Is this OK for my kids?
Check before you buy!
Scan a barcode or an ingredients label to see which additives are banned or need a warning label in other countries, and the side effects they've been linked to.
10 free scans. No account needed.
Reported possible effects
How it works
Three steps in the aisle, before anything goes in the trolley.
Scan the barcode
Or hold your camera over the ingredients list. BannedIn reads it for you.
See what's flagged
Every additive is checked against the rules in Australia, the UK, the EU and the US.
Know why
Each flag explains the rule, with a link to the regulator's source where we have one.
Same additive, different rules
What's fine on one shelf can be banned, or need a warning label, somewhere else.
Titanium dioxide
E171A white colouring in lollies, icing and chewing gum.
Tartrazine
102A yellow colouring in soft drinks, jelly and snacks.
BEYOND THE RULES
See possible side effects too
Some colourings and preservatives have been linked to reactions like hyperactivity, hives or asthma. Alongside the rules, BannedIn shows each ingredient's reported possible effects and a simple rating.
A rating for over 900 food additives, from Safe to Avoid
Reported effects such as hyperactivity, hives, asthma and aspirin sensitivity
Kept apart from the rules, so you can tell what regulators require from what's been reported
Reported possible effects aren't a diagnosis. If you're worried about a reaction, talk to your doctor.
Allura red AC
Synthetic red colour · also called Red 40
About this ingredient
CautionA synthetic azo dye, possibly petroleum-derived. Used in drinks, lollies, jelly and cosmetics.
Reported possible effects
Separately, UK and EU labels must carry a kids' warning for it.
Allura red AC
Synthetic red colour · also called Red 40
About this ingredient
CautionA synthetic azo dye, possibly petroleum-derived. Used in drinks, lollies, jelly and cosmetics.
Reported possible effects
Separately, UK and EU labels must carry a kids' warning for it.
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