Food Additives Banned in Japan
A comprehensive list of substances prohibited or not authorized for food use within Japan.
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.
Japan Regulatory Framework
Authority
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)
Primary Legislation
Food Sanitation Act
Philosophy
Designated Additives System
Review Process
FSC Scientific Assessment
Prohibited Substances List
| Additive Name / E-Number | Functional Class | 🇪🇺 EU | 🇺🇸 USA | 🇨🇦 CAN | 🇦🇺 AU/NZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 | approved | banned |
| Cyclamate E952 | sweetener | approved | banned | approved | approved |
Methodology & Data Sources
Official Sources
Primary data derived from the MHLW Food Additive Information and Japan Food Safety Commission (FSC) reports.
Comparative Context
EU (Regulation 1333/2008), USA (FDA 21 CFR), 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.