E NUMBER

What Does E Number Mean?

The Quick Answer

E Number means "European Code for Food Additives."

More Detail...

E numbers are codes for substances used as food additives which have been approved for use within the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The "E" stands for "Europe". E numbers are assigned to a wide variety of food additives, such as colors, preservatives, antioxidants, thickeners, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and flavor enhancers. For example, the E number for the common food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG) is E621. The purpose of E numbers is to standardize the identification of food additives across all countries within the EU and EFTA, regardless of the language spoken in each country. This helps to ensure that the food manufacturing process is transparent and that consumers know what's in the food they buy. Just because a substance has an E number, this does not mean it's synthetic or unhealthy. Many E numbers are assigned to substances derived from natural sources.

Image for E Number

When I write E Number, I mean this:

"European Code for Food Additives"

Summary of Key Points

"European Code for Food Additives" is, by far, the most common meaning for E Number when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)