FOOD INGREDIENT – (E-CODE)
FOOD INGREDIENT – (E-CODE)
E-Numbers represent specific food additives, used by the food industry in the manufacturing of various food products. These E-Numbers have been formulated by the European Economic Community (EEC) and are adopted by the food industry worldwide.
The E numbering system was developed in order to keep track the massive amounts of additives available in the market and it became a legal requirement on packaging in the 1980s.
In order to standardize and avoid confusion, each additive is assigned its own unique number. At a later stage, the numbering system was adapted for international use by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, hence the International Numbering System (INS).
Type of E-code
- E100-E199
- Color
- E200-E299
- Preservative
- E300-E399
- Oxidants, Phosphate, Antioxidants, Acid Controller
- E400-E499
- Thickener, Moisturizer, Stabilizer, Emulsifier
- E500-E599
- Salt, Regulator of Acid, Crust Agent
- E600-E699
- Flavor Enhancer
- E900-E999
- Sweetener
- E1000-E1999
- Chemical Additives
Not all E numbers are used to make a food product based from illegal sources. Additive materials can be sourced from plants, synthetic, microbial natural products, chemicals and pets. Examples of E numbers most frequently asked by people are E471. It is a kind of mono-and glycerides emulsifier. Source is from a synthetic fat produced from glycerol and natural fatty acids, particularly in plants (example palm oil 3 oil) or animal fats. These ingredients are generally compounds of various materials with content similar to natural fats that can digest.
References:
Halal.gov.my, (n.d.). Portal Rasmi Halal Malaysia. [online] Available at: http://www.halal.gov.my [Accessed 6 Aug. 2014].
Islam.gov.my, (n.d.). Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia | Selamat Datang ke JAKIM. [online] Available at: http://www.islam.gov.my [Accessed 6 Aug. 2014].
Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). (2010). HANDBOOK OF HALAL FOOD ADDITIVES. Putrajaya, Malaysia: Department of Islamic Development Malaysia.
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