cottage pie
Unknown brand
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
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 (6)
This label lists 2 acidity regulators, 1 colour, 1 preservative and 1 thickener or gelling agent. 1 more we cannot place from the code alone.
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
E330
Citric acid
Acidity regulator
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.
Permitted freely.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E330
Also on the label, not assessed here yet
- E160 Carotenes colour
- E180 No entry in our register
- E350 Sodium malates acidity regulator
- E412 Guar gum thickener
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
beef mince filling (56%) (water, beef mince (32%), carrots (9%), onions (6%) gravy (6%) (water gravy mix (cornfiour, maltodextrin, salt, sugar, beef flavouring, yeast extract, rapeseed oil, onion, caramel sugar, spices, herb, acidity regulator (citric acid), stabiliser (guar gum), beef stock powder (salt, sugar, natural flavourings, sunflower oil, beef (2%), yeast extract), thickener (modified maize starch), preservative (potassium sorbate), mashed potato (43%) (potatoes (97%), butter (milk), milk, salt, pepper). allergen information for allergens, see ingredients in bold. cooking instructions: all appliances vary, the following are guidelines only. before cooking remove sleeve and film lid. oven: pre-heat oven to 180°c/350°f/fan 160°c/gas mark 4. place on a baking tray in a centre of oven and heat for 30-35 minutes. ensure product is piping hot throughout prior to serving. do not reheat. adult reference intake (ri). energy 8400kj/
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.