📊 How to Explore the EU Food Additives Database (Without Getting Lost)

Need to check whether a colour, preservative or sweetener is authorised in Europe? This plain-English guide shows you how to navigate the official EU Food Additives Database—no medical or legal advice, just the basics.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer: We are not doctors, nutritionists, lawyers, nor regulators. Everything below is for general information only. For compliance questions or health concerns, consult the European Commission’s official documents or a qualified professional.

1 | What is the EU Food Additives Database?

Owner: Directorate-General for Health & Food Safety (DG SANTE) of the European Commission.
URL: EU Food Additives Database
Scope: Lists every food additive authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, including:
- E-number and chemical name
- Functional class (preservative, colour, stabiliser, etc.)
- Permitted food categories
- Maximum levels (mg kg⁻¹)
- Current legal status (authorised, restricted, not permitted)

2 | Why people search for “food additives database”

Search Intent	Example Query	What the user usually wants
Quick lookup	“E171 EU status”	Confirm if an additive is banned or limited
Maximum limits	“E250 limits EU”	Find the mg kg⁻¹ ceiling for nitrites in meat
Product reformulation	“food additives search EU”	See which sweeteners are allowed in soft drinks
Consumer curiosity	“eu food additives”	Understand how European rules compare to the U.S.

3 | Step-by-step: How to use the database

Open the web interface: The homepage offers two tabs: Additives and Food Categories. Stay on Additives for a direct ingredient search.
Select your search field: E-number (e.g., E100), Name contains (type part of the chemical name), INS number or Additive function.
Click “Search”: Results show the additive’s full entry. Click the blue “+” icon to expand.
Read the details: Functional class, EU legislative references, permitted food categories, maximum levels (often “quantum satis” = as needed).
Compare across food categories: Use the Food Categories tab if you need to know everything permitted in “fine bakery wares”, “flavoured drinks”, etc.

Reminder: This walkthrough does not replace official guidance or compliance audits.

4 | Example look-ups

Query	Result Snapshot*	Take-away
E171 (Titanium Dioxide)	Status: Not permitted (from 2022)	Shows EU’s precautionary stance
E250 (Sodium nitrite)	Limit: 150 mg kg⁻¹ in cured meats	Indicates strict maxima
Steviol glycosides (E960)	Limit varies by product (e.g., 200 mg kg⁻¹ in beverages)	Confirms sweetener allowances

*Screenshots omitted—always verify directly on the site.

5 | How EU rules differ from other regions

Region	Key Feature
EU	Precautionary principle; E-number system; explicit maximum levels
USA	FDA “GRAS” status; fewer blanket bans; additive limits may differ
India (FSSAI)	Category-based limits; additive lists similar to Codex

Regulatory divergence explains why a candy sold in Paris may list E160a (beta-carotene) while its U.S. twin lists “colour added”.

6 | Frequently asked (non-medical) questions

Is the EU database the same as Codex? No. Codex (FAO/WHO) gives international guidance. The EU database implements legally binding EU rules.
Can consumers rely on the database for dietary decisions? It’s a good starting reference, but it’s not personalised advice. Always consult a health professional for allergies or sensitivities.
Does an “authorised” status mean an additive is 100% safe? “Authorised” means regulators deem it safe within set limits. Safety assessments are periodically re-evaluated as new data emerge.

📌 Key take-aways

The EU Food Additives Database is the official, free tool for checking additive authorisations, functions, and limits in the European Union.
Searches can be done by E-number, chemical name, or food category.
Regulatory stances vary worldwide—so always cross-check if you produce or import food.
We provide no legal or medical advice; use the database and official regulations for compliance decisions.