YenzoWhat is E128 (Red 2G)?
It is Red 2G, a red colour. The Codex INS table marks number 128 as deleted in 2019.
E128Red 2G
E128 is Red 2G, a red colour. In 2007 EFSA withdrew its ADI and the European Commission issued an emergency regulation suspending the use of E128 as a food colour.
Did you know? On 26 July 2007 the European Commission adopted Regulation (EC) No 884/2007 "on emergency measures suspending the use of E 128 Red 2G as food colour".
- Code
- E128 · INS 128
- Group
- Colour
In Vietnam✕ Not permitted in VietnamNot on Vietnam's list of permitted additives (Circular 24/2019); it may be used only in a product whose declaration is registered with the Vietnam Food Administration
Risk level on the Yenzo Scalehigh?Based on EFSA's scientific assessment, 2007
How E128 appears on labels
IngredientsIllustrative example
Wheat flour, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, colour (128), dried onion and garlic, pepper, natural colour (160a).
colour (128)colour 128E128INS 128
Questions about Red 2G
Is Red 2G harmful?
In 2007 EFSA noted that Red 2G is extensively metabolised to aniline and withdrew its ADI, so there is no ADI to compare intake with. EFSA's conclusion is quoted below.
“Therefore the Panel concluded that it would be prudent to regard Red 2G as being of safety concern since it is extensively metabolised to aniline. Based on these considerations, the Panel withdrew the ADI for Red 2G.”
EFSA Journal (2007). Opinion of the Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC) on the food colour Red 2G (E128)
Is E128 permitted in Vietnam?
It was not found. Appendix 1 of Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT (consolidated text 09/VBHN-BYT), the list of additives permitted in food, has no row with INS 128, and neither does Appendix 2B.
Other colours
E125Ponceau SX (scarlet GN)highE126Ponceau 6RhighE127ErythrosinemoderateE129Allura red ACmoderateE130Indanthrene blue RShighE131Patent blue Vlow
See all colours →Updated 21 October 2026
Sources (4)
- EFSA Journal (2007). Opinion of the Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC) on the food colour Red 2G (E128)
- Thông tư 24/2019/TT-BYT (văn bản hợp nhất 09/VBHN-BYT), Phụ lục 1
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 884/2007 of 26 July 2007 on emergency measures suspending the use of E 128 Red 2G as food colour
- Codex Alimentarius, CCFA information document: INS for deleted and re-used numbers