Approved additives and E numbers

Most additives are only permitted to be used in certain foods and are subject to specific quantitative limits, so it is important to note this list should be used in conjunction with the appropriate legislation:

• assimilated Regulation (EU) 1333/2008 on food additives in England and Wales
• Regulation (EU) 1333/2008 on food additives and Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/63, amending Annexes II and III to Regulation 1333/2008 in Northern Ireland

Glycerol (E 422)

Glycerol (E 422) is authorised as a food additive in accordance with Annex II of the assimilated Regulation (EU) 1333/2008 on food additives (Commission Regulation 1333/2008 in Northern Ireland).

It is permitted for use at quantum satis in flavoured drinks. Quantum satis means no maximum numerical level is specified and substances must be used in accordance with good manufacturing practice, at a level not higher than is necessary to achieve the intended purpose and provided the consumer is not misled.

Glycerol (E 422) is a key ingredient used in the production of slush ice drinks. It maintains the slush properties, preventing the liquid from freezing solid. However, there have been cases of children becoming unwell following excessive consumption.

We have been working with industry on voluntary guidance to protect vulnerable consumers and have agreed the following four principles. These are not a legal requirement but are considered best practice.

Industry guidelines for glycerol in Slush ice drinks

1. Brand owners will ensure that their customers are fully aware of the FSA’s risk assessment of the use of glycerol in slush ice drinks.
2. Brand owners will formulate products to contain glycerol at the minimum quantity technically necessary to achieve the required ‘slush’ drink effect.
3. Brand owners will advise their customers that sales of slush ice drinks containing glycerol should be accompanied by a written warning visible at point of sale – “Product contains glycerol. Not recommended for children 4 years of age and under’”.
4. The business model of free refills is not recommended in venues where children under 10 years of age will consume them.

These industry guidelines are based on a worst-case scenario of a slush ice drink containing the top level of 50,000 mg/L glycerol as potential exposure. If in the future, collectively, industry decide to drop the glycerol levels, these guidelines can be reassessed.

Explanatory text to consumers about glycerol

We have added the following advice to our consumer page on food additives.

'Slush ice drinks can contain the ingredient glycerol as a substitute for sugar, at a level required to create the ‘slush’ effect. At this level, we recommend that children four years of age and under should not consume these drinks, due to their potential to cause side-effects such as headaches and sickness, particularly when consumed in excess.'

Colours

Preservatives

Antioxidants

Sweeteners

Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners and gelling agents

Others

Acid, acidity regulators, anti-caking agents, anti-foaming agents, bulking agents, carriers and carrier solvents, emulsifying salts, firming agents, flavour enhancers, flour treatment agents, foaming agents, glazing agents, humectants, modified starches, packaging gases, propellants, raising agents and sequestrants.