Additives
Food additives and E-numbers we flag
Every additive on this list is legally approved. What varies is how strongly each one is contested, and by whom — which is what these pages set out.
Short answer
Olive Detective flags 10 contested additives by E-number: artificial azo colours (E102, E110, E129), sodium nitrite (E250), the antioxidants BHA (E320) and BHT (E321), sodium benzoate (E211), MSG (E621) and the sweeteners aspartame (E951) and acesulfame-K (E950). Each is weighted by how strongly it is contested, not treated as a verdict on its own.
Moderate concernMSG (E621)Flavour enhancer some prefer to avoid.Moderate concernAspartame (E951)Artificial sweetener, controversial.Moderate concernAcesulfame-K (E950)Artificial sweetener.High concernSunset Yellow (E110)Artificial colour linked to hyperactivity.High concernAllura Red (E129)Artificial colour, restricted in some regions.High concernTartrazine (E102)Artificial colour linked to hyperactivity.Moderate concernSodium Benzoate (E211)Preservative, controversial with vitamin C.High concernSodium Nitrite (E250)Curing agent linked to processed-meat risk.High concernBHA (E320)Antioxidant, possible carcinogen concerns.Moderate concernBHT (E321)Antioxidant, controversial.
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