Unwrapped Food

Halloumi Fries

Specially Selected

10425428

Processing

4

Ultra-processed

Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale

Additives listed

15

1 we grade moderate or higher

12 of them not yet assessed here

Nutrients

–

Nothing above the low band

Or no figures recorded at all

Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.

Additives (15)

This label lists 4 anticaking agents, 4 thickeners and gelling agents, 2 colours, 1 acidity regulator, 1 antioxidant, 1 preservative and 1 raising agent. 1 more we cannot place from the code alone.

E171 Titanium dioxide
Whitener and opacifier Moderate moderate evidence

What it is. A bright white pigment used to make sweets, icing, sauces and coatings look opaque and white.

Why it is used. Purely cosmetic. It changes appearance, not taste or safety of the food.

What the evidence says. In 2021 the EU food safety body EFSA concluded it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive, mainly because possible genetic damage from the tiny particles could not be ruled out. That is a precautionary call rather than proof of harm in people.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Banned as a food additive US Permitted

Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022. Still permitted in the UK and the US, which reached different conclusions on the same evidence. A clear case of the same additive, different rules.

Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA, US FDA. Full entry for E171

E220 Sulphur dioxide and sulphites
Preservative Low strong evidence

What it is. A preservative that stops browning and microbial growth.

Why it is used. Used in dried fruit, wine, some soft drinks and processed potato.

What the evidence says. Not a cancer concern, but a well established trigger for asthma symptoms and sensitivity in some people, which is why it is a declarable allergen. Clear, strong evidence, but the concern applies to a specific group rather than everyone.

Regulatory status UK Permitted with limits or a warning EU Permitted with limits or a warning US Permitted with limits or a warning

Permitted, but must be declared on the label when above a small threshold because of the allergy risk.

Assessed against EFSA, UK FSA. Full entry for E220

E330 Citric acid
Acidity regulator No real concern strong evidence

What it is. A mild acid found naturally in citrus fruit, made commercially by fermentation.

Why it is used. Adds tartness, balances flavour and helps preserve. One of the most used additives in food.

What the evidence says. Safe at food levels. No credible health concern for the additive itself.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted freely.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E330

Also on the label, not assessed here yet

  • E1201 No entry in our register
  • E163 Anthocyanins colour
  • E307 Alpha-tocopherol antioxidant
  • E341 Calcium phosphates raising agent
  • E414 Acacia gum (gum arabic) thickener
  • E460 Cellulose thickener
  • E464 Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose thickener
  • E468 Cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose thickener
  • E551 Silicon dioxide anticaking agent
  • E553 Magnesium silicates anticaking agent
  • E553B Talc anticaking agent
  • E572 Magnesium stearate anticaking agent

Names and jobs come from the register of additives permitted in Great Britain, which we have not finished transcribing: a code shown without a name is a gap in our coverage, not a finding that it is unapproved. Naming one is not grading it either. Full detail appears only where we have an assessment against a named authority, so all of this describes our coverage rather than these additives. Most are common and low concern.

Ingredients

Ascorbic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Ferrous Fumarate, Dicalcium Phosphate, DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Maize Starch, Nicotinamide, Maltodextrin, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Calcium Pantothenate, Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose, Talc, Acacia Gum, Sucrose, Magnesium Stearate, Cross-Linked Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, Anti-Caking Agent (Silicon Dioxide), Py Hydrochloride, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Retinyl Acetate, Modified Maize Starch, ? (Anthocyanins, Titanium Dioxide, Riboflavin), Folic Acid, Citric Acid, DL-Alpha-Tocopherol, Silicon Dioxide, Phytomenadie, Biotin, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin, Sulphur Dioxide.

As printed on the pack, in the producer's own order: ingredients are listed by weight, so what comes first is most of what is in it. E numbers link to their assessment where we have one.

Scan another barcode Search