An E-number is the code given to a food additive that has been assessed and approved for use in the European Union and EFTA. The “E” stands for Europe. The number identifies the substance and its broad function — for example E100–E199 are colours, E200–E299 preservatives, E300–E399 antioxidants and acidity regulators, E400–E499 thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers.

Are E-numbers bad for you?

An E-number on its own doesn't tell you whether something is harmful — it only means the additive is approved and identified. Some are simple substances like vitamin C (E300) or baking soda (E500). Forkin groups additives by what regulators have said (under monitoring, restricted use, banned) rather than making a blanket health claim.

Which E-numbers are banned?

Bans differ by country and change over time as regulators re-evaluate the evidence. Forkin tags additives that are banned or severely restricted in one or more jurisdictions; open any additive page to see its regulatory level, and the Forkin app for restrictions by country.

It depends on the additive and its source — many can be made from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the label rarely says which. The Forkin app shows verified vegan and vegetarian status per product rather than a guess from the E-number alone.

Reference

Food additives (E-numbers)

Look up any food additive by its E-number or name. Forkin tracks 639 additives, grouped by what regulators have said about each one. Tap a code for its profile.

Regulatory levels reflect EFSA evaluations, IARC monograph classifications, and the EU food additive register (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008). Informational only — not medical or dietary advice.

Banned / Severely restricted15 additives

Restricted use23 additives

Regulatory attention43 additives

Under monitoring78 additives

No regulatory flags480 additives

Questions about E-numbers

What is an E-number?: An E-number is the code given to a food additive that has been assessed and approved for use in the European Union and EFTA. The “E” stands for Europe. The number identifies the substance and its broad function — for example E100–E199 are colours, E200–E299 preservatives, E300–E399 antioxidants and acidity regulators, E400–E499 thickeners, stabilisers and emulsifiers.
Are E-numbers bad for you?: An E-number on its own doesn't tell you whether something is harmful — it only means the additive is approved and identified. Some are simple substances like vitamin C (E300) or baking soda (E500). Forkin groups additives by what regulators have said (under monitoring, restricted use, banned) rather than making a blanket health claim.
Which E-numbers are banned?: Bans differ by country and change over time as regulators re-evaluate the evidence. Forkin tags additives that are banned or severely restricted in one or more jurisdictions; open any additive page to see its regulatory level, and the Forkin app for restrictions by country.
Are E-numbers vegan?: It depends on the additive and its source — many can be made from plant, mineral, or animal-derived raw materials, and the label rarely says which. The Forkin app shows verified vegan and vegetarian status per product rather than a guess from the E-number alone.

Method:Forkin's regulatory-level classifications track EFSA acceptable daily intake (ADI) re-evaluations, IARC monograph groupings (Groups 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4), the EU food additive register (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008), and ban lists from national regulators. See the methodology page for the full rubric.