FDA Status
Approved
Red 2G (128) is a color additive additive holding a composite safety score of 4 out of 5 (Low Risk). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Approved, while the European Union lists it as Approved. It is most commonly used as Processed foods, beverages, confectionery.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Red 2G to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Red 2G, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. The European Food Safety Authority has published an evaluation dated 2007-07-16. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 128 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | — | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | Not yet tracked | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
4.0 / 5
Composite Safety Low Risk
Safety Score: 4 out of 5
Safety Rating 80.0%
EU Status
Approved
128
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Red 2G receives a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has approved Red 2G for use in food products under specified conditions.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Red 2G. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Red 2G?
Red 2G is a food additive (128) classified as color additive.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food on the food colour Red 2G -E128- ba
Common Uses
Processed foods, beverages, confectionery
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red 2G safe to consume?
Red 2G has a safety score of 4/5 (Low Risk). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Red 2G used for in food?
Red 2G is commonly used as: Processed foods, beverages, confectionery. It belongs to the Color Additive category of food additives.
Is Red 2G banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Red 2G. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Red 2G?
The FDA classifies Red 2G as "Approved", while the EU status is "Approved" (128). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Red 2G?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Red 2G: EFSA evaluation: Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food on the food colour Red 2G -E128- ba. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Red 2G calculated?
The safety score of 4/5 for Red 2G is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
Explore PlainIngredients
Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Color Additive Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial