 1. Please can you explain what are E No's?
E-Numbers represent specific food additives, used by the industry in the manufacture of various food products. These E-Numbers have been formulated by the European Economic Community (EEC) and are universally adopted by the food industry worldwide.
The E-numbers are categorised as follows: E100-199 food colours E200-299 preservatives E300-399 antioxidants, phosphates, and complexing agents E400-499 thickeners, gelling agents, phosphates, humectants, emulsifiers E500-599 salts and related compounds E600-699 flavour enhancers E700-899 not used for food additives (used for feed additives) E900-999 surface coating agents, gases, sweeteners E1000-1399 miscellaneous additives E1400-1499 starch derivatives
Yes, there are few additives which are "always" of animal origin, such as:
E120 Cochineal : a red colour obtained from female insects E441 Gelatine : derived from the bones and/ or hides of cattle and/ or pigs E542 Edible Bone Phosphate : an extract from animal bones
Whilst some additives with a common code such as E471, can be either of animal or plant origin and this latter type needs to be investigated on a case-by-case basis per product/ manufacturer.
Most of the additives are however suitable.
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