Watch

E150Caramel colour

Color

E150 (Caramel colour), a color, is rated "watch": fine in moderation. Caramel colouring, declared without saying WHICH of the four types. Plain caramel (E150a) is simply burnt sugar and carries no concern; the ammonia-processed types (E150c, E150d) can contain 4-MEI, which IARC lists as possibly carcinogenic. An unqualified 'E150' does not tell you which one is in the tin, and that opacity is the flag.

Why it's rated “watch

Caramel colouring, declared without saying WHICH of the four types. Plain caramel (E150a) is simply burnt sugar and carries no concern; the ammonia-processed types (E150c, E150d) can contain 4-MEI, which IARC lists as possibly carcinogenic. An unqualified 'E150' does not tell you which one is in the tin, and that opacity is the flag.

Risk rating: Watch

Mixed evidence or a specific concern (gut, allergy, or contested safety data). Not alarming, but worth keeping an eye on rather than eating without limit.

E-number: E150Category: ColorAlso known as: caramel colour, caramel color, caramel colouring

Frequently asked questions

Is E150 (Caramel colour) safe?
Caramel colouring, declared without saying WHICH of the four types. Plain caramel (E150a) is simply burnt sugar and carries no concern; the ammonia-processed types (E150c, E150d) can contain 4-MEI, which IARC lists as possibly carcinogenic. An unqualified 'E150' does not tell you which one is in the tin, and that opacity is the flag.
What are other names for E150?
E150 is also known as caramel colour, caramel color, caramel colouring.

Related color

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