Aromatic Caramel
Caramel colors include four classes (E150a-d) with different production methods; classes III and IV are produced with ammonium compounds and contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), which IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). EFSA reaffirmed acceptable daily intakes in 2011.
What it is
Aromatic caramel is a heat-treated sugar product used as a coloring and flavoring; depending on production process it may correspond to caramel colors E150a-E150d.
Color and flavor; gives brown color and caramel/burnt sugar notes.
Why it's flagged
- 4-MEI in ammonia process caramel colors (IARC Group 2B)
- highly process-dependent
What regulators actually say
"The color additive caramel is the dark-brown liquid or solid material resulting from the carefully controlled heat treatment of [permitted carbohydrates]."
"4-Methylimidazole is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Caramel approved as a color additive exempt from certification under 21 CFR 73.85.
European Union — EFSA
E150a-d approved with class-specific ADIs (EFSA 2011 re-evaluation).
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