Food Additives Banned in Australia & NZ

A comprehensive list of substances prohibited or not authorized for food use within Australia and New Zealand.

Prohibited Additives

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Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

AU/NZ Regulatory Framework

Authority

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)

Primary Legislation

ANZ Food Standards Code

Philosophy

Science-Based Risk Assessment

Review Process

Pre-Market Approval

Australia and New Zealand maintain a joint food standards system. Additives are regulated under Standard 1.3.1 of the Food Standards Code, which lists permitted additives and their maximum levels across various food categories.

Prohibited Substances List

Additive Name / E-Number	Functional Class	🇪🇺 EU	🇺🇸 USA	🇯🇵 JP	🇨🇦 CAN
Erythrosine E127	colour	approved	banned	approved	approved
Patent Blue V E131	colour	approved	banned	banned	banned
Fast Green FCF E143	color	banned	banned	banned	banned
Brilliant Black BN E151	colour	approved	banned	banned	banned
Brown HT E155	colour	approved	banned	banned	banned
Aluminium E173	surface colorant	approved	banned	approved	approved
Orceins E182	color	approved	banned	banned	banned
Biphenyl E230	preservative (surface treatment)	approved	approved	approved	approved
Boric Acid E284	preservative	banned	banned	restricted	banned
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) E285	preservative	banned	banned	banned	banned
Potassium bromate E924	flour treatment agent	banned	restricted	banned	banned
Azodicarbonamide E927a	flour treatment agent	banned	approved	banned	approved

Methodology & Data Sources

Official Sources

Primary data derived from the FSANZ Food Standards Code and scientific risk assessments.

Comparative Context

EU (Regulation 1333/2008), USA (FDA 21 CFR), Japan (MHLW), and Canada (Health Canada) regulations mapped for cross-reference.

Update Frequency

Database snapshot current as of April 2026. This is not an exhaustive list of all substances.