Food additives database

Is It Safe? Side Effects & Regulation

Each entry explains what the additive is, where it is used, and its safety profile. You will also find details about possible side effects and how regulators in the EU, US, and other markets classify it. Simple grading system shows whether an additive is GREEN (Safe), ORANGE (Some Concerns), or RED (Unsafe/Banned).

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  • E142 – Green S (Acid Green 50)

    E142 – Green S (Acid Green 50)

    E142 – Green S (Acid Green 50) is a synthetic triarylmethane dye used for coloring canned peas, sauces, and sweets. Learn why it is banned in the US and Canada, allowed in the EU with…

  • E952 – Cyclamic Acid and Cyclamates

    E952 – Cyclamic Acid and Cyclamates

    United States Food and Drug Administration does not approve cyclamates for food use. The European Union authorises E952 with maximum use levels -Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 7 mg/kg body weight.

  • E150d – Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV)

    E150d – Sulfite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV)

    E150d (Sulfite Ammonia Caramel) is the darkest caramel used widely in colas and sauces. It can form 4‑MeI and retain traces of sulfite, so we grade it ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS even though typical exposures…

  • E150c – Ammonia Caramel (Class III)

    E150c – Ammonia Caramel (Class III)

    E150c (Ammonia Caramel) uses ammonium compounds during manufacture and can form trace 4‑MeI. Regulators apply a lower ADI for this class, and we grade it ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS to reflect the by‑product issue.

  • E339 – Sodium phosphates

    E339 – Sodium phosphates

    E339 (sodium phosphates) are acidity regulators, emulsifying salts and sequestrants. Learn how they are made, where they are allowed, typical uses, and why we grade them ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS based on EFSA’s ADI and…

  • E150b – Caustic Sulfite Caramel (Class II)

    E150b – Caustic Sulfite Caramel (Class II)

    E150b (Caustic Sulfite Caramel) is made with sulfite compounds. It is safe for most consumers but may trigger intolerance in sulfite‑sensitive individuals. Our grading is ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS to reflect this practical risk.

  • E150a – Plain Caramel (Class I)

    E150a – Plain Caramel (Class I)

    E150a (Plain Caramel) is produced by heating sugars without ammonium or sulfite compounds. It is chemically simpler, does not generate nitrogenous by‑products like 4‑MeI, and is considered safe at permitted uses. We grade it GREEN…

  • E321 – Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

    E321 – Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

    Butylated hydroxytoluene (E321, BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant used to stabilize fats and oils. EFSA set an ADI of 0.25 mg/kg bw/day in 2012. While permitted in the EU and US, mechanistic and high‑dose animal…

  • E320 – Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

    E320 – Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

    Butylated hydroxyanisole (E320, BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant used to protect fats and oils from rancidity. It is permitted in the EU with an ADI of 1.0 mg/kg bw/day and allowed in the US for…

  • E270 – Lactic acid

    E270 – Lactic acid

    Lactic acid (E270) is a widely used acidity regulator and preservative. This summary explains its safety grade (GREEN), common uses, science and production, and where it is allowed.

  • E1422 – Acetylated Distarch Adipate

    E1422 – Acetylated Distarch Adipate

    E1422 Acetylated Distarch Adipate is a modified starch thickener and stabiliser with a strong safety record. We grade it GREEN – SAFE.

  • E954 – Saccharin

    E954 – Saccharin

    Saccharin (E954) is an intense, zero‑calorie sweetener. It is legally approved but retains some controversy at high intakes, so we grade it ORANGE – SOME CONCERNS.

  • E410 – Locust Bean Gum

    E410 – Locust Bean Gum

    Toxicological studies show no evidence of carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, or reproductive toxicity. Locust bean gum functions like other soluble dietary fibers and is not absorbed intact in the gut. Instead, it passes into the colon where…

  • E422 – Glycerol

    E422 – Glycerol

    Glycerol is naturally present in fats and oils and is also produced commercially. It has a long record of safe use. Toxicological studies demonstrate that glycerol is not carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic.

  • E415 – Xanthan Gum

    E415 – Xanthan Gum

    Health concerns are minimal, though excessive consumption may lead to mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. This can include bloating, flatulence, or a laxative effect when consumed in high amounts.

  • E141 – Copper complexes of chlorophylls

    E141 – Copper complexes of chlorophylls

    E141 (Copper complexes of chlorophylls) are natural green food colorants. Safe, stable, and widely used in beverages, canned vegetables, and confectionery.

  • E140 – Chlorophylls

    E140 – Chlorophylls

    Chlorophylls (E140) are natural green pigments used as food colorants. Safe, non-toxic, and with possible antioxidant benefits.

  • E160a – Beta-carotene

    E160a – Beta-carotene

    Beta-carotene (E160a) is a natural orange pigment and vitamin A precursor. Safe, widely used in foods, and beneficial as an antioxidant.

  • E955 – Sucralose

    E955 – Sucralose

    Sucralose (E955) is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener. Approved globally, but controversial for gut health, metabolism, and safety when heated.

  • E338 – Phosphoric Acid

    E338 – Phosphoric Acid

    Phosphoric acid (E338) is widely used in soft drinks and processed foods. It is legally permitted but controversial due to links with bone health, dental erosion, and kidney issues.