E120 - Red Colour Cochineal

List of E-numbers to Watch

E120 - Red Colour Cochineal

Is derived from the egg yolks and fatty parts of the dried female insect commonly know as the cochineal beetle. When purchasing food colourings, red colour (E124) is the non animal equivalent and is quite commonly available. It has also been linked to hypersensitivity in children.

E161g - Natural Orange Colour Xanthophylls

Is derived from mushrooms and flamingo feathers. Orange colour (E160a) – carotene – is a natural equivalent derived from vegetables.

E322 - Emulsifier and Stabilizer Lecithin

Is mainly commercially derived from soya beans. Another commercial source however, is egg yolks. Lecithin is to be found in a wide range of foods such as chocolate, some brands of powdered milk, confectionary, margarine, and malted milk powder. Manufacturers are not obliged to say where it was derived, so beware.

E422 - Solvent, Humectant, Sweeter Glycerin

Is misunderstood because it naturally occurs in plant cells, but after serious enquiry we have ascertained that all commercial glycerin is obtained as a by–product in the manufacture of soaps and fatty acids (Most soaps are derived from slaughtered animals.) Expect to find glycerin (E422) in all sorts of confectionary, low joule foods, some dried fruits, prepared mustard, carbohydrate modified foods and crystallized pineapple.

E441 - Gelatine

Derived from boiling down animal products that contain collagen such as bones, hoofs and skin etc. Usually described as a food and listed in the ingredients.

E471 - Emulsifier Mono And Diglycerides Of Fatty Acids

Is derived for commercial use from glycerin and fatty acids. Watch out for this one – it’s very commonly used in confectionary (especially chocolate bars), flavoured whole and skim milk, frozen yoghurt, ice–cream, margarine, salad dressing, peanut butter, UHT cream, etc.

E472 - Emulsifier

E473 - Emulsifier and Stabilizer – (Sucrose esters of E471)

Is made from Emulsifier (E471) and is typically found In the same types of food products containing E471.

E491 - Emulsifier and Stabilizer Sorbitan Monostearate

Is prepared synthetically from stearic acid and is used in all dried yeasts, soyaroni, and in other types of food products containing E471.

E542 - Anti–Caking agent

Is directly extracted form animal bones. It is to be found, (although probably not mentioned) in all hot drink vending machines as an anti–caking agent in powdered milk. Beware of hot milk from these machines.

E570 - Anti–Caking agent Stearic–acid

Naturally occurs in all animal fats and vegetable oils. Prepared from animal origin commercially. It is to be found in artificial sweeteners and confectionary (hard tablets and rolls like “life savers”, etc).

E572 - Anti–Caking agent and Emulsifier

Prepared from stearic acid (E570) and is to be found in the same kind of food–stuffs as E570.

E631 - Flavour Enhancer Di–Sodium Inosinate

This flavour enhancer is derived from meat extract and sardines, and can be found in many foods where flavourings are permitted. Prohibited in foods for children and young infants.