Haddock Gratin
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
6
0 we grade moderate or higher
2 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
12g
Medium
UK FSA front of pack threshold
Three separate readings, kept apart on purpose. This is not a score, and none of it says this product is harmful.
Additives (6)
This label lists 3 colours, 1 emulsifier, 1 preservative and 1 thickener or gelling agent.
E220
Sulphur dioxide and sulphites
Preservative
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.
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
E100
Curcumin
Yellow colour
What it is. The yellow pigment from turmeric root.
Why it is used. Colours mustards, sauces, dairy, confectionery and savoury snacks.
What the evidence says. A plant pigment people have eaten as a spice for a very long time, and regulators treat it as safe with an acceptable daily intake. EFSA noted that children who eat a lot of the foods it is used in could approach that intake, which is a reason to watch total use rather than a sign of harm.
Permitted with maximum levels in the foods where it is allowed.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E100
E322
Lecithin
Emulsifier
What it is. A natural emulsifier, usually from soya or sunflower.
Why it is used. Keeps chocolate smooth and stops ingredients separating.
What the evidence says. Safe and widely used. Only relevant if the source, such as soya, is an allergen for you.
Permitted freely. Source allergen must be declared.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E322
E415
Xanthan gum
Thickener and stabiliser
What it is. A fibre made by fermenting sugars with a bacterium, which thickens liquids at very low doses.
Why it is used. Thickens sauces and dressings and gives structure to gluten free baking.
What the evidence says. Passes through largely undigested and is treated as safe by regulators, with no numerical intake limit. Very large amounts act as fibre does, which is a digestive effect rather than a safety one.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E415
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E160B Annatto, bixin, norbixin colour
- E170 Calcium carbonate colour
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
Ingredients Béchamel Sauce (23%) (Water, Skimmed Milk, Palm Oil, Modified Maize Starch, Butter (Milk), Salt, Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk), Emulsifier (Lecithins (Soya)), Yeast Extract, Maltodextrin, Sugar, Onion Powder, Carrot Powder, Tomato Powder, Lovage), Haddock (Fish) (22%), Green Beans (13%), Potato, Mature Cheddar Cheese (Milk) (10%), Smoked Haddock (7%) (Haddock (Fish), Salt, Colour (Curcumin, Annatto norbixin)), Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Rapeseed Oil, Wholegrain Mustard (Water, Mustard Seeds, White Wine Vinegar, Sea Salt, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Pimento, Preservative (Sulphur dioxide)), Lemon Juice, Parsley, Palm Oil, Chives, Modified Maize Starch, Water, Tapioca Starch, Salt, Ground White Pepper, Yeast, Stabiliser (Xanthan gum). Allergy Advice For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold.
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.