What Do Those Strange Numbers On Your Food Mean?

Blogs By Heidi

Have you ever stopped to think about what’s going into your food?

I always encourage people to educate themselves on this subject because frankly the food industry is a minefield of confusion and corruption.

The International Numbering System for Food Additives is a European-based naming system, aimed at providing a short designation of what may be a lengthy actual name. Conveniently, by following this system, the food industry is able to disguise any nasty ingredients while still adhering to the law.

The information below is a simplified version (note in NZ the ‘E’ is not always included at the front). More detailed versions are available online.

heidi

E100 – 199: artificial colours

E200 – 299: preservatives

E300 – 399: antioxidants, acidity regulators

E400 – 499: thickeners, stabilisers, emulsifiers

E500 – 599: acidity regulators, anti-caking agents

E600 – 699: flavour enhancers

E700 – 799: antibiotics

E900 – 999: glazing agents, gases, sweeteners

E1000 – 1599: additional additives.

None of these additives are good for the human body or promote good health. Did you know that when you purchase a packaged food, you might be getting a side serving of antibiotics?

Makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? One of the reasons I am so in favour of a plant-based diet is that processed and packaged foods take a backseat. The less you rely on these foods, the better off you’ll be.

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