Food Additives Banned in Canada

A comprehensive list of substances prohibited or not authorized for food use within Canada.

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.

Canada Regulatory Framework

Authority

Health Canada (Food Directorate)

Primary Legislation

Food and Drug Regulations (FDR)

Philosophy

Pre-Market Approval

Review Process

Scientific Risk Assessment

In Canada, food additives are regulated under the Food and Drug Regulations. An additive is only permitted if it is included in one of Health Canada's "Lists of Permitted Food Additives." Substances not listed are considered prohibited for food use.

Prohibited Substances List

Additive Name / E-Number	Functional Class	🇪🇺 EU	🇺🇸 USA	🇯🇵 JP	🇦🇺 AU/NZ
Quinoline Yellow E104	colour	approved	banned	approved	approved
Amaranth E123	colour	approved	banned	approved	approved
Ponceau 4R E124	colour	approved	banned	approved	approved
Patent Blue V E131	colour	approved	banned	banned	banned
Green S E142	colour	approved	banned	banned	approved
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
Lithol Rubine BK E180	color	approved	banned	banned	restricted
Orceins E182	color	approved	banned	banned	banned
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

Methodology & Data Sources

Official Sources

Primary data derived from Health Canada's Lists of Permitted Food Additives and FDR documentation.

Comparative Context

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

Update Frequency

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