Meatballs & Spaghetti
Processing
4
Ultra-processed
Group 4 of 4 on the NOVA scale
Additives listed
7
0 we grade moderate or higher
4 of them not yet assessed here
Salt per 100g
0.32g
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 (7)
This label lists 3 emulsifiers, 1 acidity regulator, 1 antioxidant, 1 colour and 1 preservative.
E471
Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids
Emulsifier
What it is. Fat derived emulsifiers, closely related to ordinary dietary fats.
Why it is used. One of the most used additives in food: bread, margarine, ice cream, cakes and sauces.
What the evidence says. The body handles these much as it handles other fats, and EFSA's re-evaluation raised no safety concern at the levels used. They sit in the same broad emulsifier and gut microbiome research question as the others, which remains unsettled.
Permitted without a numerical limit. The fat source is not always stated, which matters for some diets rather than for safety.
Assessed against EFSA. Full entry for E471
E300
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Antioxidant
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.
Permitted freely, no concern.
Assessed against EFSA, JECFA. Full entry for E300
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
- E170 Calcium carbonate colour
- E282 Calcium propionate preservative
- E472E Mono- and diacetyltartaric acid esters (DATEM) emulsifier
- E481 Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate 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
Water, Spaghetti (21%) (Durum Wheat Semolina, Water), Chopped Tomatoes (13%) (Tomato Juice, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid), Beef (10%), Pork (9%), Onion, Tomato Juice (3%) (Tomatoes, Salt, Acidity Regulator: Citric Acid), Carrots, Wheat Flour (with added Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), White Bread (Wheat Flour (with added Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Yeast, Soya Flour, Salt, Wheat Protein, Vegetable Fat (Palm, Rapeseed), Preservative: Calcium Propionate, Emulsifiers: Mono - and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Mono - and Diacetyltartaric Acid Esters of Mono - and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Sodium Stearoyl-2-lactylate, Flour Treatment Agent: Ascorbic Acid), Tomato Puree, Unsalted Butter [Milk], Mediterranean Vegetable Stock (Partially Reconsituted Vegetables (Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Artichoke, Celeriac, Potato), Tomato Puree, Salt, Sugar, Maltodextrin, Sun-Dried Tomato Paste (Sunflower Oil, Salt, Natural Flavouring, White Wine Vinegar, Black Pepper), Rapeseed Oil, Natural Flavouring), Roast Chicken Stock (Roast Chicken, Maltodextrin, Salt, Natural Flavouring, Chicken Fat, Sugar, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Dried Onion Powder), Rapeseed Oil, Garlic, Free Range Pasteurised Whole Egg, Basil, Parsley, Worcester Sauce (Water, Sugar, Spirit Vinegar, Molasses, Onion Puree, Salt, Tamarind Paste, Cloves, Ginger Puree, Garlic Puree), White Pepper. CAUTION Steam may be released when removing film lid. GB SV005 5 KidsMtbil126502PC 05 65 1 7 3 0 6 1 2 3
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.