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Sulphite Ammonia Caramel (E150d) — What You Need to Know

Questionable(4/10)Synthetic

The score is an eNumbers.org editorial summary, not an official agency rating or medical advice. Start with the regulatory status and primary sources below.

What Is Sulphite Ammonia Caramel?

Sulphite Ammonia Caramel (Class IV) is the most widely used caramel color globally, produced by heating carbohydrates with both sulphite and ammonium compounds. It is the primary colorant in cola drinks, giving them their characteristic dark brown color. This class of caramel color contains the highest levels of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a processing byproduct classified as possibly carcinogenic.

What Is It Used For?

Provides deep brown to black coloring in beverages, sauces, and baked goods. The dominant coloring agent in cola-type soft drinks worldwide.

Function: Dark brown food coloring produced by heating sugar with sulphite and ammonia compounds

Regulatory & Editorial Context

📊
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
300 mg/kg bw/day
🏛️
Regulatory Status
🇺🇸 USA (FDA): Approved (caramel color category)
🇪🇺 EU (EFSA): Authorized with grouped ADI of 300 mg/kg bw/day for all caramel colors; noted highest 4-MEI levels in Class IV
⚠️ Key Concerns

The most widely used caramel color globally, especially in cola drinks. Contains the highest levels of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) among caramel colors. 4-MEI is classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). California added 4-MEI to Proposition 65 in 2011, leading Coca-Cola and Pepsi to reformulate their caramel color to reduce 4-MEI levels in California. EFSA set maximum limits for 4-MEI in 2011. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) petitioned the FDA to ban E150d in 2011. While not banned anywhere, California Proposition 65 requires warning labels for products containing significant 4-MEI levels.

Editorial context score

eNumbers.org currently assigns Sulphite Ammonia Caramel an editorial context label of Questionable with a score of 4/10. This is 1.8 points below the database average for colorings (5.8/10). Dataset reference year: 2011.

This score is not issued by EFSA, FDA, WHO or another regulator.

Commonly Found In

Cola drinksDark beersSoy sauceBalsamic vinegarBrown breadsPet food
Example brands:
Coca-ColaPepsiMany cola brands

Always check the label for E150d or 'Sulphite Ammonia Caramel'

▶Chemical Information
CAS Number: 8028-89-5
INS Number: 150d
Also known as: E150d, Sulphite Ammonia Process Caramel, INS 150d, Class IV Caramel Color

Frequently Asked Questions about Sulphite Ammonia Caramel

Current dataset status: FDA — Approved (caramel color category); EFSA/EU — Authorized with grouped ADI of 300 mg/kg bw/day for all caramel colors; noted highest 4-MEI levels in Class IV. Reported concerns: The most widely used caramel color globally, especially in cola drinks. Contains the highest levels of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) among caramel colors. 4-MEI is classified by IARC as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). California added 4-MEI to Proposition 65 in 2011, leading Coca-Cola and Pepsi to reformulate their caramel color to reduce 4-MEI levels in California. EFSA set maximum limits for 4-MEI in 2011. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) petitioned the FDA to ban E150d in 2011. While not banned anywhere, California Proposition 65 requires warning labels for products containing significant 4-MEI levels. Regulatory status and individual risk are not the same; check the primary sources and permitted conditions of use.

Quick Facts

E-Number
E150d
INS Number
150d
Category
Colorings
Origin
Synthetic
FDA Status
Approved (caramel color category)
EFSA Status
Authorized with grouped ADI of 300 mg/kg bw/day for all caramel colors; noted highest 4-MEI levels in Class IV
ADI
300 mg/kg bw/day
Dataset Review
2011
Ingredient-level Dietary Notes
Vegan: ✅ YesHalal: ✅ YesKosher: ✅ YesGluten-Free: ✅ Yes

Carriers, processing aids and product certification can change suitability. Verify the final label and certifier.

Quick Links

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for health-related decisions.

Related Additives

Other colorings in the same family

Caramel Color (E150a)Ammonia Caramel (E150c)Caustic Sulphite Caramel (E150b)