# Additive Facts

> Independent, science-based ratings for 3972+ food additives. What the FDA, EFSA, and EU regulators actually say about ingredients in U.S. packaged food.

Additive Facts is a free, ad-light reference that pairs the FDA's Substances Added to Food database with OpenFDA recall and adverse-event records, EFSA OpenFoodTox assessments, and the EU Food Additive Portal. Every additive page cites primary regulatory sources. No medical advice, no fear-mongering — just the regulatory record and the evidence behind each rating.

**Audience:** U.S. consumers, parents, dietitians, journalists.
**Ratings:** SAFE / CAUTION / AVOID / UNKNOWN (defined at /methodology).
**Coverage:** 81 flagged "avoid", 107 "caution", 1518 "safe".

## Markdown mirror

Every additive and blog page is available as plain markdown by appending `.md` to the URL.
- Additive page: `/additives/{slug}.md`
- Blog post: `/blog/{slug}.md`
- Full additive corpus (one file): https://additivefacts.com/llms-full.txt

## Core data

- [Browse all additives](https://additivefacts.com/additives): full A–Z catalog, sortable by adverse-event count and safety rating
- [A–Z glossary](https://additivefacts.com/glossary): every published additive grouped by first letter
- [Banned in Europe](https://additivefacts.com/banned-in-europe): additives legal in the U.S. but banned in the EU
- [Dirty Dozen](https://additivefacts.com/dirty-dozen): 12 most concerning additives by FDA adverse-event count
- [Regulatory tracker](https://additivefacts.com/regulatory-tracker): live OpenFDA recalls and adverse events
- [E-numbers index](https://additivefacts.com/e-numbers): browse by E-number range (E100–E1599)
- [Compare countries](https://additivefacts.com/compare-countries): U.S. vs EU / UK / Canada / Japan / Australia / South Korea / Brazil / China / India

## Tools

- [Label analyzer](https://additivefacts.com/label-analyzer): paste an ingredient list, get a per-additive breakdown
- [Barcode scan](https://additivefacts.com/scan): scan or look up packaged products by UPC (uses Open Food Facts)
- [Kids lunch check](https://additivefacts.com/kids-lunch-check): screen kid-marketed snacks for flagged additives
- [Daily intake calculator](https://additivefacts.com/daily-intake)
- [Quiz](https://additivefacts.com/quiz): test your additive literacy

## Top additives flagged "avoid"

- [2-butanol](https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-butanol.md) — 2-butanol is a four-carbon alcohol used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in food products.
- [Acetamide](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acetamide-nlfg.md) — Acetamide (CAS 60-35-5) is a small organic compound classified as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in food applications.
- [Acetic Anhydride](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acetic-anhydride.md) — Acetic anhydride (CAS 108-24-7) is a chemical compound used as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in food production.
- [Acrolein](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acrolein.md) — Acrolein is a volatile organic compound with antimicrobial properties that has been investigated for food preservation applications.
- [Amyl Alcohol](https://additivefacts.com/additives/amyl-alcohol.md) — Amyl alcohol is a volatile organic compound used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in food products.
- [Azodicarbonamide](https://additivefacts.com/additives/azodicarbonamide.md) — Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a synthetic chemical used as a dough conditioner and flour treatment agent in baking.
- [Benzene](https://additivefacts.com/additives/benzene.md) — Benzene (CAS 71-43-2) is a volatile organic compound and aromatic hydrocarbon.
- [Benzothiazole](https://additivefacts.com/additives/benzothiazole.md) — Benzothiazole is an organic compound classified as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer used in the food industry.
- [Biphenyl (E230)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/biphenyl.md) — Biphenyl (diphenyl) is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in food products.
- [Boric Acid](https://additivefacts.com/additives/boric-acid.md) — Boric acid (CAS 10043-35-3) is a naturally occurring compound that functions as a lubricant or release agent in food manufacturing.
- [Calamus](https://additivefacts.com/additives/calamus-prohibited.md) — Calamus is a flavoring agent derived from the rhizome of Acorus calamus plant, historically used to impart warm, spicy notes to beverages an.
- [Calamus Extract](https://additivefacts.com/additives/calamus-extract-prohibited.md) — Calamus extract is a flavoring substance derived from the rhizome of Acorus calamus (sweet flag plant).
- [Calamus Oil](https://additivefacts.com/additives/calamus-oil-prohibited.md) — Calamus oil (CAS 8015-79-0) is an essential oil derived from the calamus plant, historically used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverage.
- [Calcium Cyclamate (E952)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/calcium-cyclamate-prohibited.md) — Calcium cyclamate is a synthetic non-nutritive sweetener approximately 30-40 times sweeter than sucrose.
- [Chlorofluorocarbon 113](https://additivefacts.com/additives/chlorofluorocarbon-113.md) — Chlorofluorocarbon 113 (CFC-113) is a synthetic refrigerant compound historically used as a freezing and cooling agent in direct contact wit.
- [Chlorofluorocarbons](https://additivefacts.com/additives/chlorofluorocarbons-prohibited.md) — Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic compounds that were historically used as propellants in food aerosol products.
- [Chloroform](https://additivefacts.com/additives/chloroform.md) — Chloroform (trichloromethane) is a volatile organic compound historically used as a processing aid in food manufacturing.
- [Chloromethyl Methyl Ether](https://additivefacts.com/additives/chloromethyl-methyl-ether.md) — Chloromethyl methyl ether (CAS 107-30-2) is a chemical compound used as a processing aid in food manufacturing.
- [Cinnamyl Anthranilate](https://additivefacts.com/additives/cinnamyl-anthranilate-prohibited.md) — Cinnamyl anthranilate is a synthetic chemical compound that was once considered for use as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in food products.
- [Citrus Red No. 2](https://additivefacts.com/additives/citrus-red-no-2.md) — Citrus Red No.
- [Cobalt Sulfate](https://additivefacts.com/additives/cobalt-sulfate-prohibited-with-exceptions.md) — Cobalt sulfate is an inorganic compound used as a malting or fermenting aid and surface-active agent in food production.
- [Cobaltous Chloride](https://additivefacts.com/additives/cobaltous-chloride-prohibited.md) — Cobaltous chloride is an inorganic compound containing cobalt that has been prohibited for use in food by the FDA.
- [Coumarin](https://additivefacts.com/additives/coumarin-prohibited.md) — Coumarin is a naturally occurring aromatic compound found in plants like tonka beans and cinnamon that has been used as a flavoring agent.
- [Cyclamate (E952)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/cyclamate-prohibited.md) — Cyclamate is a synthetic non-nutritive sweetener approximately 30-40 times sweeter than sucrose.
- [Dichlorodifluoromethane](https://additivefacts.com/additives/dichlorodifluoromethane.md) — Dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12) is a chlorofluorocarbon compound historically used as a refrigerant and freezing agent in food processing.

## Top additives flagged "caution"

- [L-arginine](https://additivefacts.com/additives/l-arginine.md)
- [Aspartame (E951)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/aspartame.md)
- [L-glutamine](https://additivefacts.com/additives/l-glutamine.md)
- [Bromelain](https://additivefacts.com/additives/bromelain.md)
- [Astaxanthin](https://additivefacts.com/additives/astaxanthin.md)
- [Acetone](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acetone.md)
- [Grape Seed Extract](https://additivefacts.com/additives/grape-seed-extract.md)
- [Garlic Extract](https://additivefacts.com/additives/garlic-extract.md)
- [Acesulfame Potassium (E950)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acesulfame-potassium.md)
- [2-butylisothiocyanate](https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-butylisothiocyanate.md)
- [2-ethyl-2-hexenal](https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-ethyl-2-hexenal.md)
- [Acetaldehyde](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acetaldehyde.md)
- [Alum (double Sulfate Of Al And Nh4, K, Or Na)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/alum-double-sulfate-of-al-and-nh4-k-or-na.md)
- [Aluminum Ammonium Sulfate (E523)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/aluminum-ammonium-sulfate.md)
- [Aluminum Hydroxide](https://additivefacts.com/additives/aluminum-hydroxide.md)

## Most-searched additives

- [L-arginine](https://additivefacts.com/additives/l-arginine.md)
- [Aspartame (E951)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/aspartame.md)
- [L-glutamine](https://additivefacts.com/additives/l-glutamine.md)
- [Bromelain](https://additivefacts.com/additives/bromelain.md)
- [Albumin](https://additivefacts.com/additives/albumin.md)
- [Astaxanthin](https://additivefacts.com/additives/astaxanthin.md)
- [Acetone](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acetone.md)
- [Betaine](https://additivefacts.com/additives/betaine.md)
- [Grapefruit, Juice](https://additivefacts.com/additives/grapefruit-juice.md)
- [Grape Seed Extract](https://additivefacts.com/additives/grape-seed-extract.md)
- [Garlic Extract](https://additivefacts.com/additives/garlic-extract.md)
- [Glycine (E640)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/glycine.md)
- [High Fructose Corn Syrup](https://additivefacts.com/additives/high-fructose-corn-syrup.md)
- [Beta-alanine](https://additivefacts.com/additives/beta-alanine.md)
- [Acesulfame Potassium (E950)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acesulfame-potassium.md)
- [Disodium Guanylate (E627)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/disodium-guanylate.md)
- [Beeswax (E901)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/beeswax.md)
- [Disodium Inosinate (E631)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/disodium-inosinate.md)
- [Alginic Acid (E400)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/alginic-acid.md)
- [L-histidine](https://additivefacts.com/additives/l-histidine.md)
- [Acai Berry Extract](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acai-berry-extract.md)
- [Carvacryl Ethyl Ether](https://additivefacts.com/additives/carvacryl-ethyl-ether.md)
- [Acrolein](https://additivefacts.com/additives/acrolein.md)
- [Lard Oil](https://additivefacts.com/additives/lard-oil.md)
- [Citronellyl Anthranilate](https://additivefacts.com/additives/citronellyl-anthranilate.md)
- [Cinnamyl Phenylacetate](https://additivefacts.com/additives/cinnamyl-phenylacetate.md)
- [Methyl Cis-3-hexenoate](https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-cis-3-hexenoate.md)
- [2-methylhexanoic Acid](https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-methylhexanoic-acid.md)
- [(+/-)-cis- And Trans-2-methyl-2-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclopropanecarbaldehyde](https://additivefacts.com/additives/cis-and-trans-2-methyl-2-4-methyl-3-pentenyl-cyclopropanecarbaldehyde.md)
- [Bay Leaves, Sweet, Extract (laurus Nobilis L.)](https://additivefacts.com/additives/bay-leaves-sweet-extract-laurus-nobilis-l.md)

## Blog (long-form analyses)

- [Red Dye 40 Fda Ban](https://additivefacts.com/blog/red-dye-40-fda-ban.md)
- [Titanium Dioxide Banned Eu](https://additivefacts.com/blog/titanium-dioxide-banned-eu.md)
- [Bha Bht Preservatives](https://additivefacts.com/blog/bha-bht-preservatives.md)
- [Sodium Nitrite Processed Meat](https://additivefacts.com/blog/sodium-nitrite-processed-meat.md)
- [Food Dyes Children](https://additivefacts.com/blog/food-dyes-children.md)
- [Aspartame Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/aspartame-safety.md)
- [Us Vs Eu Food Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/us-vs-eu-food-safety.md)
- [Reading Food Labels](https://additivefacts.com/blog/reading-food-labels.md)
- [Natural Vs Artificial](https://additivefacts.com/blog/natural-vs-artificial.md)
- [Annatto Color](https://additivefacts.com/blog/annatto-color.md)
- [Phosphate Additives](https://additivefacts.com/blog/phosphate-additives.md)
- [Soy Lecithin](https://additivefacts.com/blog/soy-lecithin.md)
- [Tbhq Preservative](https://additivefacts.com/blog/tbhq-preservative.md)
- [Cellulose In Food](https://additivefacts.com/blog/cellulose-in-food.md)
- [Propylene Glycol Food](https://additivefacts.com/blog/propylene-glycol-food.md)
- [Calcium Propionate](https://additivefacts.com/blog/calcium-propionate.md)
- [Eu Precautionary Principle](https://additivefacts.com/blog/eu-precautionary-principle.md)
- [Fda Gras Loophole](https://additivefacts.com/blog/fda-gras-loophole.md)
- [Nitrites Cancer Risk](https://additivefacts.com/blog/nitrites-cancer-risk.md)
- [Emulsifiers Gut Health](https://additivefacts.com/blog/emulsifiers-gut-health.md)
- [Pfas Food Packaging](https://additivefacts.com/blog/pfas-food-packaging.md)
- [Food Dyes Hyperactivity](https://additivefacts.com/blog/food-dyes-hyperactivity.md)
- [Artificial Sweeteners Compared](https://additivefacts.com/blog/artificial-sweeteners-compared.md)
- [Potassium Bromate](https://additivefacts.com/blog/potassium-bromate.md)
- [Carrageenan Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/carrageenan-safety.md)
- [Msg Truth](https://additivefacts.com/blog/msg-truth.md)
- [High Fructose Corn Syrup](https://additivefacts.com/blog/high-fructose-corn-syrup.md)
- [Sodium Benzoate Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/sodium-benzoate-safety.md)
- [Sucralose Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/sucralose-safety.md)
- [Folic Acid Food Additive Safety Benefits](https://additivefacts.com/blog/folic-acid-food-additive-safety-benefits.md)
- [Folic Acid Food Additive Safety Guide](https://additivefacts.com/blog/folic-acid-food-additive-safety-guide.md)
- [Disodium Inosinate Flavor Enhancer Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/disodium-inosinate-flavor-enhancer-safety.md)
- [Disodium Guanylate Safety Uses Faq](https://additivefacts.com/blog/disodium-guanylate-safety-uses-faq.md)
- [Acesulfame Potassium Sweetener Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/acesulfame-potassium-sweetener-safety.md)
- [L Arginine Amino Acid Safety Uses](https://additivefacts.com/blog/l-arginine-amino-acid-safety-uses.md)
- [L Glutamine Food Additive Safety Uses](https://additivefacts.com/blog/l-glutamine-food-additive-safety-uses.md)
- [Natural Flavors Explained](https://additivefacts.com/blog/natural-flavors-explained.md)
- [Maltodextrin Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/maltodextrin-safety.md)
- [Food Dyes 2026 Guide](https://additivefacts.com/blog/food-dyes-2026-guide.md)
- [Xanthan Vs Guar Gum](https://additivefacts.com/blog/xanthan-vs-guar-gum.md)
- [15 Most Common Food Additives](https://additivefacts.com/blog/15-most-common-food-additives.md)
- [Carmine Cochineal Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/carmine-cochineal-safety.md)
- [Citric Acid In Food](https://additivefacts.com/blog/citric-acid-in-food.md)
- [Potassium Sorbate Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/potassium-sorbate-safety.md)
- [Gum Arabic Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/gum-arabic-safety.md)
- [Modified Food Starch](https://additivefacts.com/blog/modified-food-starch.md)
- [Bvo Banned Fda 2024](https://additivefacts.com/blog/bvo-banned-fda-2024.md)
- [Carrageenan Baby Formula](https://additivefacts.com/blog/carrageenan-baby-formula.md)
- [Monk Fruit Extract Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/monk-fruit-extract-safety.md)
- [Stevia Safety Guide](https://additivefacts.com/blog/stevia-safety-guide.md)
- [Erythritol Safety Heart](https://additivefacts.com/blog/erythritol-safety-heart.md)
- [Dextrose Vs Sugar](https://additivefacts.com/blog/dextrose-vs-sugar.md)
- [Polysorbate 80 Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/polysorbate-80-safety.md)
- [Sodium Phosphate Safety](https://additivefacts.com/blog/sodium-phosphate-safety.md)
- [Lactic Acid Food Additive](https://additivefacts.com/blog/lactic-acid-food-additive.md)
- [Ascorbic Acid As Additive](https://additivefacts.com/blog/ascorbic-acid-as-additive.md)

## Methodology & sources

- [Methodology](https://additivefacts.com/methodology)
- [About](https://additivefacts.com/about)
- Primary data: FDA Substances Added to Food, OpenFDA (recalls + AERS), EFSA OpenFoodTox, EU Food Additive Portal, Open Food Facts
- All data sources are public-domain or open-licensed; refresh runs daily via cron

## Optional

- XML sitemap: https://additivefacts.com/sitemap.xml
- Full-corpus markdown dump: https://additivefacts.com/llms-full.txt
- License: editorial content (c) Additive Facts. Underlying regulatory data is public domain (FDA, EFSA). LLM citation encouraged — please link the canonical URL.