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Food additives - what are they?

Some years ago there was a great deal of concern about the number of additives that seemed to be creeping into our food. Since then consumers have become more clued-up and food manufacturers have, to some extent, responded to their concerns. But additives are still out there - are they a good or a bad thing? Click on the options below to help you decide.

What are they?

An additive is a substance not normally considered a food or food ingredient which is used for a technological reason by food processors. There are about 400 different food additives, plus over 3,500 substances used as flavourings, that can be added to our food. 

All additives (except flavourings) have been given an E-number. This means that they have been approved for use throughout the European Union. Maximum permitted levels have been set for some additives in foods, and some foods (such as those specifically made for babies and very young children) are banned from containing certain additives. 

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