Onion relish
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
6
0 we grade moderate or higher
4 of them not yet assessed here
Sugars per 100g
21.20g
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 preservatives, 2 colours and 1 acidity regulator.
E202
Potassium sorbate
Preservative
What it is. The potassium salt of sorbic acid, which stops mould and yeast growth.
Why it is used. Used in cheese, baked goods, dried fruit, wine and dressings.
What the evidence says. Widely used and long regarded as one of the gentler preservatives. EFSA's 2015 re-evaluation lowered the acceptable daily intake and noted gaps in the genotoxicity data, asking for more work, while finding no evidence of harm at the levels actually used.
Permitted with maximum levels. EFSA has asked for further data rather than restricted it.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E202
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
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E150A Plain caramel colour
- E160C Paprika extract, capsanthin colour
- E223 Sodium metabisulphite preservative
- E260 Acetic acid acidity regulator
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 onion (47%), water, sugar, cauliflower, modified maize starch, spirit vinegar, glucose-fructose syrup, acid (acetic acid), salt, mustard seeds, dried red pepper, onion powder, garlic purée, barley malt extract, colours (plain caramel, paprika extract), ground turmeric, preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium metabisulphite, 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.