Falafel and hummus meze
Processing
3
Processed foods
Group 3 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
3
0 we grade moderate or higher
1 of them not yet assessed here
Fat per 100g
24.60g
High
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 (3)
This label lists 1 acidity regulator, 1 preservative and 1 raising agent.
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
- E500 Sodium carbonates raising 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
HOUMOUS: cooked chickpeas (56.6%), vegetable oil (sunflower),tahini paste: (sesame seed), water, lemon concentrate (6.9%), salt, garlic puree (0.7%), citric acid, preservative: potassium sorbate. FALAFEL: chickpea (33%), broad beans, onion, vegetable oil (rapeseed), garlic, coriander, salt, parsley, ginger, cumin, citric acid, preservative: potassium sorbate, bicarbonate soda, chilli powder, black pepper. For allergens see ingredients in bold. Ready to eat.
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.