Food Additives Banned in the United States

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

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.

USA Regulatory Framework

Authority

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Primary Legislation

21 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)

Philosophy

GRAS / Post-Market Surveillance

Review Process

Self-Affirmation & FDA Review

The USA regulates food additives under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. While many substances require pre-market approval, others fall under the "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) exemption. Prohibited substances are those specifically banned by the FDA due to safety concerns.

Prohibited Substances List

Additive Name / E-Number	Functional Class	🇪🇺 EU	🇯🇵 JP	🇨🇦 CAN	🇦🇺 AU
Quinoline Yellow E104	colour	approved	approved	banned	approved
Azorubine E122	colour	approved	approved	approved	approved
Amaranth E123	colour	approved	approved	banned	approved
Ponceau 4R E124	colour	approved	approved	banned	approved
Erythrosine E127	colour	approved	approved	approved	banned
Patent Blue V E131	colour	approved	banned	banned	banned
Chlorophylls E140	colour	approved	approved	approved	approved
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
Vegetable Carbon E153	colour	approved	approved	approved	approved
Brown HT E155	colour	approved	banned	banned	banned
Aluminium E173	surface colorant	approved	approved	approved	banned
Lithol Rubine BK E180	color	approved	banned	banned	restricted
Orceins E182	color	approved	banned	banned	banned
Hexamethylenetetramine E239	preservative	banned	approved	approved	approved
Boric Acid E284	preservative	banned	restricted	banned	banned
Sodium Tetraborate (Borax) E285	preservative	banned	banned	banned	banned
Cyclamate E952	sweetener	approved	banned	approved	approved

Methodology & Data Sources

Official Sources

Primary data derived from the FDA 21 CFR and the FDA Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS) Notifications.

Comparative Context

EU (Regulation 1333/2008), 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.