E150b — Caustic sulphite caramel
E150b (Caustic sulphite caramel), a color, is rated "safe": no significant concern. Caramel color processed with sulphite. Generally safe, but a watchlist for the small fraction of people with sulphite sensitivity (about 1% of the population, mostly asthmatics).
What is Caustic sulphite caramel?
Caramel color processed with sulphite but no ammonia. Used in spirits like cognac and some sherries, vinegars, and baked goods.
What does it do to the body?
Contains traces of residual sulphite. Sulphite-sensitive people (about 1% of the population, mostly asthmatics) can have breathing issues at higher levels of exposure. Everyone else digests it as plain caramelized sugar.
What regulators say
EFSA kept the group acceptable daily intake at 300 mg per kg of body weight per day in 2011. Sulphite content above 10 mg per kg in the finished food triggers an EU labeling requirement.
Risk rating: Safe
Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.
Source: EFSA — re-evaluation of caramel colours (2011) ↗