E180 Lithol Rubine BK – Food Colorant
E180 (Lithol Rubine BK) is a synthetic red food colorant approved in the EU exclusively for coloring the rind of certain hard and semi-hard cheeses.
Things worth knowing about "E180"
E180 (Lithol Rubine BK) is a synthetic red food colorant approved in the EU exclusively for coloring the rind of certain hard and semi-hard cheeses.
What is E180?
E180, known by its chemical name Lithol Rubine BK, is a synthetic azo dye that produces a vivid red to carmine color. Within the European Union, this food additive has one of the most restricted applications of all approved colorants: it is permitted exclusively for use on the rind of hard cheeses and semi-hard cheeses. Importantly, E180 is applied only to the outer surface of cheese, which is generally not intended for consumption, meaning it does not enter the edible portion of the food.
Chemical Properties
Lithol Rubine BK belongs to the chemical class of azo dyes, which are characterized by one or more azo groups (-N=N-) in their molecular structure. It is a water-soluble, synthetically produced pigment with good stability toward light and heat, making it suitable for industrial food processing applications. Its vibrant red hue is used to give certain cheese rinds a distinctive appearance.
Approval and Use in the EU
Under European food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, E180 is approved solely for the following application:
- Cheese rind of hard and semi-hard cheeses (e.g., certain varieties of Edam or Gouda with a colored wax coating)
No other food uses are permitted for E180 within the EU. Labeling regulations require that E180 be declared on packaging as colour E180 or Lithol Rubine BK whenever it is used.
Health and Safety Assessment
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has assessed the safety of E180. Because the dye is applied exclusively to cheese rind, which is typically not consumed, the dietary exposure of consumers to E180 is considered negligible. EFSA determined that it was not necessary to establish a specific Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for E180, given that real-world intake is practically zero.
As with other azo dyes, individuals with a known sensitivity to azo colorants or who have an aspirin intolerance may theoretically be at slightly elevated risk of allergic reactions. However, since the rind is not eaten, the practical risk remains minimal.
Labeling and Consumer Advice
Consumers purchasing cheese with colored rinds should be aware of the following:
- The rind of cheeses treated with E180 is not intended for consumption.
- The additive must be declared on the product packaging under its approved name or E number.
- Individuals with azo dye sensitivities should carefully review ingredient lists when purchasing such products.
References
- European Parliament and Council of the EU: Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Re-evaluation of Lithol Rubine BK (E 180) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2016.
- Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL): Food additives - Colorants. www.bvl.bund.de.
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