E223,E211, E440, E330 ... Mere alpha-numerical? Be aware of what these denote!

These alpha-numericals are found in most list of ingredients on food products packaging. As consumers, let's be aware of all the items in the Ingredients list.

What are they? Let's find out.

1. Synthetic Preservative 211/E211 or Sodium Benzoate

• Based on research, when sodium benzoate reacts with vitamin C or ascorbic acid, it forms benzene, a carcinogen. All citrus fruits used in jams, preserves, jellies and pickles, are rich in vitamic C.

• The rate at which benzene is formed in the packaged jam depends on exposure to light, temperature, as well as the time on the shelf from production till consumption.

A close substitute of sodium benzoate is Potassium Benzoate (E212), also known as Benzoic acid.

      2. Synthetic Preservative 330 / E330 or Citric Acid

• If the sulfur/sulfites, used for producing synthetic citric acid, is not filtered out completely during the production, it could cause reactions for people with sensitive aspirin allergies and asthma.

Various researches have found  that certain synthetic chemical preservatives in food such as benzoates, sulfites, nitrates, sorbates, parabens and several others can cause serious health hazards such as hypersensitivity, neurological damage, and even cancer in due course.

 Increased awareness amongst modern consumers of 'Ingredients' has led to an increased demand for products that are not laden with synthetic chemicals and food additives. The trend now is for all things natural.