E150d – Sulphite Ammonia Caramel: Food Colour Explained
E150d is an approved food colouring agent known as sulphite ammonia caramel. It is produced from sugar and gives foods and beverages a characteristic brown colour.
Things worth knowing about "E150d"
E150d is an approved food colouring agent known as sulphite ammonia caramel. It is produced from sugar and gives foods and beverages a characteristic brown colour.
What is E150d?
E150d, commonly known as sulphite ammonia caramel, is a food colouring belonging to the caramel colour group. It is produced by the controlled heating of carbohydrates (sugars) in the presence of both ammonium and sulphite compounds. E150d is the most widely used caramel colour worldwide and is found in numerous everyday foods and beverages.
Production and Chemical Properties
E150d is formed through the Maillard reaction and caramelisation of sugars such as glucose, sucrose, or fructose. What distinguishes E150d from other caramel colours (E150a, E150b, E150c) is the use of both ammonium and sulphite compounds during the manufacturing process. This leads to the formation of characteristic chemical by-products, including 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), which has been the subject of ongoing scientific discussion.
Use in Food and Beverages
E150d is widely used in the food and beverage industry to impart a deep brown to black colour to products. Common applications include:
- Non-alcoholic soft drinks, especially cola beverages
- Beer and other alcoholic drinks
- Sauces, vinegars, and condiments (e.g. Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce)
- Baked goods and confectionery
- Instant coffee and malt coffee
- Soups and ready-made meals
Health and Safety Assessment
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E150d and established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 300 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. At levels found in food, E150d is considered safe for consumption.
4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI)
One widely discussed aspect of E150d is the presence of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a by-product of its manufacturing process. In animal studies, 4-MEI showed carcinogenic effects at very high doses. However, the amounts present in food are far below the doses used in animal experiments. Regulatory authorities such as EFSA and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently do not consider 4-MEI levels in foods to pose a relevant health risk for humans under normal dietary conditions.
Tolerability and Sensitivities
E150d is generally well tolerated by most people. Individuals with sulphite sensitivity should be aware that sulphite compounds are used in the production process, though only trace amounts may remain in the final colourant. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a doctor or registered dietitian.
Labelling Requirements
Under EU food labelling regulations, E150d must be declared in the ingredient list of food products either as E150d or as caramel colour. This allows consumers to identify whether a product contains this additive.
References
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of caramel colours (E 150 a, b, c, d) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2011.
- European Commission: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives.
- Mahadevan B. et al.: 4-Methylimidazole: A chemical of potential concern in food and food safety. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2015.
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Related search terms: E150d-en