- Type
- Colour
- How serious
- Low severity
- Evidence
- Emerging evidence
Why it is flagged
Its production can leave 4-methylimidazole, which IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). EFSA reviewed it and kept it authorised with limits; the concern is about the by-product, not the colour itself.
Health topics it bears on
Sources
- List of Permitted Food Colours (Lists of Permitted Food Additives) Health Canada, 2025
- IARC Monographs Volume 101: Some Chemicals Present in Industrial and Consumer Products, Food and Drinking-water (includes 4-methylimidazole) International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2012
- Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of caramel colours (E 150 a,b,c,d) as food additives European Food Safety Authority, 2011
Also listed as
e150d, e150a, e150b, e150c, caramel colour, caramel color, colorant caramel, caramel ordinaire, zuckerkulor, zuckercouleur, ammonsulfit zuckerkulor, e150