The E-number system was originally used in the European Union in order to regulate the use of substances added to processed foods and drinks to colour them, flavour them, change their texture or enhance their keeping qualities. Additives were given a unique number and those which were approved for use were prefixed by 'E'. (1) Additives are numbered according to their main purpose as shown below: E100 - E199 (colours) E200 - E299 (preservatives) E300 - E399 (antioxidants, acidity regulators) E400 - E499 (thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers) E500 - E599 (acidity regulators, anti-caking agents) E600 - E699 (flavour enhancers) E900 - E999 (miscellaneous) E1000 - E1999 (additional chemicals)
