E150c — Ammonia caramel
E150c (Ammonia caramel), a color, is rated "avoid": worth avoiding. Caramel color processed with ammonia. Contains 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI, a possible animal carcinogen). Found in dark beers, biscuits, and some sauces.
What is Ammonia caramel?
Caramel color produced by heating sugar with ammonia. Used in dark beers, biscuits, cookies, gravies, and savory sauces.
What does it do to the body?
The ammonia process creates 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), which California lists as a possible carcinogen based on rodent studies. Daily heavy consumers of dark sodas and processed sauces are the realistic exposure group; occasional use sits well within safety margins.
What regulators say
EFSA kept the acceptable daily intake at 100 mg per kg of body weight per day in 2011 but flagged 4-MEI as needing control. California requires a warning label when 4-MEI exposure exceeds 29 micrograms per day.
Risk rating: Avoid
Known or suspected to cause harm: a substance EFSA or another regulator has flagged, or one restricted in some jurisdictions. Best kept out of a regular diet.
Source: California OEHHA — 4-MEI in Proposition 65 list ↗