Food Additives - Preservatives

FOOD ADDITIVE CODE BREAKER

Preservatives E200 - E290

Number Name Comments
E200Sorbic acid possible skin irritant
E201Sodium sorbate no known adverse effects
E202Potassium sorbate no known adverse effects
E203Calcium sorbate no known adverse effects
E210Benzoic acid the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Typical products are soft drinks, juices, cordials, chilly pastes
E211Sodium benzoate the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. Typical products see E210
E212Potassium benzoate People with a history of allergies may show allergic reactions. Typical products see E210
E213Calcium benzoate see E212
E214Ethyl4-hydroxybenzoate not permitted in Australia
E215Sodium salt not permitted in Australia
E216Propybaraben possible contact allergen
E217Propyl4-hydroxybenzoate not permitted in Australia
E218Methylparaben allergic reactions possible, mainly affecting the skin
E219Methyl4-hydroxybenzoate not permitted in Australia
E220Sulphur dioxides the HACSG* recommends to avoid it. May cause allergic reactions in asthmatics, destroys vitamin B1, typical products are beer, soft drinks, dried fruit, juices, cordials, wine, vinegar and potato products
E221Sodium sulphite see E220
E222Sodium bisulsulphite see E220
E223Sodium metabisulphite Preservative 223 - see E220
E224Potassium metabisulphite see E220
E225Potassium sulphite see E220
E226Calcium sulphite not permitted in Australia
E227Calcium hydrogen sulphite not permitted in Australia
E228Potassium bisulphite see E220
E230Biphenyl not permitted in Australia, can be used for agricultural purposes, typical products are citrus fruits
E2312-Hydroxybiphenyl not permitted in Australia, can be used for agricultural purposes, typical products are pears, carrots, peaches, plums, prunes, sweet potatoe, citrus fruit, pineapples, tomatoes, peppers, cherries, nectarines
E232Sodium biphenyl-2-yl oxide see E231
E233Thiabendazole not permitted in Australia, can be used for agricultural purposes, typical products arecitrus fruits, apples, pears, potatoes, bananas, mushrooms, meat, milk
E234Nisin no known adverse effects
E235Natamycin sometimes used medically to treat candidiasis, can cause nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea and skin irritation. Typical products are meat and cheese
E236Formic acid not permitted in Australia
E237Sodium formate not permitted in Australia
E238Calcium formate not permitted in Australia
E239Hexamine not permitted in Australia
E249Potassium nitrite not permitted in foods for young children, may cause dizzynesss, headaches, difficult breathing, potential carcinogen, typical products are meat
E250Sodium nitrite Preservative 250 is known to cause allergies and adverse reactions. The HACSG* recommends to avoid it (see 249)
E251Sodium nitrate see E250
E252Potassium nitrate see E249
E260Acetic acid no known adverse effects
E261Potassium acetate should be avoided by people with impaired kidney function. Typical products are sauces, pickles
E262Sodium diacetate, sodium acetate no known adverse effects
E264Ammonium acetate can cause nausea and vomiting
E270Lactic acid could cause problems in very young babies, typical products are infant formula, confectionary, dressings, soft drinks
E280Propionic acid no known adverse effects
E281Sodium propionate may be linked to migraines, typical products are flour products
E282Calcium propionate see E281
E283Potassium propionate see E281
E290Carbon dioxide may increase the effect of alcohol, typical products are wine, soft drinks, confectionary
*Hyperactive Children's Support Group (HACSG), substance may cause allergic reactions