Food Additives: US vs EU Safety Comparison
16 food additives compared across US (FDA) and EU (EFSA) regulatory frameworks. 9 have different status between regions.
US-EU Regulatory Divergence (9)
These additives have different regulatory status — approved in one region but banned, restricted, or under review in the other.
Titanium Dioxide
Color additive
US
ApprovedEU
BannedPotassium Bromate
Flour treatment agent
US
ApprovedEU
BannedBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
Antioxidant / Preservative
US
GRASEU
ApprovedBHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
Antioxidant / Preservative
US
GRASEU
ApprovedMSG (Monosodium Glutamate)
Flavor enhancer
US
GRASEU
ApprovedCarrageenan
Thickener / Stabilizer
US
GRASEU
ApprovedPropylparaben
Preservative
US
GRASEU
BannedAzodicarbonamide (ADA)
Flour treatment agent / Dough conditioner
US
ApprovedEU
BannedrBST (Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin)
Growth hormone (dairy)
US
ApprovedEU
Banned
Same Status in Both Regions (7)
- Approved
Red 40 (Allura Red AC)
Color additive
- Approved
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
Color additive
- Approved
Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow)
Color additive
- Approved
Aspartame
Artificial sweetener
- Approved
Sodium Nitrite
Preservative / Color fixative
- Approved
TBHQ (Tert-Butylhydroquinone)
Antioxidant / Preservative
- Banned
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO)
Emulsifier / Stabilizer