Food additive reference
Preservatives (E-numbers)
Preservatives slow the growth of bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Common groups include sorbates, benzoates and nitrites.
56 additives in this category, grouped by regulatory level. Informational only — not medical or dietary advice; see the methodology.
- E1105LysozymeNo flags
- E200Sorbic AcidNo flags
- E201Sodium sorbateNo flags
- E202Potassium SorbateNo flags
- E203Calcium SorbateNo flags
- E209HeptylparabenNo flags
- E210Benzoic AcidRegulatory attention
- E211Sodium BenzoateRegulatory attention
- E212Potassium BenzoateRegulatory attention
- E213Calcium BenzoateRegulatory attention
- E214Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoateNo flags
- E215Sodium ethyl p-hydroxybenzoateNo flags
- E216Propyl para-hydroxybenzoateNo flags
- E217Sodium propyl para-hydroxybenzoateNo flags
- E218Methyl p-hydroxybenzoateNo flags
- E219Sodium methyl p-hydroxybenzoateNo flags
- E220Sulphur DioxideRestricted use
- E221Sodium SulphiteRestricted use
- E222Sodium Hydrogen SulphiteRestricted use
- E223Sodium MetabisulphiteRestricted use
- E224Potassium MetabisulphiteRestricted use
- E225Calcium DisulphiteRestricted use
- E226Calcium SulphiteRestricted use
- E227Calcium bisulphiteRestricted use
- E228Potassium bisulphiteRestricted use
- E230BiphenylNo flags
- E231Orthophenyl phenolNo flags
- E232Sodium orthophenyl phenolNo flags
- E233ThiabendazoleNo flags
- E234NisinNo flags
- E235NatamycinNo flags
- E236Formic acidNo flags
- E237Sodium formiateNo flags
- E238Calcium formiateNo flags
- E239Hexamethylene tetramineNo flags
- E240FormaldehydeBanned or severely restricted
- E242Dimethyl dicarbonateNo flags
- E243Ethyl lauroyl arginateUnder monitoring
- E246GlycolipidsNo flags
- E249Potassium NitriteBanned or severely restricted
- E250Sodium NitriteBanned or severely restricted
- E251Sodium NitrateBanned or severely restricted
- E252Potassium NitrateBanned or severely restricted
- E262ISodium acetateNo flags
- E262IISodium diacetateNo flags
- E265Dehydroacetic acidNo flags
- E266Sodium dehydroacetateNo flags
- E267Buffered vinegarNo flags
- E280Propionic AcidNo flags
- E281Sodium PropionateNo flags
- E282Calcium PropionateNo flags
- E283Potassium propionateNo flags
- E284Boric acidRegulatory attention
- E285Sodium tetraborate (borax)No flags
- E710SpiramycinNo flags
- E713TylosinNo flags
Questions about Preservatives
- What are Preservatives?
- Preservatives are a regulatory class of food additives. Their technological function is: extend shelf life by slowing microbial spoilage. In the EU, permitted uses are governed by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
- Which E-numbers belong to Preservatives?
- Forkin tracks 56 additives in this category, including Lysozyme (E1105), Sorbic Acid (E200), Sodium sorbate (E201), Potassium Sorbate (E202). This page lists their regulatory levels.
- Are Preservatives vegan?
- It depends on the individual additive and its source. The Forkin app shows verified vegan and vegetarian status per product rather than guessing from the category.
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