Food Additive Database
451 FDA-listed substances — safety ratings, regulatory status, adverse event data.
Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether
OtherEthylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether (EGMBE), also known as 2-Butoxyethanol, is a colorless organic solvent primarily used in industrial and commercial cleaning products. In the context of food, its function is as a washing or surface removal agent for cleaning food processing equipment and surfaces that come into contact with food, rather than as a direct food ingredient.
Ethylene Oxide
OtherEthylene oxide is a highly reactive chemical compound primarily used as a sterilant for medical devices and as a fumigant for industrial purposes. While historically employed for sterilizing certain food commodities like spices, its direct use as a food additive or for fumigation of most food products is severely restricted or banned in many regions due to significant health concerns.
Ethylene Oxide Polymer, Alkyl Adduct
OtherEthylene Oxide Polymer, Alkyl Adduct (CAS: 977047-83-8) is a synthetic chemical compound derived from ethylene oxide, featuring an attached alkyl group. The specific function or primary use of this additive in food is currently unknown based on publicly available data.
Ethylene Oxide Polymer, Alkyl Adduct, Phosphate Ester
OtherEthylene Oxide Polymer, Alkyl Adduct, Phosphate Ester (CAS: 977092-23-1) is a synthetic chemical compound primarily used as a washing or surface removal agent in food processing environments. It functions as a surfactant, aiding in the cleaning and sanitation of equipment and surfaces that come into contact with food. Its role is to facilitate the removal of residues and contaminants, not to be a direct ingredient in food products.
Ethylene Oxide/propylene Oxide Copolymer, Alkyl Adduct
OtherEthylene Oxide/propylene Oxide Copolymer, Alkyl Adduct (CAS: 977083-02-5) is a synthetic polymer primarily utilized as a washing or surface removal agent. Its primary function is in industrial processes to clean surfaces or aid in the removal of substances, rather than serving as a direct food ingredient. As such, any potential human exposure would typically be incidental through residues in processed foods or on food contact surfaces.
Ethylene Oxide/propylene Oxide Copolymer, Alkyl Adduct, Phosphate Ester
OtherEthylene Oxide/propylene Oxide Copolymer, Alkyl Adduct, Phosphate Ester (CAS 977083-03-6) is a synthetic compound categorized as a washing or surface removal agent. Its primary application in food-related contexts is in cleaning processes or surface treatments, rather than as a direct food ingredient. It is designed to aid in the removal of substances from surfaces.
Ethylenediamine
OtherEthylenediamine is a colorless organic chemical compound classified as a diamine. While it has extensive industrial applications, its specified function within a food additive context is as a tracer, indicating its potential use to monitor or track substances or processes. However, ethylenediamine itself is not listed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, nor is it an approved direct food additive in the U.S. or E.U.
Eugenyl Methyl Ether
OtherEugenyl methyl ether (CAS 93-15-2) is an organic compound derived from eugenol, a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in clove oil and other spices. Its specific function in food applications remains unclear, and it is not currently recognized as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) substance by the FDA.
FD&C Green No. 1
OtherFD&C Green No. 1 was a synthetic colorant previously used in food products to impart green coloring. It was delisted by the FDA and is no longer permitted for use in food in the United States.
FD&C Green No. 2
OtherFD&C Green No. 2 was a synthetic colorant previously approved by the FDA for use in food products. The additive was delisted and is no longer permitted in food due to regulatory decisions made in the 1970s.
FD&C Red No. 1
OtherFD&C Red No. 1 was a synthetic azo dye formerly used as a food colorant in the United States. It was delisted by the FDA in 1976 due to safety concerns and is no longer permitted in food products.
FD&C Red No. 2
OtherFD&C Red No. 2 was a synthetic azo dye used as a red colorant in food products throughout the mid-20th century. It was delisted by the FDA in 1976 due to safety concerns and is no longer permitted in food.
FD&C Red No. 3, Aluminum Lake
OtherFD&C Red No. 3, Aluminum Lake is a synthetic colorant that was delisted from FDA approval in 2024. It was previously used in food and cosmetics to provide red coloring, though its exact mechanism of action in modern formulations remains unclear.
FD&C Red No. 3, Calcium Lake
OtherFD&C Red No. 3 Calcium Lake is a delisted synthetic colorant that was previously approved by the FDA for use in food and pharmaceuticals. It was removed from the approved color additives list due to regulatory changes rather than safety concerns, with no recorded adverse events or recalls.
FD&C Red No. 4
OtherFD&C Red No. 4 is a synthetic azo dye that was previously used as a food colorant in the United States. The additive was delisted by the FDA in 1976 due to safety concerns, and is no longer permitted in food products.
FD&C Violet No. 1
OtherFD&C Violet No. 1 is a synthetic colorant that was delisted from FDA approval and is no longer permitted in food products. It was historically used as a food dye before being removed from the approved color additives list.
Fatty Alcohols, Synthetic
OtherSynthetic fatty alcohols are man-made compounds derived from petroleum or natural oils through chemical synthesis. Their specific function in food applications remains unclear, and they are not currently recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
Ferric Sodium Pyrophosphate
OtherFerric sodium pyrophosphate (CAS 10045-87-1) is an iron-containing compound that has been studied for potential use in food fortification. Its specific function in food applications remains unclear, and it is not currently approved as a food additive by the FDA.
Ferrocyanide Salts
OtherFerrocyanide salts are iron-cyanide compounds used primarily as anti-caking agents in table salt and food seasonings. These additives are approved in the European Union and several other countries, though they are not authorized by the FDA in the United States.
Ferrous Carbonate
OtherFerrous carbonate (CAS 563-71-3) is an iron compound that exists primarily as a chemical substance rather than an established food additive. Its function in food applications remains unclear, and it is not approved by the FDA for use in food products.
Ficin
OtherFicin is a proteolytic enzyme derived from fig latex that functions as a processing aid in food manufacturing. It breaks down proteins and is used primarily in meat tenderization and other food processing applications.
Flavoring Agent Or Adjuvant
OtherThis entry appears to reference flavoring agents or flavor adjuvants, which are substances used to enhance, modify, or contribute to the flavor profile of food products. These compounds are widely used in the food industry to improve taste and palatability of various food and beverage formulations.
Formaldehyde
OtherFormaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0) is a colorless gas used as a fumigant in food processing to control microbial contamination. It is not approved as a direct food additive by the FDA but may be used in specific agricultural and food storage applications under strict regulatory guidelines.
Fullers Earth
OtherFullers Earth is a naturally occurring clay mineral composed primarily of silicates that functions as a processing aid in food production. It is used for filtering, clarifying, and decolorizing food products, particularly oils and beverages, without becoming a component of the final food.
Page 7 of 19