E number
This article is about the food additive codes. For other uses, see E number (disambiguation). A solution of E101 riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2) Crystals of E621 monosodium glutamate, a flavour enhancer E numbers are codes for substances that are permitted to be used as food additives for use within the European Union [1] [2] and EFTA. The "E" stands for "Europe". [3] Commonly found on food labels, their safety assessment and approval are the responsibility of the European Food Safety Authority. [4] Having a single unified list for food additives was first agreed upon in 1962 with food colouring. In 1964, the directives for preservatives were added, 1970 for antioxidants and 1974 for the emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners and gelling agents. [5] Contents 1 Numbering schemes 2 Colloquial use 3 Classification by numeric range 4 Full list 4.1 E100–E199 (colours) 4.2 E200–E299 (preservatives) 4.3 E300–E399 (anti