Editing E number (section)

==Colloquial use==
In some European countries, the "E number" is used informally as a derogatory term for artificial food additives. For example, in the UK, food companies are required to include the "E number(s)" in the ingredients that are added as part of the manufacturing process. Many components of naturally occurring healthy foods and vitamins have assigned E numbers (and the number is a synonym for the chemical component), e.g. [[vitamin C]] ([[Ascorbic acid|E300]]) and [[lycopene]] ([[E160d]]), found in carrots. At the same time, "E number" is sometimes misunderstood to imply approval for safe consumption. This is not necessarily the case, e.g. [[Avoparcin]] ([[E715]]) is an antibiotic once used in animal feed, but is no longer permitted in the EU, and has never been permitted for human consumption. [[Sodium nitrite#Toxicity|Sodium nitrite]] (E250) is toxic. [[Sulfuric acid]] (E513) is caustic.{{cn|date=April 2025}}