What Do E-Codes on Food Packaging Mean?
Food Additives (GKM) are substances that cannot be consumed alone or used as raw materials and are allowed to be used to preserve, correct or prevent undesirable changes in the taste, smell, appearance, structure and other qualities of food. Many of us sometimes see E-codes instead of these additives on packaging.
What are these E-Codes?
E-codes are the code numbers determined by the European Union for each food additive to facilitate the use of the additives on the packaging due to the long chemical name and the hundreds of varieties. The first letter of the word Europe is taken and used with a number next to the letter to provide integrity all over the world. This practice is used in packaged food products in European Union countries, but letters are not used in Australia and New Zealand countries.
For example, the additive coded E200 represents sorbic acid, which is a preservative. The fact that it is specified with an E-code means that the additive has completed all safety processes.
The classification of the "E" number system and GKM according to its basic functions is as follows:
1. Colorants E 100 - 199
2. Protectors E 200 - 297
3. Antioxidants E 300 - 321
4. Emulsifiers and stabilizers E 322 - 500
5. Acid-base suppliers E 500 - 578
6. Sweeteners, flavorings E 620 - 637
7. Wide purpose E 900 – 927
Source:
https://www.gidabilgi.com/Makale/Detay/e-kodlari-nedir-156a5c
