Additives to Avoid for Children

Yellow dye. EU requires warning label: may have adverse effect on activity and attention in children

Red dye. Formerly used, now delisted in EU

EU requires warning label for children

Yellow azo dye. Delisted, not permitted in EU

Yellow azo dye. Withdrawn from EU approved list in 2007

Orange-yellow dye. EU warning label required

Orange dye. Delisted in EU

Red dye. Not permitted in EU. Approved in US only for orange peel coloring

Red dye. EU warning label required

Red dye. Banned in US (Red No. 2). Limited use in EU

Red dye. EU warning label required. Banned in US

Red dye. Formerly used, now delisted

Red dye. Delisted in EU

Red dye. Limited to cocktail cherries in EU

Red dye. Withdrawn from EU in 2007 over safety concerns

Red dye (Red 40 in US). EU warning label required

Blue dye. Delisted in EU

Black dye. Not approved in US

Brown dye. Not approved in US

White color. Banned in EU since Aug 2022 due to genotoxicity concerns. Still legal in US

Red-brown dye from lichen. Formerly used, delisted

200x sweeter than sugar. In Diet Coke, Equal, 6000+ products. IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic, 2023). WHO/JECFA maintained ADI. PKU warning required. Discovered 1965 (accident). Most studied food additive. FDA approved 1981 after controversy

In blue M&Ms, blue Gatorade, Blue Raspberry. Used in medical diagnostics. Can turn stool/urine green-blue. EU E133. Generally least controversial of the US certified colors. No EU warning label

Black azo dye. In licorice, fish paste. Not approved in US, Canada, Japan. Limited use in EU. Less controversial than other azo dyes. No EU warning label required

4-Methylimidazole. Formed in Class III/IV caramel colors (ammonia process). In cola, soy sauce, beer. California Prop 65 carcinogen (>29mcg/day warning level). NTP found clear evidence of cancer in mice. Industry reduced levels significantly

50x sweeter than sugar. From licorice root. Hypertension risk at high consumption. EU warning required for products with >100mg/kg. In licorice candy, herbal tea. Banned in some countries for pregnant women

Synthetic green dye. In canned peas, mint sauce, ice cream. Not approved in US, Canada, Japan, Norway. EU approved without warning label. Sometimes mixed with tartrazine for bright green

Polyphenol antioxidants from Camellia sinensis. EGCG most studied. In beverages, supplements. EFSA warning about liver damage from high-dose supplements (>800mg EGCG/day). Food amounts safe

From konjac/elephant yam root. In shirataki noodles (zero calories). EU bans in jelly mini-cups (choking hazard for children). EU health claim for weight loss (with water before meals, 3g/day). EFSA approved claim 2010

Third insect protein approved in EU. Frozen, dried, and powder forms. Traditional food in many cultures. Sustainable protein source. Allergen warning for shellfish/dust mite allergic individuals

First insect approved as Novel Food in EU (2021). Dried whole or powder form. In pasta, biscuits, protein bars. Shellfish allergen cross-reactivity warning required

7000-13000x sweeter than sugar. Does not need to carry PKU warning unlike aspartame. FDA approved 2002

7000-13000x sweeter. Does not need PKU warning (unlike aspartame parent compound). FDA approved 2002. Very low use levels. In baked goods, beverages, chewing gum. Chemically similar to aspartame but more potent

Synthetic polymer of glucose, sorbitol, citric acid. Only 1 kcal/g. Recognized as soluble fiber. In reduced-calorie foods. Laxation warning above 90g/day. EU E1200

Strengthens bread dough. Banned in EU/UK/Canada/China/Brazil/India. Legal in US (California requires Prop 65 warning). IARC Group 2B carcinogen

Strengthens bread dough. Banned in EU, UK, Canada, China, Brazil, India. Legal in US (California Prop 65 warning). IARC Group 2B. Should convert to bromide during baking but residues found

Cherry-red dye. FDA revoked authorization Jan 2025 (effective 2027 for food, 2028 for medicine). EU restricts to cocktail cherries only. In maraschino cherries, candy. Thyroid tumors in male rats. One of oldest certified dyes (1907)

Most used food dye in US. EU warning label required. Studies suggest behavioral effects in children. Banned in some European countries historically

Most used food dye in US (by volume). In candy, cereal, beverages, medicine. EU warning label required ('may have adverse effect on activity and attention in children'). No warning in US. From petroleum. Southampton study linked to hyperactivity

Oldest artificial sweetener (1879). Sweet'N Low. 300-500x sweeter than sugar. Was on cancer warning list 1977-2000. Bladder cancer in rats debunked for humans. EU E954. Bitter metallic aftertaste

Sugar alcohol from glucose. 60% sweetness. In sugar-free candy, toothpaste, cough syrup. Laxative warning if >50g/day. EU E420. Natural in stone fruits. Used as humectant too

White pigment E171. EU banned Aug 2022 based on EFSA finding that genotoxicity cannot be ruled out, especially for nanoparticles. Still GRAS in US, legal in most countries. In candy, gum, icing, supplements. Biggest US-EU regulatory divergence for food additives

White pigment. Banned in EU since 2022 over genotoxicity concerns. Still GRAS in US and approved in many countries. Major US-EU regulatory divergence

Lemon-yellow dye. EU requires warning label about child behavior. No label required in US. One of most controversial food dyes. Linked to hyperactivity

Lemon-yellow dye in Mountain Dew, Doritos, mac & cheese. EU warning label. No US warning. Can trigger reactions in aspirin-sensitive individuals. Hyperactivity link. Banned in Norway/Austria historically

Orange-yellow dye. EU warning label required. No warning in US. Linked to hyperactivity in children (Southampton study). Banned in Norway, Finland

Orange-yellow dye in orange soda, Cheetos, medicine. EU warning label. Most allergenic food dye. Banned in Norway/Finland. Southampton study participant. Can cause urticaria in sensitive individuals