What are the E900 to E999 additives?
E numbers are grouped by function, though many additives perform multiple roles or appear in several categories. The E900 to E999 range covers additives that do not fit neatly into groups like colourings or preservatives. You will sometimes see this range described as miscellaneous, though this is not an official regulatory term.
Some of these additives work as emulsifiers or stabilisers. Others serve purposes found only in this range, such as coating fresh produce or preventing foam during industrial frying.
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The additives in this range serve a variety of purposes in food production:
- Anti-foaming agents prevent excessive foam forming during processing
- Glazing and polishing agents give foods a shiny appearance
- Waxes coat fruit and vegetables to extend shelf life
- Flour improvers such as E920 strengthen dough and improve elasticity
- Propellants are used in aerosol food products such as whipped cream
Some of these additives appear in products like fresh apples or citrus fruits that have been waxed, illustrating their use beyond what many consumers would consider processed food.
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Examples you might recognise
Commonly used E numbers in this range include E901 (beeswax), E903 (carnauba wax), E920 (L-cysteine, a flour treatment agent) and E904 (shellac, used as a glazing agent). Dimethylpolysiloxane (E900) is an anti-foaming agent sometimes found in cooking oils.
Finding reliable information
In the UK, food additive use must comply with retained EU law, with updates made through statutory instruments. Both the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health and Social Care play roles in regulating permitted additives. You can check approved substances on the FSA website, review product labelling, or contact manufacturers directly with specific questions.
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