5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4

GB food category, from assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II, Part D, as at 28 June 2024.

In Great Britain an additive may be used only in the foods and under the conditions listed for them. Since 1 April 2025 those conditions are Annex II as it stood on 28 June 2024, read with the FSA and FSS register of authorisations. This page shows what is listed for this category. It does not infer anything from broader categories: where Annex II extends a broader category's provisions to its subcategories, it says so in that category's own listing. See the broader category 5.

Listed for this category

AdditiveMaximum levelConditionsCitation
Acesulfame potassium E950—

(1) ML 1000: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 500: only confectionery with no added sugar; (3) ML 500: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 350: only sauces.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Advantame E969—

(1) ML 20: only starch based confectionary energy reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 10: only confectionary with no added sugar; (3) ML 20: only cocoa or dried fruit based, energy reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 4: only sauces.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Aluminium E173quantum satis

only external coating of sugar confectionery for the decoration of cakes and pastries.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Ammonium salts of phosphatidic acid E44210,000 mg/kg or mg/l

only cocoa-based confectionery.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Annatto extracts, bixin-based E160b(i)80 mg/kg or mg/l

only decorations and coatings. Note (94): When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Annatto extracts, norbixin-based E160b(ii)20 mg/kg or mg/l

only decorations and coatings. Note (94): When E 160b(i) (Annatto bixin) and E 160b(ii) (Annatto norbixin) are added in combination, the higher individual maximum level applies to the sum, but the individual maximum levels shall not be exceeded.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Aspartame E951—

(1) ML 2000: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 1000: only confectionery with no added sugar; (3) ML 2000: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 350: only sauces.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Aspartame-acesulfame salt E962—

(1) ML 1000: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 500: only confectionery with no added sugar; (3) ML 500: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 350: only sauces. Note (11): Limits are expressed as (a) acesulfame K equivalent or (b) aspartame equivalent. Note (49): The maximum usable levels are derived from the maximum usable levels for its constituent parts, aspartame (E 951) and acesulfame-K (E 950). Note (50): The levels for both E 951 and E 950 are not to be exceeded by use of the salt of aspartame-acesulfame, either alone or in combination with E 950 or E 951.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Beeswax (yellow and white) E901quantum satis

as glazing agent only.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Calcium cyclamate INS 952(ii)250 mg/kg or mg/l

Authorised under E 952, Cyclamates. only flavoured cream spray cans energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (51): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free acid.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 952, Cyclamates
Calcium saccharin E954—

Authorised under E 954, Saccharins. (1) ML 300: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 500: only confectionery with no added sugar; (3) ML 500: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 160: only sauces. Note (52): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free imide.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 954, Saccharins
Candelilla wax E902quantum satis

as glazing agent only.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Carnauba wax E903—

(1) ML 500: as glazing agent only; (2) ML 200: as glazing agent only for small fine bakery wares, coated with chocolate.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Cassia gum E4272,500 mg/kg or mg/l

only fillings toppings and coatings for fine bakery wares and dessert.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Cyclamic acid INS 952(i)250 mg/kg or mg/l

Authorised under E 952, Cyclamates. only flavoured cream spray cans energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (51): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free acid.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 952, Cyclamates
Cyclamic acid and its Na and Ca salts E952250 mg/kg or mg/l

Authorised under E 952, Cyclamates. only flavoured cream spray cans energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (51): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free acid.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 952, Cyclamates
Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides E960c—

Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. (1) ML 330: only confectionery with no added sugar; (2) ML 270: only cocoa or dried fruit based; energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.

FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Extracts of rosemary E392100 mg/kg or mg/l

only sauces. Note (41): Expressed on fat basis. Note (46): As the sum of carnosol and carnosic acid.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
FD&C Yellow No. 6 E11035 mg/kg or mg/l

(1) ML 35: only decorations, coatings and sauces, except fillings; (2) ML 35: only fillings. Note (61): The total quantity of E 104, E 110, E 124 and the colours in Group III shall not exceed the maximum listed for Group III.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Fumaric acid E297—

(1) ML 1000: no further restriction; (2) ML 2500: only fillings and toppings for fine bakery ware.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Gold E175quantum satis

only decoration of chocolates.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Hydrogenated poly-1-decenes E9072,000 mg/kg or mg/l

as glazing agent only.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Karaya gum E4165,000 mg/kg or mg/l

only fillings, toppings and coatings for fine bakery wares and desserts.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Lycopene E160d—

Authorised under E 160d, Lycopene. (1) ML 30: except red coating of hard-sugar coated chocolate confectionery; (2) ML 200: only red coating of hard-sugar coated chocolate confectionery.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 160d, Lycopene
Lycopene, Blakeslea trispora INS 160d(iii)—

Authorised under E 160d, Lycopene. (1) ML 30: except red coating of hard-sugar coated chocolate confectionery; (2) ML 200: only red coating of hard-sugar coated chocolate confectionery.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 160d, Lycopene
Lycopene, synthetic INS 160d(i)—

Authorised under E 160d, Lycopene. (1) ML 30: except red coating of hard-sugar coated chocolate confectionery; (2) ML 200: only red coating of hard-sugar coated chocolate confectionery.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 160d, Lycopene
Lycopene, tomato INS 160d(ii)—

Authorised under E 160d, Lycopene. (1) ML 30: except red coating of hard-sugar coated chocolate confectionery; (2) ML 200: only red coating of hard-sugar coated chocolate confectionery.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 160d, Lycopene
Neohesperidine DC E959—

(1) ML 150: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 100: only confectionery with no added sugar; (3) ML 100: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 50: only sauces.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Neotame E961—

(1) ML 65: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 3: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar, as flavour enhancer; (3) ML 32: only confectionery with no added sugar; (4) ML 65: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (5) ML 12: only sauces; (6) ML 2: only sauces as flavour enhancer.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Octenyl succinic acid (OSA) modified gum arabic E42310,000 mg/kg or mg/l

Only icings.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Petroleum wax E905quantum satis

surface treatment only.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Polydimethylsiloxane E90010 mg/kg or mg/l—Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids E4752,000 mg/kg or mg/l—Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Polyglycerol esters of interesterified ricinoleic acid E4765,000 mg/kg or mg/l

only cocoa-based confectionery.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Ponceau 4R (Cochineal red A) E12455 mg/kg or mg/l

(1) ML 55: only decorations, coatings and sauces, except fillings; (2) ML 55: only fillings. Note (61): The total quantity of E 104, E 110, E 124 and the colours in Group III shall not exceed the maximum listed for Group III.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Potassium saccharin E954—

Authorised under E 954, Saccharins. (1) ML 300: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 500: only confectionery with no added sugar; (3) ML 500: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 160: only sauces. Note (52): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free imide.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 954, Saccharins
Propylene glycol alginate E405—

(1) ML 1500: no further restriction; (2) ML 5000: only fillings, toppings and coatings for fine bakery wares and desserts.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Propylene glycol esters of fatty acids E477—

(1) ML 5000: no further restriction; (2) ML 30000: only whipped dessert toppings other than cream.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Quinoline yellow E10450 mg/kg or mg/l

(1) ML 50: only decorations, coatings and sauces, except fillings; (2) ML 50: only fillings. Note (61): The total quantity of E 104, E 110, E 124 and the colours in Group III shall not exceed the maximum listed for Group III.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Rebaudioside AM produced via enzymatic conversion of highly purified stevioside stevia leaf extracts E960c(iv)—

Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. (1) ML 330: only confectionery with no added sugar; (2) ML 270: only cocoa or dried fruit based; energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.

FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Rebaudioside D produced via enzymatic conversion of highly purified rebaudioside A stevia leaf extracts E960c(iii)—

Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. (1) ML 330: only confectionery with no added sugar; (2) ML 270: only cocoa or dried fruit based; energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.

FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Rebaudioside M from fermentation produced by Yarrowia lipolytica E960b(i)—

Authorised under E 960b, Steviol glycosides from fermentation. (1) ML 330: only confectionery with no added sugar; (2) ML 270: only cocoa or dried fruit based; energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.

FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960b, Steviol glycosides from fermentation
Rebaudioside M produced via enzymatic conversion of highly purified rebaudioside A stevia leaf extracts E960c(ii)—

Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. (1) ML 330: only confectionery with no added sugar; (2) ML 270: only cocoa or dried fruit based; energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.

FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Rebaudioside M produced via enzyme modification of steviol glycosides from stevia E960c(i)—

Authorised under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides. (1) ML 330: only confectionery with no added sugar; (2) ML 270: only cocoa or dried fruit based; energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.

FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960c, Enzymatically produced steviol glycosides
Saccharin E954—

Authorised under E 954, Saccharins. (1) ML 300: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 500: only confectionery with no added sugar; (3) ML 500: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 160: only sauces. Note (52): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free imide.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 954, Saccharins
Shellac, bleached E904quantum satis

as glazing agent only.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Silver E174quantum satis

only decoration of chocolates.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Sodium cyclamate INS 952(iv)250 mg/kg or mg/l

Authorised under E 952, Cyclamates. only flavoured cream spray cans energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (51): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free acid.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 952, Cyclamates
Sodium saccharin E954—

Authorised under E 954, Saccharins. (1) ML 300: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 500: only confectionery with no added sugar; (3) ML 500: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 160: only sauces. Note (52): Maximum usable levels are expressed in free imide.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024), under E 954, Saccharins
Sorbitan tristearate E49210,000 mg/kg or mg/l

only cocoa-based confectionery.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Steviol glycosides from fermentation E960b—

Authorised under E 960b, Steviol glycosides from fermentation. (1) ML 330: only confectionery with no added sugar; (2) ML 270: only cocoa or dried fruit based; energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.

FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026), under E 960b, Steviol glycosides from fermentation
Steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Steviol glycosides from Stevia) E960—

(1) ML 330: only confectionery with no added sugar; (2) ML 270: only cocoa or dried fruit based; energy-reduced or with no added sugar. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (60): Expressed as steviol equivalents.

FSA/FSS Register of Food Additive Authorisations, E 960a–c conditions of use (19 February 2026)
Sucralose E955—

(1) ML 1000: only starch-based confectionery energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (2) ML 1000: only confectionery with no added sugar; (3) ML 800: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar; (4) ML 450: only sauces.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)
Thaumatin E95750 mg/kg or mg/l

(1) ML 50: only confectionery with no added sugar; (2) ML 50: only cocoa or dried fruit-based, energy-reduced or with no added sugar.

Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)

Permitted as members of an additive group

Annex II authorises some additives collectively. Each group below shares one set of conditions for this category.

E 200 – 202: Sorbic acid – potassium sorbate (SA) — 2 additivesML = 1000. only toppings (syrups for pancakes, flavoured syrups for milkshakes and ice cream; similar products). Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid.
E 200–219: Sorbic acid — sorbates; Benzoic acid — benzoates; p-hydroxybenzoates (SA + BA + PHB) — 10 additivesML = 1500. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (2): The maximum level is applicable to the sum and the levels are expressed as the free acid. Note (5): E 214-219: p-hydroxybenzoates (PHB), maximum 300 mg/kg.
E 220–228: Sulphur dioxide — sulphites — 8 additives(1) ML 50: only glucose syrup-based confectionery (carry over from the glucose syrup only); (2) ML 40: only toppings (syrups for pancakes, flavoured syrups for milkshakes and ice cream; similar products); (3) ML 100: only fruit fillings for pastries. Note (3): Maximum levels are expressed as SO 2 relate to the total quantity, available from all sources, an SO 2 content of not more than 10 mg/kg or 10 mg/l is not considered to be present.
E 338–341, E 343 and E 450 — 452: Phosphoric acid — phosphates — di-, tri- and polyphosphates — 26 additives(1) ML 5000: no further restriction; (2) ML 3000: only toppings (syrups for pancakes, flavoured syrups for milkshakes and ice cream; similar products). Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination. Note (4): The maximum level is expressed as P 2 O 5. E 450 (ix) is not included.
E 355–357: Adipic acid — adipates — 3 additivesML = 2000. only fillings and toppings for fine bakery ware. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.
E 432–436: Polysorbates — 5 additivesML = 1000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.
E 473–474: Sucrose esters of fatty acids, Sucroglycerides — 2 additivesML = 5000.
E 481–482: Stearoyl-2-lactylates — 2 additivesML = 5000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.
E 491–495: Sorbitan esters — 5 additivesML = 5000. Note (1): The additives may be added individually or in combination.
E 551 – 553: Silicon dioxide – silicates — 4 additivesquantum satis. surface treatment only Period of application: from 1 February 2014.
Group I — 167 additivesquantum satis.
Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis — 25 additivesquantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg. For the puroposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit — 14 additives(1) ML 500: only decorations, coatings and sauces, except fillings Period of application: from 1 August 2014; (2) ML 300: only fillings Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg. For the puroposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013. Note (25): The quantities of each of the colours E 122 and E 155 may not exceed 50 mg/kg or mg/l.
Group IV: Polyols — 10 additives(1) quantum satis: only decorations, coatings and fillings with not added sugar; (2) quantum satis: only sauces.