Food safety regulations vary significantly across countries. What is permitted in one nation might be strictly prohibited in another due to differing scientific assessments of health risks or a more precautionary approach. This discrepancy often leaves consumers unaware that certain additives present in their daily food items are considered unsafe elsewhere.
This page highlights several food additives that are banned or heavily restricted in regions like the European Union (EU), United States (US), and United Kingdom (UK), but continue to be used in India. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed dietary choices.
E924 Potassium Bromate
Use: A flour improver used to strengthen dough and promote rising in baked goods.
Health Risks: Suspected carcinogen, linked to kidney and thyroid tumors in animal studies [1]. Can also cause respiratory irritation.
Banned In: EU, UK, China, Brazil, Canada, and notably, India (though historical use and potential for illegal use remain concerns) [1, 2].
Found In India (Historically/Concern): Breads, biscuits, and other bakery products. While officially banned in India, vigilance is advised.
E171 Titanium Dioxide
Use: A whitening agent and colorant, providing brightness and opacity.
Health Risks: Classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) when inhaled [1]. Concerns about genotoxicity (damage to DNA) and its potential impact on the gut microbiome [3].
Banned In: EU (as a food additive since 2022) [3]. Still permitted in the US, UK, and India.
Found In India: Candies, chewing gum, pastries, icings, white sauces, and some dairy products.
E443 Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Use: An emulsifier used to keep citrus flavorings suspended in soft drinks, preventing separation.
Health Risks: Linked to neurological issues (memory loss, impaired coordination), skin lesions, and heart problems with long-term exposure [1]. Contains bromine, which can irritate mucous membranes.
Banned In: EU, UK, Japan, and India [1]. Still permitted in the US (though its use is declining).
Found In India (Historically/Concern): Some citrus-flavored soft drinks. While officially banned, consumers should be aware.
E927a Azodicarbonamide (ADA)
Use: A flour bleaching agent and dough conditioner, improving elasticity and volume in baked goods.
Health Risks: Can break down into semicarbazide and urethane, both suspected carcinogens [1]. Linked to asthma and allergic reactions in bakers.
Banned In: EU, UK, Australia. Still permitted in the US and India.
Found In India: Breads, buns, and other processed bakery products.
E217 Propylparaben
Use: A preservative used to prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Health Risks: Concerns about endocrine disruption and potential negative effects on fertility and reproductive health [1].
Banned In: EU (as a food additive since 2006) [1]. Still permitted in the US, UK, and India.
Found In India: Processed foods, baked goods, and some beverages.
E320/E321 BHA & BHT
Use: Antioxidants used to prevent fats and oils from going rancid, extending shelf life.
Health Risks: Suspected carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. BHA is classified as a possible human carcinogen [4]. Linked to allergic reactions and hyperactivity.
Banned In: BHA is banned in infant food in the UK and restricted in some other countries. Both are restricted in the EU and UK, with specific limits. Still widely used in the US and India.
Found In India: Breakfast cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, vegetable oils, and some processed meat products.
E133 Brilliant Blue FCF
Use: A synthetic blue dye used as a food coloring.
Health Risks: Linked to hyperactivity in children [5]. Concerns about allergic reactions, especially in individuals with asthma.
Banned In: France, Belgium, Norway, and Switzerland. Requires a warning label in the EU. Still permitted in the US, UK, and India.
Found In India: Candies, soft drinks, ice creams, and other brightly colored processed foods.
The disparity in food additive regulations globally underscores the importance of consumer awareness. While Indian regulatory bodies have their own standards, knowing what is restricted or banned in other developed nations can empower you to make more informed choices for your health and your family.
Always read food labels carefully and consider the origin of ingredients, especially for processed foods. Opting for fresh, whole foods remains the best way to avoid unwanted additives.
References
[1] Daily Mail Online. (2025, January 23). 10 hazardous food additives banned in Europe but legal in the US... including suspected carcinogens. Retrieved from dailymail.co.uk
[2] CBS News. (2023, February 20). U.S. food additives banned in Europe: Expert says what Americans eat is "almost certainly" making them sick. Retrieved from cbsnews.com
[3] European Food Safety Authority. (2022, January 18). Titanium dioxide (E171) no longer considered safe as food additive. Retrieved from efsa.europa.eu
[4] National Toxicology Program. (n.d.). Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA). Retrieved from ntp.niehs.nih.gov
[5] Food Standards Agency. (n.d.). Food additives. Retrieved from food.gov.uk