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E172 – Iron Oxides as Food Colorants

E172 refers to iron oxides and iron hydroxides approved as food colorants in the EU. They provide yellow, red, brown, or black shades to food and pharmaceutical products.

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Things worth knowing about "E172"

E172 refers to iron oxides and iron hydroxides approved as food colorants in the EU. They provide yellow, red, brown, or black shades to food and pharmaceutical products.

What is E172?

E172 is the EU designation for a group of inorganic colorants based on iron oxides and iron hydroxides. These compounds occur naturally and are also produced synthetically for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. They are approved as food additives in the European Union under the E number 172.

Subtypes of E172

E172 encompasses three distinct variants that differ in color and chemical composition:

E172(i) – Iron oxides, yellow: Yellowish to ochre pigment (goethite, FeO(OH))
E172(ii) – Iron oxides, red: Red pigment (haematite, Fe₂O₃)
E172(iii) – Iron oxides, black: Black pigment (magnetite, Fe₃O₄)

By combining these variants, brown and other intermediate shades can also be achieved.

Use in Food Products

E172 is used in a wide range of food products where a specific color is desired without affecting taste. Common applications include:

Confectionery and candy (e.g., sugar-coated tablets, chocolate coatings)
Bakery products and pasta
Processed meat products and delicatessen items
Cheese products (e.g., rind coloring)
Dietary supplements and capsule shells

Use in the Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, iron oxides are widely used to color tablets, capsules, and film coatings. Color-coding helps distinguish between different dosages or formulations. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and national regulatory authorities permit the use of E172 as an inert excipient in medicinal products.

Safety and Health Assessment

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated E172 and concluded that it is safe for use within established maximum levels. Iron oxides are poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and are therefore considered physiologically inert. They do not contribute bioavailable iron to the body in meaningful amounts.

No Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) value has been established for E172, as no safety concerns have been identified at typical levels of consumption. Allergic reactions are extremely rare and have not been systematically documented.

Labeling Requirements

Food products containing E172 must declare this on the ingredient list in accordance with EU Food Information Regulation (EU Regulation No. 1169/2011), either as E172 or as iron oxides and hydroxides.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of iron oxides and hydroxides (E 172) as food additives. EFSA Journal, 2015.
European Commission: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives.
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): Food additives – colorants. www.bfr.bund.de

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