E128 · Red 2G
- WHO
- Better avoided
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Better avoided
- FSANZ
- Better avoided
- Japan
- Better avoided
- UK FSA
- Better avoided
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E128?
Red 2G is a synthetic monoazo dye once used as a red colourant, mainly in meat products. EFSA concluded in 2007 that it raises safety concerns because it is metabolised in the body to aniline, a substance suspected of genotoxic and carcinogenic potential. As a result, the EU suspended its use, and it is not permitted in foods in the US, Canada, Japan, or Australia/New Zealand.
Also appears on labels as: Red 2G, Red2G, Red-2G, E128, E 128, E-128, Food Red 2G, Red Colour 2G, Synthetic Red 2G, Red Dye 2G.
What the evidence says
- Metabolised to aniline; genotoxic/carcinogenic concern.
- ADI withdrawn by EFSA (2007).
- EU use suspended by Regulation (EC) No 884/2007.
Research behind the verdict
- Safety Concerns and EU Withdrawal of Red 2G (E128) — Centre for Food Safety (Hong Kong), CFS Risk Assessment (2007). EFSA 2007: Red 2G metabolises to aniline (genotoxic); ADI withdrawn; use suspended/banned in EU.[dangerous]
- High-dose Amaranth (E123) Toxicity in Rats: Hepatic and Fetal Effects — M. S. Shetty et al., Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine (2011). In a rat study, doses of the food colour Amaranth (E123) equal to and ten times the acceptable daily intake (4.7 and 47 mg/kg bw) were administered to pregnant rats; the higher dose increased alkaline phosphatase and caused skeletal abnormalities in 25% of fetuses, whereas the ADI dose showed no effect on liver/kidney oxidative markers【824244244825915†L220-L243】. Amaranth has been banned in the U.S. since 1976 but remains in use elsewhere【824244244825915†L266-L273】. A long-term study feeding rats 0–1250 mg/kg/day for 111 weeks reported no cancer or reproductive effects but high-dose females developed renal calcification and pelvic hyperplasia, and no safe dose could be identified【375843677752642†L297-L315】.[dangerous]
Frequently asked questions
Is E128 safe?
Our overall verdict for E128 (Red 2G) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: better avoided; EFSA: better avoided; FSANZ: better avoided; Japan: better avoided; UK FSA: better avoided; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E128 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Red 2G — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E128 and why is it used?
Red 2G is a synthetic monoazo dye once used as a red colourant, mainly in meat products. EFSA concluded in 2007 that it raises safety concerns because it is metabolised in the body to aniline, a substance suspected of genotoxic and carcinogenic potential. As a result, the EU suspended its use, and it is not permitted in foods in the US, Canada, Japan, or Australia/New Zealand.
Does E128 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Red 2G, though some people report sensitivity (azo dye sensitivity).
Watch E128
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.