E number
Code Name ( s ) Purpose
E900 Dimethyl polysiloxane ( anti-foaming agent ) anti-caking agent
E901 Beeswax , white and yellow glazing agent
E902 Candelilla wax glazing agent
E903 Carnauba wax glazing agent
E904 Shellac glazing agent
E905 Paraffins
E905a Mineral oil anti-foaming agent
E905b Petrolatum
E905c Petroleum wax ( i ) Microcrystalline wax ( ii ) Paraffin wax glazing agent
E906 Gum benzoic flavour enhancer
E907 Crystalline wax glazing agent
E908 Rice bran wax glazing agent
E909 Spermaceti wax glazing agent
E910 Wax esters glazing agent
E911 Methyl esters of fatty acids glazing agent
E912 Montanic acid esters , Montan acid esters glazing agent
E913 Lanolin , sheep wool grease glazing agent
E914 Oxidized polyethylene wax , oxidized polyethylene glazing agent
E915 Esters of colophony glazing agent
E916 Calcium iodate
Full list -- E900–E999 ( glazing agents , gases and sweeteners )
E numbers (E stands for Europe) are codes for substances used as food additives for use within the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Commonly found on food labels, their safety assessment and approval are the responsibility of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Having a single unified list for food additives was first agreed upon in 1962 with food colouring. In 1964, the directives for preservatives were added, 1970 for antioxidants and 1974 for the emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners and gelling agents.