Unwrapped Food

Iced mince pies

Asda

5051413270189

Processing

4

Ultra-processed

Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale

Additives listed

9

0 we grade moderate or higher

6 of them not yet assessed here

Sugars per 100g

42g

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 (9)

This label lists 3 preservatives, 2 acidity regulators, 2 emulsifiers, 1 additive and 1 thickener or gelling agent.

E202 Potassium sorbate
Preservative Low moderate evidence

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.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

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 Low strong evidence

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.

Regulatory status UK Permitted with limits or a warning EU Permitted with limits or a warning US Permitted with limits or a warning

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 No real concern strong evidence

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.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted freely.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E330

Also on the label, not assessed here yet

  • E223 Sodium metabisulphite preservative
  • E331 Sodium citrates acidity regulator
  • E422 Glycerol other
  • E435 Polysorbate 60 emulsifier
  • E440 Pectin thickener
  • E491 Sorbitan monostearate 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

Mincemeat Filling (39%) [Sugar, Bramley Apple Purée (Bramley Apples, Preservatives (Sodium Metabisulphite, Sulphur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate)], Raisins (18%), Sultanas (8.9%), Glucose Syrup, Humectant (Glycerol), Dextrose, Apricot Filling [Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Apricot Purée, Sugar, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Citric Acid, Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrates), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)], Candied Mixed Peel [Orange Peel, Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Lemon Peel, Sugar, Citric Acid, Preservative (Sulphur Dioxide)], Currants (1.7%), Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Ground Mixed Spaces [Cinnamon, Coriander, Caraway, Fennel, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger, Turmeric], Acids (Acetic Acid Citric Acid), Barley Malt Extract, Flavouring], Icing (28%) [Sugar, Glucose Syrup, sweetened Condensed Skimmed Milk [Skimmed Milk, Sugar], Vegetable Oil and Fat (Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Stearin], Emulsifiers (Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Monostearate), Citric Acid, Dried Egg White, Humectant (Glycerol), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)], Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin (B3), Thiamin (B1)], Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sugar, Salt, Dextrose, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate).

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.

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