Bakewell Tart
Margaret’s Country Kitchen
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
8
0 we grade moderate or higher
5 of them not yet assessed here
Sugars per 100g
46g
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 (8)
This label lists 2 acidity regulators, 2 preservatives, 1 colour, 1 emulsifier, 1 raising agent and 1 thickener or gelling 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
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
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
- E163 Anthocyanins colour
- E331 Sodium citrates acidity regulator
- E440 Pectin thickener
- E450 Diphosphates raising agent
- E473 Sucrose esters of fatty acids emulsifier
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
Sugar, WHEAT Flour (with Calcium, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Palm and Rapeseed Oils, Water, Mixed Fruit Jam [Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Apple Pulp (contains SULPHITES), Concentrated Apricot Puree, Concentrated Plum Puree, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Colour (Anthocyanin), Flavouring, Acidity Regulators (Citric Acid, Trisodium Citrate)], Glucose, EGG, Inverted Sugar Syrup, Glace Cherry [Cherries, Glucose Fructose Syrup, Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Colours (Fruit and Vegetable Juice), Preservative (SULPHUR DIOXIDE)], Ground ALMOND [1%], Rice Flour, Raising Agents (Disodium Diphosphate, Potassium Carbonates), Potato Starch, WHEAT GLUTEN, Whey Powder (from MILK), Flavouring, Salt, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Emulsifier (Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids)
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.