Code number for additives that have been approved for use by the European Commission (EC). The E written before the number stands for European. E numbers do not have to be displayed on lists of ingredients, and the manufacturer may choose to list
additives by their name instead. E numbers cover all categories of additives apart from flavourings.
Additives, other than flavourings, that are not approved by the European Commission, but are still used in Britain, are represented by a code number without an E.
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