Sulphur dioxide (E220) can exacerbate asthma, although without it wine usually tastes foul and in any case it’s been used in pretty much every bottle of wine produced since Roman times. But the leading causes of food allergies and intolerances are entirely natural: milk, wheat, eggs, nuts, fish, soya, celery…

What are the E-numbers in food?

• E100s are generally colours.
• E200 to E282 are mainly preservatives and acids.
• E300 to E341 are mainly antioxidants and acid regulators.
• E400s include emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners, anti-caking agents, release agents and bulking agents.

What are E-numbers made from?

Casein and caseinateA protein from cow’s milkLactoseSugar from cow’s milkOmega-3-fatty acidsFrom fish, seals and soy.