An E number is the EU-assigned code identifying a food additive authorised for use in the Union, consisting of the letter E followed by a numeric identifier, and its presence on a product label signals regulatory approval of that substance.
In trade practice
Suppliers formulating or processing food products for the EU market must use only additives listed in Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 and its annexes, which specify permitted substances, functional classes and the food categories in which each may be used. On the ingredients list, each additive must be declared by its functional class name, such as preservative or emulsifier, followed by either its specific name or its E number. Buyers reviewing product specifications check that no unlisted additive appears and that carry-over provisions are correctly applied when an ingredient itself contains additives.
In a specification
A product specification should list all additives by E number and functional class, confirming each is permitted in the relevant food category under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.