E200-E299: Preservatives
60 E-numbers in this range
The E200-E299 range covers food preservatives — chemicals that extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth. This category includes some of the most widely used food additives: sorbic acid and sorbates for dairy and baked goods, benzoates for acidic beverages, sulfites for wine and dried fruits, and nitrites for cured meats. While essential for food safety, several preservatives in this range have raised health concerns at high exposure levels.
E200 Sorbic Acid safe E201 Sodium Sorbate unknown E202 Potassium Sorbate safe E203 Calcium Sorbate unknown E209 Heptyl p-hydroxybenzoate avoid E210 Benzoic Acid caution E211 Sodium Benzoate caution E212 Potassium Benzoate caution E213 Calcium Benzoate caution E214 Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate (Ethylparaben) caution E215 Sodium Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate caution E216 Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate (Propylparaben) avoid E217 Sodium Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate avoid E218 Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (Methylparaben) caution E219 Sodium Methyl p-hydroxybenzoate caution E220 Sulphur Dioxide caution E221 Sodium Sulphite caution E222 Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite caution E223 Sodium Metabisulphite caution E224 Potassium Metabisulphite caution E225 Potassium Sulphite caution E225a Potassium Sulphite (dihydrate) unknown E226 Calcium Sulphite caution E227 Calcium Hydrogen Sulphite caution E228 Potassium Hydrogen Sulphite caution E230 Biphenyl / Diphenyl avoid E231 Orthophenyl Phenol (OPP) avoid E232 Sodium Orthophenyl Phenol avoid E233 Thiabendazole avoid E234 Nisin safe E235 Natamycin / Pimaricin safe E236 Formic Acid avoid E237 Sodium Formate avoid E238 Calcium Formate avoid E239 Hexamethylenetetramine unknown E240 Formaldehyde avoid E242 Dimethyl Dicarbonate safe E249 Potassium Nitrite caution E250 Sodium Nitrite caution E251 Sodium Nitrate caution E252 Potassium Nitrate caution E260 Acetic Acid safe E261 Potassium Acetate safe E262 Sodium Acetate safe E263 Calcium Acetate safe E264 Ammonium Acetate safe E265 Dehydroacetic Acid unknown E266 Sodium Dehydroacetate unknown E270 Lactic Acid safe E280 Propionic Acid safe E281 Sodium Propionate safe E281a Sodium Diacetate unknown E282 Calcium Propionate safe E283 Potassium Propionate safe E284 Boric Acid caution E285 Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) caution E285a Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate unknown E290 Carbon Dioxide safe E296 Malic Acid safe E297 Fumaric Acid safe
Frequently Asked Questions
What are E200-E299 preservatives?
E200-E299 is the European numbering range for preservatives — substances added to food to prevent or slow spoilage caused by bacteria, molds, and yeasts. This range includes sorbates (E200-E203), benzoates (E210-E213), sulfites (E220-E228), nitrites and nitrates (E249-E252), and organic acids like propionic acid (E280-E283). These are among the most commonly used food additives worldwide.
Are food preservatives harmful?
Most food preservatives are considered safe at approved levels. However, some have raised concerns: sulfites (E220-E228) can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals, sodium nitrite (E250) can form potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines when heated, and sodium benzoate (E211) can form benzene when combined with vitamin C under certain conditions. The safety depends on the specific preservative, the amount consumed, and individual sensitivity.
Why do we need preservatives in food?
Preservatives serve a critical food safety function — they prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum (which causes botulism), Listeria, and Salmonella. Without preservatives, many foods would have much shorter shelf lives, leading to more food waste and higher risk of foodborne illness. The key is using preservatives at safe levels while minimizing unnecessary use.