E number

noun2

1. •
   Any of a range of European abbreviations for food additives used on labels.

   • The E number E100 represents turmeric.
2. •
   (UK, informal) Any such additive, often regarded as undesirable.

   • I finger Padre Pio paperweights and Our Lady of Knock sticks of rock that are packed with more e-numbers than could be safe at one sitting. — 2003