Regulation
EU warning label required
Allowed in Europe only with a warning on the package.
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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 avoidAspartame E951Aspartame (E951) is a zero-calorie sweetener in diet soda. It's approved, but WHO's cancer agency called it "possibly carcinogenic" in 2023, and people with PKU must avoid it.Use in moderationMaltitol E965Maltitol (E965) is a sugar alcohol that tastes almost exactly like sugar, which is why it's in so much "sugar-free" chocolate. It still raises blood sugar noticeably, so it isn't a good fit for keto, and it's one of the sugar alcohols most likely to cause gas and diarrhea.Use in moderationSorbitol E420Sorbitol (E420) is a sugar alcohol with about 60% of sugar's sweetness and fewer calories. It's safe in normal amounts, but it's not low-FODMAP, and large servings can cause gas or diarrhea.Use in moderationSulfur Dioxide (Sulfites) E220Sulfur dioxide (E220) and the sulfites (E221–E228) keep wine, dried fruit and shrimp from spoiling or browning. They're fine for most people, but can trigger serious reactions in some people with asthma, so labels must declare them.Use in moderationSunset Yellow FCF (Yellow 6) E110Yellow 6 (E110) is a petroleum-based orange 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 avoidTartrazine (Yellow 5) E102Tartrazine (Yellow 5, E102) is a synthetic yellow dye linked to hyperactivity in some children and to hives in sensitive people. It must carry a warning in the EU.Best to avoidXylitol E967Xylitol (E967) is a sugar alcohol as sweet as sugar, with fewer calories and little effect on blood sugar. It helps protect teeth, but it's extremely poisonous to dogs, and large amounts can upset your stomach.Use in moderation