Is Red Dye Banned in Japan? A Look at Food Additive Regulations

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite a recent US ban on Red No. 3, Japan has not followed suit, with its food safety agencies concluding that the additive is safe for consumption at current levels. This difference in regulation highlights a unique, risk-based approach to food additives in Japan, which operates independently from other countries' standards.

Quick Summary

Many assume Japanese food laws mirror Western countries, but different regulatory systems mean some common red food colorants like Red No. 3 and Red 40 are permitted, not banned, in Japan.

Key Points

Not banned in Japan: Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) and Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC) are both legal and approved for use in Japan, despite US restrictions.
Independent regulation: Japan's food safety standards are determined by its own regulatory bodies, such as the MHLW and CAA, which perform independent risk assessments.
Differing conclusions: Japanese authorities have concluded that Red No. 3 is safe at current consumption levels, a different stance from the US FDA.
Synthetic vs. Natural: Japan permits both synthetic (like Red 40) and natural red colorants (like cochineal and beet red) in food production.
Four categories of additives: Japan's system classifies additives as Designated, Existing, Natural Flavoring Agents, or Ordinary Foods used as additives.
Ongoing review: While currently permitted, Red No. 3 was reportedly under review by the CAA following the US ban.

The Status of Red Dyes in Japan

The belief that red dyes are universally banned in Japan is a common misconception, often arising from news about restrictions in other regions like the United States and Europe. Japan's approach to food additives relies on its own independent risk assessments, allowing many red colorants to be legal. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) oversee the country's food safety standards based on the Food Sanitation Act.

Is Red Dye No. 3 Banned?

Red No. 3, also known as Erythrosine (E127), is not banned in Japan. This contrasts with the US, where the FDA recently revoked its authorization for food use due to animal studies. Japan's CAA evaluated the dye and determined that the average consumption level in Japan is significantly below the safe daily intake limit recommended by international bodies like the World Health Organization. While reportedly considering a review, Red No. 3 remained legal as of early 2025.

Is Red Dye No. 40 Banned?

Red No. 40, also known as Allura Red AC (E129), is also not banned in Japan and is an approved additive. This synthetic dye is widely used globally in various food products.

Understanding Japan's Food Additive System

Japan's system for regulating food additives is distinct and involves several categories:

Designated Additives: Approved by the MHLW based on scientific evaluation. Only designated additives are permitted unless exempted.
Existing Food Additives: Substances with a history of widespread use before the 1995 Food Sanitation Act amendment, permitted without formal designation.
Natural Flavoring Agents: Natural products from plants and animals used for flavoring.
Ordinary Foods Used as Additives: Substances consumed as food but functioning as additives, such as fruit juice.

Natural Red Colorants in Japan

Japan also uses many natural red colorants. These include:

Cochineal Extract/Carminic Acid: A red pigment from insects. 'Acid-stable carmine' is not permitted, but the extract is used.
Monascus Colour: Derived from Monascus purpureus cultures.
Red Cabbage Color: Extracted from red cabbage.
Beet Red: From red beetroots.
Anthocyanins: From sources like purple sweet potato.

Comparing Red Dyes in Japan


Feature	Red No. 3 (Erythrosine, E127)	Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC, E129)	Carmine (E120)
Approval in Japan	Yes (Permitted Designated Additive)	Yes (Permitted Designated Additive)	Yes (Permitted Natural Additive)
Approval in US	Revoked for food use (Jan 2025)	Yes (Permitted)	Yes (Permitted)
Source	Synthetic (Tar-based dye)	Synthetic (Azo dye from petroleum)	Natural (Cochineal insects)
Use in Japan	Sweets, pickled foods, fish cakes	Beverages, candies, cereals	Confectionery, drinks
Key Concern	Potential carcinogen based on rat studies	Hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions	Allergic reactions in some individuals
Recent Action	Japan is reviewing, but currently legal	Approved for use	Usage is permitted

Conclusion

The idea that red dye is banned in Japan is incorrect. Japan has its own distinct regulatory framework for food additives, which has led to different conclusions than those in the United States and Europe, particularly regarding Red No. 3. While natural colorants are increasingly popular, and some additives are continuously reviewed, Red No. 3 and Red 40 remain legal in Japan based on its official risk assessments. Consumers should refer to product labels and Japan's regulatory bodies for accurate information. For more on Japanese food additive policies, visit the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) is approved for use in Japan and can be found in a variety of Japanese products, including sweets, pickled foods, and fish cakes.

Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency determined that the estimated daily intake of Red No. 3 in Japan was well below safety limits set by international experts, leading to the decision not to ban the additive.

Yes, Japan uses many natural red colorants, including cochineal extract (carminic acid), monascus color, beet red, and anthocyanins extracted from sources like purple sweet potatoes and red cabbage.

The main difference is that Japan, like the US, has its own food safety agencies that conduct independent risk assessments. This can lead to different conclusions and lists of approved additives, as seen with Red Dye No. 3.

Allura Red AC, commonly known as Red Dye No. 40, is approved and permitted for use in Japan. The country's regulations allow for its use in products like beverages, cereals, and candies.

The stringency of regulations can vary depending on the specific additive. Japan's system is meticulous and emphasizes both quality and safety based on its own evaluations, which sometimes differ from the US FDA.

No, cochineal extract (carminic acid) is a permitted natural red additive in Japan. However, a specific type known as 'acid-stable carmine' is not permitted.