Carbon
Vegetable carbon (E 153) is approved as a food color in the EU; FDA permits activated vegetable charcoal in limited applications and as a processing aid. EFSA established no numerical ADI but considered current uses safe.
What it is
Elemental carbon, in food typically refers to vegetable carbon (activated charcoal, E 153) used as a black colorant.
Black food colorant; activated form used in pharmaceuticals as an adsorbent.
Why it's flagged
- can reduce drug absorption
- PAH contamination if poorly produced
What regulators actually say
"The Panel concluded that there is no need for a numerical ADI for vegetable carbon (E 153) and that the substance is of no safety concern at the current levels of use."
"Color additives must be approved by FDA before they may be used in food, drugs, cosmetics, or medical devices."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Activated charcoal not a generally permitted color additive in food; used as a processing aid under specific conditions.
European Union — EFSA
Approved as E 153 vegetable carbon; ADI 'not specified' (EFSA 2012).
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