Red 2G colouring to become outlawed

EFSA is currently re-evaluating the safety of all permitted food colourings. Its evaluation has shown that in laboratory tests the food colouring, Red 2G (E128), may have the potential to damage the genetic material in cells and cause cancer in animals.

Under EU legislation, Red 2G was permitted for use in specific meat  products, namely, processed products such as breakfast sausages with a minimum cereal content of 6 per cent and burger meat with a minimum vegetable and/or cereal content of 4 per cent. Red 2G was not permitted for use in any other foods.

The use of additives in the UK is governed by European legislation, and the EC's Standing Committee has now unanimously agreed that Red 2G should no longer be used as a food colouring in Europe. The regulation will come into force shortly.

The Eu syas that as there is no immediate risk to health, products already on the shelf which contain this colouring will be permitted to be sold, but no new products that contain Red 2G will be allowed on the market.

ThePigSite News Desk

More of the latest Pig Industry News

•   Uncertainities in Tackling GHG Emissions Accepted
•   Hans Enters Voluntary Administration
•   Milk Crisis Spills Out on All Food Sectors
•   Bavarian Farm Provides Feeding for 750 Breeding Sows
•   EU Pig Prices: Lateral Movement in Markets
•   Pork Commentary: Darkest Before the Dawn
•   TOPIGS Canada Purchases Maple Leaf Agri-Farms
•   New PRRS Virus, Possible Vaccine Failures Reported
•   Canada to Consult WTO on COOL Regulations
•   Producers Burdened with New Disposal Cost