for concern

Many of the codes you often see on labels are substances that also occur in nature or that you already eat as part of your everyday diet. E300 is vitamin C, E306 is vitamin E, E330 is citric acid, found naturally in lemons and oranges, E322 is lecithin, found in egg yolk and soya, E500 is the baking soda you use in the kitchen and E260 is acetic acid, the main component of vinegar.

That is why judging a product only by the number of E numbers it contains can be misleading. A product with five E numbers may be more harmless than another product containing a single problematic additive.

How to assess E numbers on a label

• Look at the function first: The word in front of the code, such as “colour”, “preservative” or “sweetener”, tells you why the additive is there.
• Focus on the type, not the count: Check which group it belongs to and whether it appears on the watch list above.
• Think about your own situation: If asthma, PKU, specific allergies or young children are involved, look more carefully at the relevant additives.
• Look at the product as a whole: A large number of additives is usually a sign that the product is highly processed. The real nutritional issue is often the amount of sugar, salt and saturated fat rather than the additives.

For tips on reading the whole label, see our articles how to read food labels and hidden names for sugar.