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Regulation Guide

🇺🇸 Food Additives Labeling (E-Numbers) in US

Food additives must be declared in the ingredient list by their functional class and either their specific name or E-number in United States.

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What the Rule Is

Food additives — substances added to food for a specific technological purpose — must be declared in the ingredient list in United States under FDCA & FSMA. The declaration must include both the functional class (e.g., preservative, colour, emulsifier) and the specific additive name or E-number. The US has no E-number system: 21 CFR 101.4 requires additives to be declared by their common or usual name, certified colors by their specific FD&C name, while incidental additives and processing aids are exempt under 21 CFR 101.100.

What You Must Include
  • Functional class name (e.g., preservative, colour, emulsifier, stabiliser)
  • Specific additive name OR E-number (in EU/UK)
  • Additives used as processing aids that remain in the final product
  • Carry-over additives from ingredients that have a function in the final product
Common Violations
  • Declaring only the E-number without the functional class
  • Omitting additives that carry over from compound ingredients
  • Using vague descriptors like "antioxidants" without specific name
  • Not updating ingredient list after formulation changes involving additives
  • Incorrectly classifying an additive under the wrong functional class
Examples: Compliant vs Non-Compliant

Compliant Examples

"preservative (E202)"
"colour: carmines (E120)"
"emulsifier: lecithin (E322)"
"stabilisers: xanthan gum (E415), guar gum (E412)"

Non-Compliant Examples

"E202" alone (no functional class)
"preservatives" (no specific name)
"natural colours" (no E-number or specific name)
How LabelGuard Checks This

LabelGuard verifies that all additives in your ingredient list include the required functional class and specific name/E-number per US standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which regulation governs food additives labeling (e-numbers) in US?

The US has no E-number system: 21 CFR 101.4 requires additives to be declared by their common or usual name, certified colors by their specific FD&C name, while incidental additives and processing aids are exempt under 21 CFR 101.100.

Can I just use E-numbers without names in US?

In the EU and UK, both the E-number and the name are acceptable (either-or), but the functional class is always required. In the US, Canada, and Australia, E-numbers are not used — specific additive names must be given.

Do processing aids need to be declared?

Processing aids that are present in the final product and have a technological function must be declared. Those completely removed or reduced to negligible levels generally do not need declaration.

Regulation Sources

Last updated: 2026-07-20

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official regulations and seek professional legal advice for specific compliance questions.

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