Unwrapped Food

wasabi chicken katsu yakisoba

wasabi

5056297000020

Processing

4

Ultra-processed

Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale

Additives listed

10

0 we grade moderate or higher

6 of them not yet assessed here

Sugars per 100g

5.33g

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 (10)

This label lists 3 acidity regulators, 2 antioxidants, 2 colours, 1 flavour enhancer, 1 preservative and 1 raising agent.

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

E300 Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Antioxidant No real concern strong evidence

What it is. Vitamin C, added to protect colour and flavour and sometimes to fortify.

Why it is used. Stops browning in juices and cut fruit, protects fats, and boosts vitamin content.

What the evidence says. Beneficial and harmless at the levels used. Included here as a reminder that an E number is just a code, and plenty of them are ordinary nutrients.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted freely, no concern.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E300

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

E621 Monosodium glutamate
Flavour enhancer No real concern strong evidence

What it is. The sodium salt of glutamate, an amino acid found naturally in tomatoes, cheese and mushrooms.

Why it is used. Boosts savoury, umami flavour in stocks, crisps, ready meals and sauces.

What the evidence says. The old idea of MSG causing headaches and flushing, once called Chinese restaurant syndrome, has not held up in controlled trials. Regulators worldwide treat it as safe at normal intake. A genuinely useful example of a feared additive that the evidence exonerates.

Regulatory status UK Permitted EU Permitted US Permitted

Permitted and classed as safe. Adds to total sodium, so it counts towards salt if a product uses a lot.

Assessed against EFSA, JECFA, US FDA. Full entry for E621

Also on the label, not assessed here yet

  • E150 Caramel colour
  • E160 Carotenes colour
  • E270 Lactic acid acidity regulator
  • E306 Tocopherol-rich extract antioxidant
  • E500 Sodium carbonates raising agent
  • E501 Potassium carbonates 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

Vegetable Fried Noodle (74%) (Wheat Noodles (Water, Wheat Noodles (Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Salt, Turmeric, Paprika, Acidity Regulator (E330), Firming Agents (E501, E500)), Cabbage, White Onion, Rapeseed Oil, Noodle Sauce (Water, Sugar, Spirit Vinegar, Salt, Onion Puree, Molasses, Tamarind Paste, Cornflour, Garlic Puree, Ground Cloves, Ginger Puree), Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat, Salt), Wine (Sulphur Dioxide), Sugar, Water, Spirit Vinegar, Salt, Spice Extracts, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder), Carrot, Green Pea, Stir-Fry Sauce (Water, Sugar, Salt, Molasses, Yeast Extract, Non-Modified Starch, Barley Malt Extract, Garlic Extract), Dark Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Sugar, Salt, Wheat Flour), Sugar, Sesame Dil, Flavour Enhancer (E621)), Breaded Chicken Breast (19%) (Chicken Breast, Batter Mix (Water, Flour Mix (Wheat Flour (Wheat, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Salt)), Breadcrumbs (Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Yeast, Sunflower Oil, Sugar, Salt, Acid (E270), Antioxidant (E300)), Marinade Mix (Water, Maize Starch, Salt, Acidity Regulator (E500), Spirit Vinegar Powder, Tapioca Starch, Dried Glucose Syrup), Rice Cone (Rice), Panko Breadcrumbs (Wheat Flour, Vegetable Oil (Palm Oil, Antioxidant (E306)), Salt, Yeast, Colour (E160(c))), Rapeseed Oil), Teriyaki Sauce Sachet (Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat, Salt, Alcohol), Water, Sake, Modified Maize Starch, Colour (E150(c))).

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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