INS 330, INS 322, INS 551: What these numbers on packaged foods actually mean

Food packets often display numbers like INS 551, INS 330, or INS 322, which may leave consumers wondering about their significance. These numbers are part of the International Numbering System for Food Additives, a global standard to identify and understand food additives. According to Richa Sharma, a consultant dietetics at Kailash Deepak Hospital, the system simplifies the naming of additives, making it easier for consumers and regulators to comprehend the contents of food products.

The International Organization for Standardization developed the system under the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a joint body of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Instead of listing a full name, manufacturers can use a short code like INS 621 alongside the additive's functional class.

For example, INS 330 represents citric acid, a substance used to control the sourness and acidity of food and help maintain its taste. INS 322 refers to lecithins, which aid in mixing ingredients like oil and water. Lecithins can also occur naturally in foods such as soy and eggs.

INS 551, on the other hand, is silicon dioxide, primarily used in powdered foods to prevent them from sticking together and forming lumps, ensuring a free-flowing product. Understanding these numbers can help consumers make informed decisions when choosing packaged foods, but it's crucial also to consider the overall ingredient list and nutrition information, including the amounts of sugar, salt, fat, and fibre.