# E-Numbers with Health Concerns This table lists food additives that have been associated with health risks, are doubtful, or suspect according to various health authorities and scientific studies. Please note that this list is not conclusive. ## Color Additives (E100-E199) ``` | E-Number | Name | Found In | Health Risk/Concern |----------|---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | E102 | Tartrazine (Yellow) | Soft drinks, sweets, mustard, marmalade, jelly, ice lollies, custard powder | Linked to hyperactivity in children; allergic reactions in people with asthma or aspirin sensitivity; requires warning label in EU | E104 | Quinoline Yellow | Soft drinks, sweets, smoked fish | May cause hyperactivity in children; requires warning label in EU | E110 | Sunset Yellow | Soft drinks, sweets, sauces, chips | Linked to hyperactivity in children; requires warning label in EU | E122 | Carmoisine (Azorubine) | Sweets, desserts, jellies | May cause hyperactivity in children; requires warning label in EU | E123 | Amaranth (Red) | Sweets, drinks | Banned in USA due to cancer concerns; permitted in EU and Australia with restrictions | E124 | Ponceau 4R (Red) | Desserts, sweets, canned fruits | May cause hyperactivity in children; requires warning label in EU | E129 | Allura Red AC | Sweets, soft drinks, sauces | Linked to hyperactivity in children; requires warning label in EU | E131 | Patent Blue V | Sweets, ice cream | Potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies; banned in several countries | E133 | Brilliant Blue FCF | Ice cream, sweets, drinks | Potential carcinogenic effects in animal studies; banned in some European countries | E151 | Black PN (Brilliant Black)| Some food products | Linked to allergic reactions; banned in Australia, Austria, USA, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, and France | E171 | Titanium Dioxide | Sweets, chewing gum, sauces | Banned in EU (2022) due to potential carcinogenic concerns; still permitted in UK and USA ``` ## Preservatives (E200-E299) ``` | E-Number | Name | Found In | Health Risk/Concern |-----------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | E211 | Sodium Benzoate | Margarine, salad dressing, soy sauce, sweets, soft drinks | Linked to hyperactivity in children; may cause reactions in people with allergies or asthma | E220-E228 | Sulfites (various) | Dried fruits, wine, processed foods | Can cause severe allergic reactions, especially in asthmatics; can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals | E249-E250 | Nitrites (Potassium & Sodium) | Bacon, sausages, ham, hot dogs, processed meats | Can form nitrosamines during cooking (potential carcinogens); toxic in high doses | E251-E252 | Nitrates (Sodium & Potassium) | Processed meats, cheese | Can convert to nitrites in the body; associated with increased cancer risk when consumed in excess ``` ## Antioxidants (E300-E399) ``` | E-Number | Name | Found In | Health Risk/Concern |----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | E320 | Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) | Chips, processed meats, breakfast cereals, chewing gum | Classified as possible human carcinogen; potential endocrine-disrupting properties | E321 | Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) | Chewing gum, baked goods, snack foods, cereals | May interfere with hormone function; concerns about potential cancer links | E339 | Trisodium Phosphate | Various processed foods | Associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease ``` ## Emulsifiers, Stabilizers, Thickeners (E400-E499) ``` | E-Number | Name | Found In | Health Risk/Concern | |-----------------|--------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | E407 | Carrageenan | Dairy products, plant-based milks, desserts | Concerns about digestive inflammation; linked to gastrointestinal issues in some studies | Various | Emulsifiers | Pastries, cakes, ice cream, ready meals, margarine | Recent studies link high intake to increased cardiovascular disease risk | E471, E472(b/c) | Ibid | Ibid | Ibid, see below for more details. ``` Higher intakes of monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (E471 and E472) were associated with higher risks of all studied outcomes. Among these emulsifiers, lactic ester of monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (E472b) was associated with higher risks of CVD and cerebrovascular diseases, and citric acid ester of monoglycerides and diglycerides of fatty acids (E472c) was associated with higher risks of CVD and coronary heart disease. ## Flavor Enhancers (E600-E699) ``` | E-Number | Name | Found In | Health Risk/Concern | |----------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | E621 | Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) | Instant noodles, chips, frozen meals, Chinese food, soups, processed meats | Can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, muscle pain in sensitive individuals; estimated 40% of population may be intolerant | | E635 | Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides| Instant noodles, snacks, processed foods | May cause similar reactions as MSG in sensitive individuals ``` ## Sweeteners (E900-E999) ``` | E-Number | Name | Found In | Health Risk/Concern |----------|-----------|--------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | E951 | Aspartame | Diet soft drinks, sugar-free products, desserts | Must be avoided by people with PKU; reports of headaches and other side effects; controversial safety profile | E954 | Saccharin | Diet products, table-top sweeteners | Associated with potential health concerns in various studies | E955 | Sucralose | Diet products, baked goods | Associated with potential side effects in some scientific studies ``` ## Important Notes: 1. "Southampton Six": E102, E104, E110, E122, E124, and E129 were identified in a 2007 study as potentially linked to hyperactivity in children. Products containing these in the EU must carry warnings. 2. Individual Sensitivity: The prevalence of adverse reactions to food additives is estimated at 1-2% in children and 1% in adults, but higher (2-7%) in children with atopic conditions. 3. Regulatory Differences: E-numbers approved in one region may be banned or restricted in others. This list reflects concerns raised by various health authorities worldwide. 4. Dosage Matters: Many of these additives are considered safe at approved levels, but concerns arise with high consumption or in sensitive individuals. 5. Not All E-Numbers Are Bad: Many E-numbers are natural substances (like E300 - Vitamin C) and are completely safe. Recommendation: Those concerned about food additives should focus on eating fresh, unprocessed foods and carefully reading ingredient labels. People with allergies, asthma, or children with behavioral issues may benefit from avoiding the additives listed above. --- ## Sources and References Food additive emulsifiers and risk of cardiovascular disease in the NutriNet-Santé cohort: prospective cohort study doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076058 ### Southampton Six & Hyperactivity Studies - McCann, D., et al. (2007). "Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial." *The Lancet*, 370(9598), 1542-1549. [PubMed: 17825405](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17825405/) - University of Southampton (2007). "Major study indicates a link between hyperactivity in children and certain food additives." [Southampton University News](https://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2007/09/hyperactivity-in-children-and-food-additives.page) - EFSA (2008). "Assessment of the results of the study by McCann et al. (2007) on the effect of some colours and sodium benzoate on children's behaviour." [EFSA Report](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/efsa-evaluates-southampton-study-food-additives-and-child-behaviour) ### Titanium Dioxide (E171) - European Commission (2022). Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63 banning titanium dioxide as a food additive. [Official Journal](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/63/oj) - EFSA (2021). "Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive." [EFSA News](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/titanium-dioxide-e171-no-longer-considered-safe-when-used-food-additive) - USDA FAS (2022). "European Union: Titanium Dioxide Banned as a Food Additive in the EU." [USDA Report](https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/european-union-titanium-dioxide-banned-food-additive-eu) ### BHA and BHT (E320, E321) - U.S. National Toxicology Program (15th Report on Carcinogens). "Butylated Hydroxyanisole - reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." [NCBI Bookshelf](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK590883/) - IARC Monographs. BHA classified as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) - Ito, N., et al. (1986). "Carcinogenicity and modification of the carcinogenic response by BHA, BHT, and other antioxidants." *Critical Reviews in Toxicology*. [PubMed: 3899519](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3899519/) - EWG (2025). "Despite health harm concerns, BHA and BHT remain in food and cosmetics." [EWG Article](https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2025/04/despite-health-harm-concerns-bha-and-bht-remain-food-and-cosmetics) ### Nitrites and Nitrates (E249-E252) - WHO IARC (2015). Processed meat classified as carcinogenic (Group 1A); nitrite salts under conditions resulting in endogenous nitrosation classified as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A) - Diallo, A., et al. (2024). "Nitrites and nitrates from food additives and natural sources and cancer risk: results from the NutriNet-Santé cohort." *International Journal of Epidemiology*. [PMC Article](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9365633/) - ANSES France (2022). "Reducing dietary exposure to nitrites and nitrates." [ANSES Report](https://www.anses.fr/en/content/reducing-dietary-exposure-nitrites-and-nitrates) - Foodwatch International. "Banning added Nitrites and Nitrates in food." [Campaign Information](https://www.foodwatch.org/en/banning-added-nitrites-and-nitrates-in-food) ### General Food Additive Resources - Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety. "Food Colours and Hyperactivity in Children." [CFS Report](https://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/multimedia/multimedia_pub/multimedia_pub_fsf_48_01.html) - European Commission Food Safety Resources. [Official EU Food Additives Database](https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety/food-improvement-agents/additives/re-evaluation_en) ## Android apps to scan labels I personally like "Foodi; Ecode Additives scanner." It works very well, but there is one caveat: sometimes it lists some additives as safe while it isn't. Use it with precaution, but the scanner is excellent. ``` | App Name | Developer | Description |------------------------------|---------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Yuka | Yuka App | Most popular (80M users), scans 4M food + 2M cosmetic products, 100% independent, provides health ratings and alternatives. Note: Currently available in Belgium but not yet in the Netherlands. | Food Ingredients Scanner | MaxSoft Ltd | Supports Dutch language, color-coded safety ratings (red/orange/green), scans ingredient lists with camera, detects allergens and E-numbers. | E Numbers - Food Additives | Ashomok | 500+ additives database, camera feature auto-detects E-numbers from photos, shows which are forbidden for children, allergies, etc. | Food Additives | MaxSoft | Free, ad-free, 650+ additives, shows danger level and origin (animal/vegetable/chemical), halal/kosher/vegan indicators, optional paid barcode scanning. | E Numbers Checker | TappyTaps | 500+ additives with safety ratings (1-5), available in 7 languages (including Dutch), works entirely offline, filters for dietary restrictions. | AvoidAdditives | Softbrigh | Smart ingredient scanner, identifies harmful preservatives and colorants, educational approach with objective info from official sources. ``` Note: This document is based on scientific literature and regulatory assessments available as of December 2025. Regulatory status and scientific understanding of food additives may change over time. Always consult current regulatory guidance in your region.