The term "E number" refers to a code given to food additives, used within the European Union. It is pronounced /i: ˈnʌmbə(r)/, with the stressed syllable being the first one. The "E" is pronounced as the letter "E" (/i:/) and the word "number" is pronounced with a short /ʌ/ in the first syllable, and a weak /ə/ in the second syllable, followed by a clear /m/, /b/, and /r/ sound. The spelling of the word "E number" is standard across English-speaking countries.
An "E number" refers to a system of codes used in the European Union to label food additives. These additives are classified and assigned a unique number known as an "E number" to facilitate their identification and ensure consumer safety. The letter "E" in E number stands for "Europe." The purpose behind this system is to regulate and establish standards for the use of food additives within the European market.
Food additives are substances added to processed and packaged foods to enhance their flavor, texture, appearance, or shelf life. They may include preservatives, coloring agents, emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, antioxidants, and more. By assigning E numbers, regulators can easily identify and track each specific additive, allowing them to monitor their safety and usage levels.
Each E number is assigned to a specific additive, which is assessed by authorized scientific bodies for its safety and suitability for use in food products. These assessments help determine the maximum permitted levels for each additive in various food categories. Thus, when consumers observe an E number on food packaging, it informs them of the specific additive used in the product.
E numbers provide a standardized way of communication, not only for regulators but also for consumers seeking information about food additives. They enable consumers to make informed choices regarding the food they purchase and consume, as they can access reliable information about the potential benefits and risks associated with each specific E number.
The term "E number" is used to refer to a system of codes for food additives that are permitted for use in the European Union. The "E" stands for "Europe", indicating that the codes are specific to the EU. The numbering system was established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to provide a standardized way of identifying food additives that have been evaluated for safety and are approved for use within the EU. The "E" followed by a specific number is used to label each individual additive, such as E100 for curcumin (a natural yellow coloring), E330 for citric acid, or E621 for monosodium glutamate (MSG). The etymology of the term "E number" is derived from its association with European food regulations and the standardized coding system used for food additives within the EU.