E-numbers

A code on the label. A story behind it.

E-numbers are the EU system for identifying authorised food additives. Authorised means they passed a safety threshold — it does not mean they are without debate. BOTIA flags them so you can see what is actually in your food.

Why this matters

E-numbers are often misunderstood — some are harmless, some are under active review, some have implications for specific groups. What they share is that they are ingredients beyond the basic food components. According to NOVA (FAO, 2019), their presence is a marker of ultra-processed food.

What BOTIA looks for

BOTIA detects E-numbers flagged for one or more of the following reasons: potential hormonal activity (E171, E320, E321), insect origin (E120), animal origin uncertainty (E471, E472, E322), sweetener effects (E950-E968), or general ultra-processing markers. Not every E-number is flagged — only those with documented relevance.

BOTIA CAN

  • Detect E-numbers with documented scientific or regulatory relevance.
  • Link E-numbers to their specific BOTIA layer — animal, muslim, woman, or evidence.
  • Signal when an E-number is under active re-evaluation by EFSA.

BOTIA CANNOT

  • Tell you every E-number is harmful — most are not.
  • Assess your cumulative exposure to multiple E-numbers.
  • Replace medical or nutritional advice.

Not all E-numbers are equal. The same code can mean different things in different countries. Explore the ingredient pages to understand what each one means for you.

Sources: EU 1333/2008 Additives · EFSA Food Additives · FDA Food Additive Status List · Codex Alimentarius INS

Learn more about the code system