- Q. What are E-numbers?
E-numbers are codes for food additives. If a food additive has an E-number, this shows it has passed safety tests and been approved for use throughout the European Union. This approval is monitored, reviewed and amended in the light of new scientific data.
A food additive is any substance intentionally added to food for a specific function (for example, to preserve or colour it) that is not normally eaten as a food or used as a characteristic ingredient in food.
- Q. What does research say about them - are they bad for us?
All food additives, whether they are natural or artificial, must go through rigorous safety assessment and approval procedures, and must comply with European Union (EU) legislation. They are only allowed to be used if experts decide that they are necessary and safe.
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