E-Numbers & Additives

What is E240? Complete guide to understanding E240 (Formaldehyde) — a definitively carcinogenic preservative that has been banned from food use globally 🚫 CRITICAL: E240 IS BANNED FOR HUMAN FOOD…

What is E121? Complete guide to understanding E121 (Citrus Red 2) — a banned azo dye colour additive with carcinogenic potential ⚠️ BANNED IN EUROPEAN UNION E121 (Citrus Red 2)…

What is E221? Complete guide to understanding E221 (Sodium Sulfite) in your food The Quick Answer E221 is sodium sulfite—a sodium salt of sulfurous acid that functions as a preservative,…

What is E242? Complete guide to understanding E242 (Dimethyl Dicarbonate) — a synthetic preservative that completely breaks down before consumption ✅ Safety Status: E242 (Dimethyl Dicarbonate) is approved and safe.…

What is E239? Complete guide to understanding E239 (Hexamethylenetetramine) — a controversial preservative that releases formaldehyde in stomach acid ⚠️ IMPORTANT: E239 RELEASES FORMALDEHYDE E239 (Hexamethylenetetramine) is UNIQUE among food…

What is E238? Complete guide to understanding E238 (Calcium Formate) — an animal feed preservative NOT approved for human food 🐄 CRITICAL DISTINCTION: E238 (Calcium Formate) is ONLY approved for…

What is E503? Complete guide to understanding ammonium carbonates in your food The Quick Answer E503 is ammonium carbonates—a mixture of ammonium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate—used primarily as a leavening…

What is E900? Complete guide to understanding E900 (Dimethylpolysiloxane) in your food The Quick Answer E900 is a silicon-based anti-foaming agent. It's used in food to prevent foam and bubbling…