E128 Red 2G

E128ColorsOrigin: Lab-made

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Every diet

VeganYes

Synthetic; no animal ingredients.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Red 2G (E128) is an older synthetic red dye, now restricted to very few uses in the EU and not approved in the US. Its safety data is thinner than newer colors, so it is best avoided.

22/100

Best to avoid

Controversial, restricted or banned somewhere.

E-numberE128

Comes fromLab-made

What it doesColors

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledRed 2G, Acid Red 1

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDANot evaluated as an additive

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits

🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Not approved as a food color in the US or Canada. The EU restricts it to a very short list of uses, such as sausage casings. Its older safety data was limited, which is why its use is so narrow.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Red 2G is a synthetic azo dye that once colored sausages and some candies. It is more limited than the common reds because its safety record is weaker. Most modern products use other colors.

Where it comes from: A synthetic azo dye made from petroleum-derived intermediates. It is one of the older coal-tar-based reds and is no longer widely used.

Why it’s in food

Colors sausage casings
Historically used for red sweets
Replaced by newer reds

Often found in

Sausage casings (EU)Some older candy recipesSome sweets outside the US

Also listed as: Red 2G, Acid Red 1, Azorubin 2G, Food Red 2G

Health & gut impact

Limited safety dataUnder study

Older studies of this dye were limited, and EFSA has restricted it accordingly. Newer reds with fuller data are preferred.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives

Not a US food colorConcern

The US does not approve Red 2G for food, so products sold there should not contain it.

US FDA color additive listings

Red candy without petroleum dyes

Clean-label swaps

Clean substitute

Beet powder for red coloring

A plant-based red for frosting and candy.

Shop beet powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

Clean grocery swap

Naturally colored gummies

Gummies colored with fruit and vegetable juices.

Shop naturally colored gummies Opens your country’s Amazon store

Pantry staple

Freeze-dried raspberries

A natural red for frosting and dough.

Shop freeze-dried raspberries Opens your country’s Amazon store

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What can I use instead?

Beetroot red

Ratio: To label

Best for: Red candy coatings

Carmine

Ratio: To label

Best for: Bright red, not vegan

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoid Aluminium E173Aluminium (E173) is a metallic silver-gray powder used on some European sugar decorations and sweets. It is used in tiny amounts, and it is not approved as a food color in the US.Use in moderation Amaranth dye E123Amaranth dye (E123) is a synthetic red that the US banned in 1976. Europe still allows tiny uses. It is not the amaranth seed sold as a gluten-free grain.Best to avoid Ammonia caramel (Caramel III) E150cAmmonia caramel (E150c) is the caramel class made with ammonia and no sulfite, common in beer. It is approved, but like cola caramel it can contain 4-MEI, which California lists under Proposition 65.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Red 2G the same as Red 40?

No. Red 40 (E129) is an approved US food color, while Red 2G is an older dye that is not approved in the US.

Is Red 2G safe?

Best to avoid (22/100). Not approved as a food color in the US or Canada. The EU restricts it to a very short list of uses, such as sausage casings. Its older safety data was limited, which is why its use is so narrow.

Is Red 2G vegan?

Yes. Synthetic; no animal ingredients.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

EFSA OpenFoodTox: E128
EFSA Panel on Food Additives
US FDA color additive listings

INS 128 · CAS 3564-09-8