The landscape of food additive regulation is constantly evolving as new scientific evidence emerges and public awareness grows. Staying informed about recently banned or controversial additives is crucial for consumer safety. This page provides up-to-date alerts on additives that have recently faced restrictions or are under intense scrutiny globally.
E127 Red No. 3 (Erythrosine)
Risk: Linked to thyroid tumors in animal studies [1]. Concerns about potential carcinogenicity.
Status: The FDA announced in January 2025 its intention to revoke authorization for its use in food and ingested drugs in the US, effective January 2027 [1]. California banned it along with other additives in October 2023 [2].
E443 Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Risk: Linked to neurological issues, skin lesions, and heart problems with long-term exposure [3]. Contains bromine, which can irritate mucous membranes.
Status: Banned in the EU, UK, Japan, and India [3]. California banned it in October 2023 [2]. The FDA is also reviewing its safety in the US [4].
E924 Potassium Bromate
Risk: Suspected carcinogen, linked to kidney and thyroid tumors in animal studies [3].
Status: Banned in the EU, UK, China, Brazil, Canada, and India [3]. California banned it in October 2023 [2]. Still permitted in the US at the federal level, though its use is declining.
E217 Propylparaben
Risk: Concerns about endocrine disruption and potential negative effects on fertility and reproductive health [3].
Status: Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2006 [3]. California banned it in October 2023 [2]. The FDA is expediting its evaluation in the US [4].
E171 Titanium Dioxide
Risk: Classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) when inhaled. Concerns about genotoxicity (damage to DNA) and its potential impact on the gut microbiome [5].
Status: Banned as a food additive in the EU since 2022 [5]. Still permitted in the US, UK, and India, but under review in the US [4].
E927a Azodicarbonamide (ADA)
Risk: Can break down into semicarbazide and urethane, both suspected carcinogens [3]. Linked to asthma and allergic reactions.
Status: Banned in the EU, UK, and Australia [3]. Still permitted in the US and India, though many major food companies have voluntarily phased it out.
Staying vigilant about food additives is more important than ever. As regulatory landscapes shift and new research emerges, being aware of these alerts empowers you to make safer choices for yourself and your family.
Always check food labels and consider supporting brands that prioritize cleaner ingredients.
References
[1] FDA. (2025, January 15). FDA to Revoke Authorization for the Use of Red No. 3 in Food and Ingested Drugs. Retrieved from fda.gov
[2] National Ag Law Center. (2024, April 11). Update on Proposed Food Additive Bans. Retrieved from nationalaglawcenter.org
[3] 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
[4] FDA. (2025, June 18). List of Select Chemicals in the Food Supply Under FDA Review. Retrieved from fda.gov
[5] European Food Safety Authority. (2022, January 18). Titanium dioxide (E171) no longer considered safe as food additive. Retrieved from efsa.europa.eu