Manufacturers don’t state the origin of such E number ingredients on packages and marketers are unlikely to know. However, if a product has a green vegetarian or a vegan symbol affixed on it, and if you trust the manufacturer who has used the E number ingredient which could be of dual origin, go ahead and consume it. But if in doubt, you may write to the manufacturer, asking for confirmation of the source of the additive utilised.
E-Numbers with Animal Origins
E Numbers Purely Derived from Animal Origins
These are the numbers that are derived purely from animal origins:
• E120 Cochineal – This crimson red colour comes from the crushed shell of the cactus insect, Dactylopious coccus.
• E542 Edible bone phosphate – This originates from animal bones.
• E631 Sodium 5’-inosinate – This comes from meat extracts and sardines.
• E901 Beeswax – This comes from the honeycomb produced by bees. Many people may think of it as being naturally produced, but people who are strictly avoiding all animal-derived E numbers may prefer to avoid it completely.
• E904 Shellac – This substance is obtained from the resin produced by the Lac insect. It’s a native of India and is related to mealy bugs and scale insects.
E Numbers That May Have Animal Origins
The following E numbers can be derived from other animal or vegetable origins:
• E161g Canthaxanthin – A pigment found in mushrooms and flamingo feathers.
• E236 Formic acid – An acid that’s found naturally in the bodies of ants; it’s also produced synthetically.
• E237 Sodium formate – The sodium salt which is manufactured from formic acid, so may come from ants or a synthetic source.
• E238 Calcium formate – The calcium salt of formic acid, so may come from ants or a synthetic source.
• E252 – Potassium nitrate – This occurs naturally, or is manufactured from animal or vegetable waste.
• E422 – Glycerol / Glycerin – This may be produced from animal fats.
• E474 Sucroglycerides – This can come from several sources, including lard, tallow and palm oil.
• E570 Stearic acid – This comes from animal fats and vegetable oils.
• E572 Magnesium salts of fatty acids – This is produced from stearic acid, which can be from both an animal and vegetable source.
• E627 Guanosine 5-disodium phosphate – This can come from both sardines and yeast extract.
• E631 Sodium 5′-inositate – This can come from dried sardines and extracts of meat.
• E635 Sodium 5′-ribonucleotides – This may have animal origins.
• E640 Glycine and its sodium salt – This can originate from gelatine.
• E910 – L-Cysteine – This can be extracted from the feathers from ducks and chickens.
• E920 L-cysteine and L-cysteine hydrochloride – The L-cysteine part of this can be extracted from the feathers from ducks and chickens.
• E921 L-cysteine Hydrochloride Monohydrate – The L-cysteine part of this can be extracted from the feathers from ducks and chickens.