Caramel Syrup
Caramel syrup is essentially heat-treated sugar; nutritionally an added sugar. Caramel coloring (a separate ingredient) Class III/IV may contain 4-MEI which is a Prop 65-listed carcinogen, but caramel syrup as a sweetener is not the same as caramel color additive.
What it is
Sweet syrup made by heating sugar to caramelization; may contain water, glucose syrup, flavorings.
Sweetener, flavor, color.
Why it's flagged
- added sugar – limit intake
- promotes dental caries
What regulators actually say
"WHO recommends... reducing the intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake."
"Added sugars... include sugars that are added during the processing of foods... and sugars from syrups and honey."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS as sugar; counts as Added Sugar per 21 CFR 101.9.
European Union — EFSA
Authorized; counts as free sugar.
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