Understanding Additives
TL;DR
Food additives (E-numbers) are substances added to food for preservation, color, taste, or texture. Not all additives are dangerous — many are perfectly safe. EFSA evaluates their safety, and we use their risk tiers to help you understand the difference.
What are E-numbers?
E-numbers are codes assigned by the European Union to approved food additives. The 'E' stands for 'Europe' (and also 'edible'). Every additive used in EU food must be evaluated by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and receive an E-number before it can be used.
'Additive' doesn't mean 'dangerous'
Many E-numbers are completely natural and safe. Citric acid (E330) is found in lemons. Lecithin (E322) comes from soybeans or eggs. Ascorbic acid (E300) is vitamin C. The E-number system simply means the substance has been evaluated for safety.
EFSA concern tiers
Tier 0 — No concern: Water, sugar, salt, flour. Basic ingredients with no safety issues.
Tier 1 — Low concern: Lecithins (E322), citric acid (E330). Well-studied, generally recognized as safe.
Tier 2 — Moderate concern: Some artificial sweeteners and colorants. Safe at approved levels but subject to ongoing research.
Tier 3 — High concern: Nitrites (E250), BHA (E320), certain azo dyes. EFSA has flagged concerns; some have reduced ADIs.
How we use this
in TryVit, each ingredient is assigned a concern tier based on EFSA evaluations. The product's ingredient concern score (0–100) contributes 5% to the overall TryVit Score. Products with no concerning additives score 0 on this factor.
Polish context
Polish food labeling follows EU Regulation 1169/2011. All additives must be listed by their E-number or full name in the ingredients list. When shopping at Żabka or Biedronka, check the ingredient list — shorter lists with recognizable ingredients generally indicate less processing.