Red 2G to become illegal

Food colourant Red 2G is to be banned in Europe, on the decision of a European Commission committee following an assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

EFSA is currently re-evaluating the safety of all permitted food colourings. Its laboratory tests showed Red 2G (E128) may have the potential to damage genetic material in cells and cause cancer in animals.

After a meeting of the EC’s standing committee, it was agreed that Red 2G should no longer be used for food colouring in Europe. The regulation will come into force shortly, when it is published in the official journal of the European Union. The day after publication, it will be illegal to use Red 2G for food purposes.

The UK Food Standards Agency has advised that since there is no immediate risk to health, products containing Red 2G currently on shop shelves will be permitted to be sold. However, no new products containing the dye will be allowed on the market.

Red 2G was used in breakfast sausages with a minimum cereal content of 6% and burger meat with a minimum vegetable and/or cereal content of 4%. It was not permitted to be used as an additive with any other foods.