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Avoid / Concerns BANNED IN SOME COUNTRIES

Significant concerns; banned in some countries or classified as possible carcinogen

Safe
Avoid
Avoid / Concerns
Ethoxyquin
US EU UK +3 OK

Ethoxyquin

E324 Antioxidant Avoid / Concerns 1 min read

At a Glance

Safety Rating
Avoid / Concerns
Category
Antioxidant
E-Number
E324
Banned Somewhere?
Yes
Controversy Level
Low

Quick Answer

Ethoxyquin (E324) is rated "Avoid / Concerns" according to current evidence. It is banned in the EU and approved in the US. This additive is banned or not approved in at least one major market.

On This Page

What is Ethoxyquin?

Antioxidant banned as food additive. Was used in animal feed, suspended by EU in 2017

Regulatory Status by Country

🇺🇸 US

Approved (restricted)
Agency: FDA

US name: Ethoxyquin

Approved as preservative in spices (paprika, chili). Used in pet food. Banned in EU

🇪🇺 EU

BANNED (2017)
Agency: EFSA

Antioxidant banned as food additive. Was used in animal feed, suspended by EU in 2017

🇬🇧 UK

BANNED (2017)
Agency: FSA

UK retained EU food additive regulations post-Brexit with some modifications

🇯🇵 Japan

Check MHLW database
Agency: MHLW

🇨🇦 CA

Approved
Agency: Health Canada

Generally aligned with US FDA. Regulated by Health Canada.

🇦🇺 AU/NZ

Likely restricted
Agency: FSANZ

May follow EU restrictions. Check FSANZ Schedule 15.

🇮🇳 India

May be restricted
Agency: FSSAI

Check FSSAI regulations. India follows Codex Alimentarius guidelines.

🇰🇷 KR

May be restricted
Agency: MFDS

Check MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety).

🇧🇷 Brazil

Approved
Agency: ANVISA

Generally aligned with Codex/US standards. Regulated by ANVISA.

🇨🇳 China

May be restricted
Agency: GB 2760

China has independent standards. Check GB 2760.

Note: Canada, Australia/NZ, India, South Korea, Brazil, and China statuses are inferred from international regulatory patterns. Always verify with the relevant national authority.

This additive is banned or not approved in at least one country

Regulatory agencies in different countries may reach different conclusions about the same ingredient based on their assessment criteria, acceptable risk levels, and available evidence. Always check the latest regulations in your region.

Expert Analysis

Ethoxyquin is classified as a antioxidant in the food additive regulatory framework. Significant safety concerns have been identified, and this additive is restricted or banned in multiple markets. Notably, regulatory agencies disagree on this additive — it is banned in the EU but approved in the US. This regulatory divergence reflects different risk assessment philosophies between jurisdictions. As with all food additives, moderation is key. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary advice.

Is Ethoxyquin safe?

Ethoxyquin has a safety rating of "Avoid / Concerns". Significant concerns; banned in some countries or classified as possible carcinogen

Is Ethoxyquin vegan?

Ethoxyquin is NOT vegan as it is derived from animal/insect sources.

Is Ethoxyquin banned in Europe?

Yes, Ethoxyquin is banned in the EU. Antioxidant banned as food additive. Was used in animal feed, suspended by EU in 2017

What is Ethoxyquin made from?

Antioxidant banned as food additive. Was used in animal feed, suspended by EU in 2017

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ethoxyquin safe?
Ethoxyquin has a safety rating of "Avoid / Concerns" based on regulatory data from 10 countries including the US, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, and more. Significant concerns; banned in some countries or classified as possible carcinogen Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
Is Ethoxyquin banned in any country?
Yes, Ethoxyquin is banned or not approved in at least one major market. US: Approved (restricted). EU: BANNED (2017). UK: BANNED (2017). Japan: Check MHLW database.
What is Ethoxyquin used for?
Ethoxyquin is a food additive in the "Antioxidant" category. Antioxidant banned as food additive. Was used in animal feed, suspended by EU in 2017

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