The majority of additives possess no nutritive value. All the countries of the European Union share a common list of additives. They are preceded with an 'E' to show they have been approved for use within the Union and must be displayed on the labels of all foods containing them. Some additives do not have 'E' numbers and therefore do not have to be declared. These include solvents, used to dilute other additives such as colourings and to extract flavours.
Flavourings constitute the largest group of non-'E' additives.
The addition of substances to modify food is by no means a new phenomenon. If you find a product which contains one of the following additives there is no way of ascertaining whether or not it is suitable for vegans. The only course of action is to contact the manufacturer for further details. The Vegan Society UK Registered Charity No.