YenzoWhich foods contain carriers?
The source Yenzo cites for this group only defines the function and does not list specific foods, so Yenzo gives no list here. Each code in the group has its own page; see the page of that code.
Carriers in food
Carriers are substances used to dissolve, dilute, disperse or otherwise physically modify an additive, flavouring, enzyme or other substance without altering its function. This makes it easier to handle, apply or use. This definition follows Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Union.
Vietnam regulates additives through a list of permitted additives (Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT, referencing international Codex standards); a substance not on the list is not permitted in Vietnam, and that is the first tier of the Yenzo Scale — see how levels are set.
Fun fact. EFSA re-evaluated propane-1,2-diol (E 1520), a substance authorised as a carrier, in an opinion adopted on 13 March 2018. Under Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, E 1520 is authorised as a carrier in food additives including colours, emulsifiers and antioxidants, with a maximum level of 1,000 mg/kg in the final food. It is also authorised only as a carrier in food enzymes, at a maximum of 500 g/kg in the enzyme preparation. In nutrients (except those intended for infants and young children) it is likewise authorised as a carrier only, at a maximum of 1,000 mg/kg in the final food. EFSA notes that E 1520 is authorised in some food additives, flavourings, enzymes and nutrients and is then carried over to the final food. Source: Re-evaluation of propane-1,2-diol (E 1520) as a food additive, EFSA Journal 2018;16(4):5235
Frequently asked questions about carriers
How can I recognise carriers on a label?
Labels usually write the group name with the INS number, for example “carrier (1520)”. A label may also write the E code, the INS code or the name of the substance. The same substance can be written in different ways.
Which carriers are the most common?
Yenzo does not rank codes. Some codes of this group have a page on Yenzo: E1520 (propylene glycol), E1521 (polyethylene glycol), E901 (beeswax), E1400 (dextrin). Each of them has a row in Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT with the function “chất mang” (carrier).
Other categories
PreservativesColoursSweetenersFlavour enhancersEmulsifiersThickenersAntioxidantsAcidity regulatorsAnticaking agentsGlazing agentsStabilizersGelling agentsSequestrantsFlour treatment agentsHumectantsColour retention agentsFirming agentsEmulsifying saltsBulking agentsFoaming agentsRaising agentsPackaging gasesPropellantsAntifoaming agentsBleaching agentsCarbonating agentsFlavourings
Updated 28 October 2026