E173 – Aluminium as a Food Colorant
E173 is an approved food colorant based on aluminium, permitted in the EU exclusively for surface decoration of confectionery, dragees, and certain baked goods.
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E173 is an approved food colorant based on aluminium, permitted in the EU exclusively for surface decoration of confectionery, dragees, and certain baked goods.
What is E173?
E173 is the EU approval number for aluminium used as a food colorant. It is a metallic, silver-colored dye consisting of fine aluminium powder. Within the European Union, its use is strictly limited to specific decorative applications in food production.
Origin and Production
E173 is derived from metallic aluminium that is processed into a very fine powder. Aluminium is a naturally occurring metal and the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust. The food-grade version is manufactured in highly purified form to minimize contaminants and ensure safety for its intended use.
Use in Food Products
In the EU, E173 is approved under food coloring regulations exclusively for the following applications:
- Surface decoration of confectionery (e.g., dragees, chocolates)
- Decoration of baked goods (e.g., cakes and pastries)
- The external rind of cheese
The colorant gives products a distinctive metallic silver sheen. It is used primarily for visual decoration rather than as an internal food ingredient.
Safety and Health Assessment
Aluminium is a ubiquitous element found in small amounts in everyday foods, drinking water, and cookware. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted comprehensive safety evaluations of aluminium. Excessive aluminium intake has been associated with potential adverse effects on the nervous system and kidneys.
For E173 specifically, the colorant is used only as a surface decoration, meaning that only very small amounts are typically ingested, as the decorated surfaces are often not fully consumed. Nevertheless, EFSA has recommended minimizing total aluminium intake from all dietary sources as a precautionary measure.
Labeling Requirements
Foods containing E173 must declare this additive in the ingredients list in accordance with EU food labeling regulations, either as E173 or as Aluminium.
Regulatory Status
In the European Union, E173 is permitted under Directive 94/36/EC and Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008. In some other countries, including the United States, aluminium as a food colorant is not approved or is subject to very strict limitations. In Germany and Austria, E173 falls under the general provisions of EU food additive legislation.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of aluminium as food colour (E 173). EFSA Journal, 2008.
- Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on food additives.
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Questions and Answers on Aluminium in Food and Consumer Products. BfR, 2019.
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