Food Additives Banned in the European Union

A comprehensive list of substances prohibited or not authorized for food use within the EU member states.

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.

EU Regulatory Framework

Authority

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

Primary Legislation

Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

Philosophy

Precautionary Principle

Review Process

Periodic Re-evaluation

The EU maintains one of the world's most rigorous approval processes. Additives must demonstrate a technological need, must not mislead consumers, and must present no safety risk based on available scientific evidence.

Prohibited Substances List

Additive Name / E-Number	Functional Class	🇺🇸 USA	🇯🇵 JP	🇨🇦 CAN	🇦🇺 AU
Fast Green FCF E143	color	banned	banned	banned	banned
Titanium Dioxide E171	colour	approved	approved	approved	approved
Sodium Sorbate E201	preservative	approved	approved	approved	approved
Hexamethylenetetramine E239	preservative	banned	approved	approved	approved
Boric Acid E284	preservative	banned	restricted	banned	banned
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) E285	preservative	banned	banned	banned	banned
Octyl Gallate E311	antioxidant	approved	approved	approved	approved
Dodecyl Gallate E312	antioxidant	approved	approved	approved	approved
Stearyl Tartrate E483	emulsifier	approved	approved	approved	approved
L-Cysteine E920	flour treatment agent	approved	approved	approved	approved
Potassium bromate E924	flour treatment agent	restricted	banned	banned	banned
Azodicarbonamide E927a	flour treatment agent	approved	banned	approved	banned

Methodology & Data Sources

Official Sources

Primary data derived from the EU Food Additive Database and EFSA scientific advisory documents.

Comparative Context

USA (FDA 21 CFR), Japan (MHLW), Canada (Health Canada), 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.