COLOURS
(100-181) |
NUMBER
|
NAME |
COMMENTS |
100
E100@ |
Curcumin |
Orange-yellow colour; derived from the root of the curcuma plant, but can be artificially produced; used in cheese, margarine, baked sweets and fish fingers It has beneficial effect on the blood sugar in diabetics. It can increase the liver's secretion of bile and protect the liver from toxic substances.
TOP |
101
E101@ |
Riboflavin, Riboflavin - 5'-[phosphate] |
'Vitamin B2' and colour; occurs naturally in green vegetables, eggs, milk, liver and kidney; used in margarine and cheese.
TOP |
102
E102 |
Tartrazine |
FD&C Yellow No:5; CI Acid Yellow23, CI Food Yellow 4. Coal tar dye. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon. Cancer probability. Known to provoke asthma attacks (though the US FDA** do not recognise this) and urticaria (nettle rash) in children (the US FDA** estimates 1:10 000), altered states of perception and behaviour, uncontrolled hyper agitation and confusion; wakefulness in young children. Is known to inhibit zinc metabolism and interfere with digestive enzymes. Tartrazine sensitivity is also linked to aspirin sensitivity; used to colour drinks, sweets, jams, cereals, snack foods, canned fish, packaged soups.
Banned in Norway, Austria and Finland. Restricted use in Sweden and Germany.
TOP |
103 |
Alkanet
(Chrysoine resorcinol) |
Natural 'port-wine' colour from A. tinctoria plant. Listed in Australia in 1992.
Banned in US in 1988.
TOP |
104
E104 |
Quinoline Yellow |
D&C Yellow No:10; used in lipsticks hair products, colognes; also in a wide range of medications; It may cause asthma, rashes and hyperactivity. Aspirin sensitive people must avoid it.
Banned in Japan, USA and Norway.
TOP |
E105 |
Fast Yellow AB
|
TOP |
E106 |
Riboflavin -
5'-[sodium phosphate] |
Listed in Australia as 100 prior to 1992.
TOP
|
E107 |
Yellow 2G |
Acid yellow 17, CI Food yellow 5. Coal tar dye. the HACSG* recommends to avoid it; It may cause asthma, rashes and hyperactivity. People sensitive to aspirin and asthma sufferers should avoid it. Typical products are soft drinks.
Banned in Australia (1992), Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and USA.
TOP |
110
E110@ |
Sunset Yellow FCF, Orange Yellow S |
FD&C Yellow No:6, CI Food yellow 3. Cancer Probability. Used in cereals, bakery, sweets, snack foods, ice cream, drinks and canned fish; synthetic; also in many medications including Berocca, Polaramine, Ventolin syrup; can provoke allergic reactions such as abdominal pain, hyperactivity, hives, nasal congestion, bronchoconstriction, kidney tumours, chromosomal damage, and distaste for food. It produces urticaria, swelling of the blood vessels, gastric upset. Potentially dangerous to asthmatics; and persons with rhinitis should avoid it, is know to upset some of the digestive enzymes. Has been linked to growth retardation and severe weight loss in animal tests and increased incidence of tumours in animals.
Banned in Finland, Norway and the UK.
TOP |
120
E120@ |
Cochineal, Carminic acid, Carmines |
Red colour; made from insects; rarely used; the HASCG recommends to avoid it, especially hyperactive's, rhinitis sufferers, urticaria, asthmatics and aspirin sensitive's.
Banned in USA.
TOP |
122
E122 |
Azo Rubine, Carmoisine |
Red colour; coal tar derivative; may be carcinogenic. Can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; and can cause hyperactivity, urticaria and oedema. Typical products are confectionary, marzipan, jelly crystals.
Banned in Austria, Japan, Norway, Sweden and USA.
TOP |
123
E123 |
Amaranth |
FD&C Red No. 2, CI Acid Red 27, CI Food red 9. Originally derived from the small herbaceous plant of the same name. Azo dye, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon. Used in cake mixes, fruit-flavoured fillings, jelly crystals; can provoke asthma, eczema and hyperactivity; All child bearing women should avoid it as it could cause birth defects and foetal deaths. Can cause urticaria and liver problems possibly also cancer.
Banned in Austria, Japan, Norway, Russia, Sweden, the USA.
TOP |
124
E124 |
Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A |
Artificial red dye, synthetic coal tar and azo dye, carcinogen in animals, can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; 1 in 10,000 people are allergic to 124.
Banned in Canada, Norway, USA (in 1976 for cancer causing agents). Restricted in Sweden.
TOP |
127
E127 |
Erythrosine
|
FD&C Red No:3; Coal tar dye; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon. Artificial red colour used in cherries, canned fruit, custard mix, sweets, bakery, snack foods; can cause sensitivity to light and learning difficulties; can increase thyroid hormone levels and lead to hyperthyroidism, was shown to cause thyroid cancer in rats in a study in 1990; Used as an ingredient to kill maggot lava and flies. Banned in January 1990, but not recalled by the US FDA**;
Banned in Norway.
TOP |
E128 |
Red 2G |
Colorant. Azo dye. May cause damage to genes. To be avoided by hyperactive people, asthmatics and aspirin sensitive people. Also a risk of skin rash and anaemia. Thought to be carcinogenic when added to foods.
Banned in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand, USA, and many other places except UK.
TOP |
129 |
Allura red AC |
FD&C Red No:40; Artificial orange-red colour used in sweets, drinks and condiments, medications and cosmetics, synthetic; introduced in the early eighties to replace amaranth which was considered not safe due to conflicting test results; Allura red has also been connected with cancer.
Prohibited throughout the EEC.
TOP |
E131 |
Patent blue V |
Artificial colouring. May cause dermatitis and purpura.
Banned in Australia, Norway, Japan, New Zealand and USA.
TOP |
132
E132@ |
Indigotine, Indigo carmine |
FD&C Blue No:2, synthetic coal tar dye. Commonly added to tablets and capsules; also used in ice cream, sweets, baked goods, confectionary, biscuits; may cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems, brain tumours and other allergic reactions.
Banned in Norway.
TOP |
133
E133 |
Brilliant blue FCF |
FD&C Blue Dye No:1, CI Acid blue 9, CI Food blue 2, CI Pigment blue 24. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon, Triphenylmethane dye. Used in dairy products, sweets and drinks, synthetic usually occurring as aluminium lake (solution) or ammonium salt; Can cause hyperactivity, skin rashes, bronchoconstriction (combined with 127 and 132), chromosomal damage.
Banned in British Commonwealth 1972-1980. Banned in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway Switzerland, Sweden.
TOP |
140
E140 |
Chlorophylis, Chlorophyllins |
Green colour occurs naturally in all plants; used for dyeing waxes and oils, used in medicines and cosmetics. Excess can cause a sensitivity to light.
TOP |
141 |
Copper complexes of chlorophyll |
Olive colour, extracted from plants, no adverse effects are known when used in foods.
TOP |
E141 |
Copper complexes of chlorophyll and Chlorophyllins Copper Phaephytins
|
Olive colour, extracted from plants, no adverse effects are known when used in foods.
TOP
|
142
E142 |
Green S |
CI Acid green 50, CI Food green 4. Green colour; synthetic coal tar derivative; used in canned peas, mint jelly and sauce, packet bread crumbs and cake mixes; May cause asthma, rashes and hyperactivity. Mutagenic in animal tests
Banned in Canada, Japan, Sweden, USA and Norway.
TOP |
150
E150(a) |
Plain caramel |
Dark brown colour made from sucrose; the HACSG* recommends to avoid it as it can cause hyperactivity. Some caramels may damage genes, slow down growth, cause enlargement of the intestines and kidneys and may destroy vitamin B. It can be manufactured without ammonia. Used in oyster, soy, fruit and canned sauces, beer, whiskey, biscuits, pickles.
TOP |
E150(b) |
Caustic sulphite caramel |
See 150(a).
TOP
|
E150(c) |
Ammonia caramel |
See 150(a).
TOP |
E150(d) |
Sulphite ammonia caramel |
See 150(a).
TOP
|
151
E151 |
Brilliant Black BN, Black PN |
CI Food Black 1. Synthetic colour; coal tar derivative (may be carcinogenic); used in brown sauces, blackcurrant cake mixes; Potentially dangerous to asthmatics, probable cause for ADD in children and may cause urticaria and problem to rhinitis sufferers. Also known to interfere with some digestive enzymes.
Banned in Denmark, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, USA, Norway and greatly restricted Sweden.
TOP |
153
E153@ |
Vegetable carbon |
Black colour, charcoal pigment; used in jams, jelly crystals, liquorice; only the vegetable derived variety permitted in Australia.
Banned in the United States
TOP |
E154 |
Brown FK |
Kipper or Food Brown. Made from 6 azo dyes and sodium chloride and/or sodium sulphate.
Banned in Austria, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, USA. All EEC countries except the UK.
TOP |
155
E155 |
(Chocolate) Brown HT |
brown colour, coal tar and azo dye; used in chocolate cake mixes; can produce bad reactions in asthmatics and people allergic to aspirin; also known to induce skin sensitivity; thought to be a carcinogenic in food, ADD children can have an adverse reaction to this dye.
Banned in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, USA.
TOP
|
160
E160(a)@ |
Carotene, alpha-, beta-, gamma- |
Natural orange/yellow colour; human body converts it to 'Vitamin A' in the liver, found in carrots and other yellow or orange fruits and vegetables.
TOP |
160(b)
E160(b)@ |
Annatto, bixin, norbixin |
Red colour; derived from a tree (Bixa orellana); used as a body paint, fabric dye, antibacterial, antioxidant, digestive aid and expectorant; used to dye cheese, butter, margarine, cereals, snack foods, soaps, textiles and varnishes; known to cause urticaria (nettle rash) and flare-ups of angioneurotic oedema. It is implicated in asthma (containing salicylic acid) and hyperactivity.
The HACSG* recommends to avoid it.
TOP |
E160(c)@ |
Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin |
Not listed in Australia. Derived from fruit pods of the red pepper. Contains vitamins A, B, C and traces of Zn, Cu, Se, Co, Mo, etc. Avoid it.
TOP |
E160(d)@ |
Lycopene |
Not Listed In Australia.
Avoid it. Banned in some countries
TOP |
160(e)
E160(e)@
|
Beta-apo-8'-carotenal (C 30) |
Natural orange colour. No adverse effects are known.
TOP
|
160(f)
E160(f)@
|
Ethyl ester of beta-apo-8'-carotenic acid (C 30) |
Natural orange colour. No adverse effects are known.
TOP
|
161
E161 |
Xanthophylls |
Natural yellow colour derived from plants and animals, naturally found in green leaves, marigolds and egg yolks. Used in animal feed to colour the flesh and to enhance egg yolk colour as it is absorbed by the animals and stored in their tissue.
TOP |
161
E161(b) |
Xanthophylls - Lutein |
Yellow colour derived from plants, naturally found in green leaves, marigolds and egg yolks.
TOP
|
E161(g)@ |
Xanthophylls - Canthaxanthin |
Yellow colour possibly derived from animal sources (retinol); the pigment is found in some mushrooms, crustacea, fish, flamingo feathers.
TOP
|
162
E162 |
Beetroot Red, Betanin |
Purple colour derived from beets; no adverse effects are known, but restrict intake for small children and infants.
TOP |
163
E163 |
Anthocyanins |
Violet, red, blue colour matter of flowers, buds and plants; it seems safe.
TOP
|
170
E170@ |
Calcium carbonate |
Mineral salt, used in toothpastes, white paint and cleaning powders; may be derived from rock mineral or animal bones; sometimes used to de-acidify wines and firm canned fruit and veg.; toxic at 'high doses' due to mineral imbalance and many other physical problems such as haemorrhoids, kidney stones, abdominal pain, confused behaviour.
TOP |
171
E171 |
Titanium dioxide |
White colour used in toothpaste and white paint, pollutes waterways; no adverse effects are known.
TOP
|
172
E172 |
Iron oxides and hydroxides |
Black, yellow, red colour used in salmon and shrimp pastes; toxic at 'high doses'.
TOP |
E173 |
Aluminium |
Not currently listed for use in Australia. Avoid it. Suspect of being a neurotoxic hazard and been linked to osteoporosis.
TOP |
174
E174 |
Silver |
Not permitted in Australia prior to 1992. Long regular use can lead to blue-grey skin (this is not dangerous). Avoid it.
TOP |
E175 |
Gold |
Not listed for use in Australia. Avoid it.
TOP |
E180 |
Latolrubine BK |
Artificial colouring. Azo dye. Probable cause of rashes, hyperactivity, and potentially dangerous to asthmatics. Avoid it. Banned in Australia and New Zealand.
TOP |
181
E181 |
Tannic acid, tannins |
Clarifying agent in alcoholic drinks; derived from the nutgalls and twigs of oak trees; occurs naturally in tea. May cause gastric irritation.
TOP
|
|
PRESERVATIVES
(200-290) |
NUMBER
|
NAME |
COMMENTS |
200
E200 |
Sorbic acid |
Either obtained from berries or synthesised from ketene; possible skin irritant, and may cause rashes, asthma and hyperactivity. Inhibits yeast and bacteria growth. Huge range of foods and drinks, yeast goods, cheeses and wine making
TOP |
201
E201
|
Sodium sorbate |
Either obtained from berries or synthesised from ketene; possible skin irritant, and may cause rashes, asthma and hyperactivity. Inhibits yeast and bacteria growth. Huge range of foods and drinks, yeast goods, cheeses and wine making
TOP
|
202
E202
|
Potassium sorbate |
Either obtained from berries or synthesised from ketene; possible skin irritant, and may cause rashes, asthma and hyperactivity. Inhibits yeast and bacteria growth. Huge range of foods and drinks, yeast goods, cheeses and wine making
TOP |
203
E203
|
Calcium sorbate |
Either obtained from berries or synthesised from ketene; possible skin irritant, and may cause rashes, asthma and hyperactivity. Inhibits yeast and bacteria growth. Huge range of foods and drinks, yeast goods, cheeses and wine making
TOP |
210
E210@ |
Benzoic acid |
Also known as flowers of benzoin, phenlycarboxylic acid, carboxybenzene. Obtained from Benzoin, a resin exuded by trees native to Asia. Added to alcoholic beverages, baked goods, cheeses, gum, condiments, frozen dairy, relishes, soft sweets, cordials and sugar substitutes. Used in cosmetics, as an antiseptic in many cough medications and an antifungal in ointments; can cause asthma, especially in those dependant on steroid asthma medications. Is also reputed to cause neurological disorders and to react with sulphur bisulphite (222), shown to provoke hyperactivity in children and can cause asthma in those dependant on steroid asthma medications.
TOP |
211
E211 |
Sodium benzoate |
Used as antiseptic, as a food preservative and to disguise taste, as of poor-quality food; orange diet soft drinks contain a high amount of it, up to 25mg per 250ml; also in milk and meat products, relishes and condiments, baked goods and lollies, tooth pastes, mouth washes, maple syrup and margarine; used in many oral medications including Actifed, Phenergan and Tylenol; known to causes nettle rash and aggravate asthma. Suspected to be a neurotoxic hazard.
TOP |
212
E212 |
Potassium benzoate |
People with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions.
Also known as flowers of benzoin, phenlycarboxylic acid, carboxybenzene. Obtained from Benzoin, a resin exuded by trees native to Asia. Added to alcoholic beverages, baked goods, cheeses, gum, condiments, frozen dairy, relishes, soft sweets, cordials and sugar substitutes. Used in cosmetics, as an antiseptic in many cough medications and an antifungal in ointments; can cause asthma, especially in those dependant on steroid asthma medications. Is also reputed to cause neurological disorders and to react with sulphur bisulphite (222), shown to provoke hyperactivity in children and can cause asthma in those dependant on steroid asthma medications.
TOP |
213
E213
|
Calcium benzoate |
People with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions.
Also known as flowers of benzoin, phenlycarboxylic acid, carboxybenzene. Obtained from Benzoin, a resin exuded by trees native to Asia. Added to alcoholic beverages, baked goods, cheeses, gum, condiments, frozen dairy, relishes, soft sweets, cordials and sugar substitutes. Used in cosmetics, as an antiseptic in many cough medications and an antifungal in ointments; can cause asthma, especially in those dependant on steroid asthma medications. Is also reputed to cause neurological disorders and to react with sulphur bisulphite (222), shown to provoke hyperactivity in children and can cause asthma in those dependant on steroid asthma medications.
TOP |
E214
|
Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate |
Avoid it. Banned in Australia.
TOP
|
E215
|
Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate |
Avoid it. Banned in Australia.
TOP
|
216
E216
|
Propylparaben |
Preservative. Possible contact allergen when used in cosmetics.
TOP
|
E216 |
Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate |
Preservative. Possible contact allergen and potentially dangerous to asthmatics.
TOP |
E217
|
Sodium propyl p-hydroxybenzoate |
Avoid it. Banned in Australia.
TOP
|
218 |
Methylparaben |
Preservative. Possible contact allergen.
TOP
|
E218
|
Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate
|
Preservative. Allergic reactions possible, mainly affecting the skin.
TOP |
219
E219
|
Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoate.
|
Banned in Australia. Avoid it.
TOP
|
220
E220 |
Sulphur dioxide |
Preservative. Derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rash, asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1, and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products.
TOP |
221
E221
|
Sodium sulphite |
Preservative. Derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rash, asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1, and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products.
TOP |
222
|
Sodium bisulphite |
Preservative. Derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rash, asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1, and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products.
TOP |
222
E222
|
Sodium hydrogen sulphite |
Preservative. Derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rash, asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1, and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products.
TOP |
223
E223
|
Sodium metabisulphite |
Preservative. Derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rash, asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1, and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products.
TOP |
224
E224
|
Potassium metabisulphite |
Preservative. Derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rash, asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1, and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products.
TOP |
225
E225
|
Potassium sulphite |
Preservative. Derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rash, asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1, and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products.
TOP |
226
E226
|
Calcium sulphite |
Avoid it. Banned in Australia.
TOP
|
227
E227
|
Calcium hydrogen sulphite |
Avoid it. Banned in Australia.
TOP
|
228
|
Potassium bisulphite
|
Preservative. Derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rash, asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1, and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products.
TOP |
228
E228
|
Potassium hydrogen sulphite
|
Preservative. Derived from coal tar; all sulphur drugs are toxic and restricted in use (in USA, FDA** prohibits their use on raw fruits and vegetables), produced by combustion of sulphur or gypsum; known to provoke gastric irritation, nausea, diarrhoea, skin rash, asthma attacks and difficult to metabolise for those with impaired kidney function, also destroys vitamin B1, and should be avoided by anyone suffering from conjunctivitis, bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma, or cardiovascular disease. Typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar, potato products.
TOP |
230
E230 |
Biphenyl, Diphenyl |
Banned in Australia. Dan be used for agricultural purposes; typical products are citrus fruit.
TOP |
231
E231 |
Orthophenyl phenol |
Banned in Australia. Can be used for agricultural purposes; typical products are pears, carrots, peaches, plums, prunes, sweet potato, citrus fruit, pineapples, tomatoes, peppers, cherries, nectarines.
TOP |
232
E232
|
Sodium orthophenyl phenol
|
Banned in Australia. Can be used for agricultural purposes; typical products are pears, carrots, peaches, plums, prunes, sweet potato, citrus fruit, pineapples, tomatoes, peppers, cherries, nectarines.
TOP |
233
E233 |
Thiabendazole |
Can be used for agricultural purposes, typical products are citrus fruits, apples, pears, potatoes, bananas, mushrooms, meat, milk. Also used as a medical treatment for some conditions, resulting in 30% of patients suffering from anorexia, nausea, vomiting and vertigo.
TOP |
234
E234 |
Nisin |
Antibiotic derived from bacteria; found in beer, processed cheese products, tomato paste.
TOP |
235
E235 |
Natamycin |
Mould inhibitor derived from bacteria; sometimes used medically to treat candidiasis; can cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea and skin irritation; typical products are meat, cheese.
TOP |
236
E236
|
Formic acid |
Avoid it. Banned in Australia.
TOP
|
E237
|
Sodium formate
|
Avoid it. Banned in Australia.
TOP
|
E238
|
Calcium formate
|
Avoid it. Banned in Australia.
TOP
|
E239
|
Hexamethylene tetramine
|
Avoid it. Banned in Australia.
TOP
|
242
E242
|
Dimethyl dicarbonate |
Yeast inhibitor, preservative. Used in fruit drinks, sports drinks and wine.
TOP
|
249
E249 |
Potassium nitrite |
Colour fixative and curing agent for meat; nitrites can effect the body's ability to carry oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches; potential carcinogen; not permitted in foods for infant and young children.
Potassium nitrite is the potassium salt of nitrous acid and is used as a curing agent and preservative in meat. Excessive ingestion may result in such high concentrations of nitrites in the bloodstream that reduced concentrations of oxygen are carried by haemoglobin in red blood cells, resulting in shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches.
Nitrites may also form nitrosamines in the stomach, thought to be carcinogenic agents. Potassium nitrite inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for botulism, retards development of rancidity, and preserves flavours. Less than 10% of nitrate (nitrite) intake is from cured meats, with the rest coming from mainly root vegetables.
Typical products include processed meats, cured and smoked meat and fish, root vegetables. Not permitted in foods for infant and young children. Other names: nitrous acid potassium salt.
TOP |
250
E250 |
Sodium nitrite |
May provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions, potentially carcinogenic, restricted in many countries, can combine with chemicals in stomach to form nitrosamine, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it.
Sodium nitrite is the sodium salt of nitrous acid. See E249. Typical products include processed meats, cured and smoked meat and fish, root vegetables.
Toxic. May be fatal if swallowed. Eye, skin and respiratory irritant. Some laboratory experiments suggest that this material may act as a carcinogen.
May provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions, restricted in many countries, can combine with chemicals in stomach to form nitrosamine, the HACSG* recommends to avoid it.
TOP |
251
E251 |
Sodium nitrate |
Also used in the manufacture of nitric acid, as a fertiliser and in fermented meat products (see 250).
Sodium nitrate is a natural mineral, occurring in great abundance in the Atacama desert (hence the name Chile saltpetre). It is used as a preservative and curing agent in meat. See E249, potassium nitrite.
Typical products include processed meats, cured and smoked meat and fish, root vegetables. Also used in the manufacture of nitric acid, as a fertiliser. (see 250). Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Skin, eye and respiratory irritant. Other names: Chile saltpetre, cubic nitre, nitric acid sodium salt
TOP |
252
E252@ |
Potassium nitrate |
May be derived from waste animal or vegetable matter; used in gunpowder, explosives and fertilisers, and in the preservation of meat; may provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions; potentially carcinogenic; restricted in many countries (see 249).
Potassium nitrate is a naturally occurring mineral used as a preservative and curing agent in meat. It is artificially manufactured by the reaction of potassium chloride with nitric acid. See E249, potassium nitrite.
Potassium nitrate is used in fireworks as well as fertilisers. Typical products include processed meats, cured and smoked meat and fish, root vegetables. May be derived from waste animal or vegetable matter.
May cause reproductive disorders. May provoke hyperactivity and other adverse reactions; potentially carcinogenic; restricted in many countries (see 249).
TOP |
260
E260 |
Acetic acid |
Main component of vinegar, synthetically produced from wood fibres; used in pickles, chutneys, and sauces.
Acetic acid (ethanoic acid) has been used for hundreds of years
as a preservative (vinegar, French for "sour wine"). If during the fermentation of grapes or other fruits, oxygen is allowed into the container, then bacteria convert the ethanol present into ethanoic acid causing the wine to turn sour.
Acetic acid may be synthetically produced using methanol carbonylation, acetaldehyde oxidation, or butane/naphtha oxidation. Pure acetic acid is termed "glacial", and is completely miscible with water. Typical products include fish fingers, butter, margarine, processed cheese, curry powder, cooking oil. Other names: ethanoic acid. Acetic acid is strongly corrosive and causes serious burns, as well as being a lachrymator.
TOP |
261
E261 |
Potassium acetate |
Food acid; Should be avoided by people with impaired kidney function; typical products are sauces, pickles.
Food acid. he potassium salt of acetic acid, E260. In industry is used to aid conditioning of fabrics, used in the manufacture of penicillin. Should be avoided by people with impaired kidney function; typical products are sauces, pickles. Other names: acetic acid potassium salt, potassium ethanoate, ethanoic acid potassium salt. May irritate the skin, eyes and lungs.
TOP |
262
E262 |
Sodium acetate and anydrous,
Sodium diacetate |
Food acid, acidity regulator; no known adverse effects.
(i) Sodium Acetate - The sodium salt of acetic acid, E260. Acts as a buffer in foods. Technical grade sodium acetate is used as a mordant in dyeing processes, as buffers in petroleum production, and for kidney dialysis processes. In plastic manufacturing it is used as a retarder for some elastomers.
Typical products include bouillons. No known adverse effects. May irritate the skin, harmful if ingested.
(ii) Sodium hydrogen acetate (sodium diacetate) - A vinegar used as a mould inhibitor in snack foods and bread, as a flavour enhancer in breads, cakes, cheese and snack food. Technical grade sodium hydrogen acetate is used as a buffer in petroleum production. Typical products include bread, crisps and other snack foods, cheese, cakes.
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263
E263 |
Calcium acetate |
Food acid, acidity regulator; by product in the manufacture of wood alcohol; used to make acetic acid (vinegar) and in the production of dyers mordants.
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264
E264 |
Ammonium acetate |
Can cause nausea and vomiting. Used in products that also contain acetates.
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270
E270@ |
Lactic acid |
Occurs naturally in sour milk, apples, tomatoes and molasses. Food acid, acidity regulator; produced by heating and fermenting carbohydrates in milk whey, potatoes, cornstarch or molasses; difficult for babies under 3 months old to metabolise; used in sweets, dressings, soft drinks (sometimes beer), infant formulas and confectionary.
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280
E280 |
Propionic acid |
All propionates are thought to be linked with migraine headaches; propionates occur naturally in fermented foods, human perspiration and ruminants digestive tract, also can be derived commercially from ethylene and carbon monoxide or propionaldehyde or natural gas or fermented wood pulp; produced when bacteria decompose fibre; commonly used in bread cheese and flour products.
Corrosive - causes burns. Harmful if swallowed. Liquid may burn eyes. Severe eye and skin irritant. Other names: carboxyethane, ethylformic acid, methylacetic acid.
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281
E281 |
Sodium propionate |
Occurs naturally in fermented food, human sweat and stomachs of cows. May be linked to migraines, typical products are processed cheese and flour/bread products.
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282
E282
|
Calcium propionate |
Can cause symptoms similar to a gall bladder attack.
Occurs naturally in fermented food, human sweat and stomachs of cows. May be linked to migraines, typical products are processed cheese and flour/bread products.
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283
E283
|
Potassium propionate |
Occurs naturally in fermented food, human sweat and stomachs of cows. May be linked to migraines, typical products are processed cheese and flour/bread products.
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E284 |
Boric acid |
Preservative and bleaching agent. Used in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and numerous industrial processes. Used in Australia for a well known ant poison. Suspected to be a neurotoxic hazard.
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290
E290 |
Carbon dioxide |
Propellant, coolant, derived from lime manufacture; may increase the effect of alcohol; typical products are wine, soft drinks, confectionary. Delays ripening of fruit and vegetables. Suspected of being a neurotoxic hazard. More than 10% in the air causes blackouts.
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