Vegetable Carbon
Also known as: E153
Vegetable carbon (E153) is authorized as a food colorant in the EU but is NOT permitted as a color additive in foods in the US. EFSA re-evaluated E153 in 2012 and established an ADI of 'not specified' provided PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) impurities are tightly controlled.
What it is
Vegetable carbon (E153) is a fine black powder produced by carbonization of plant material such as wood, peat, or coconut shells.
Black food coloring.
Why it's flagged
- Not authorized as a color additive for food in the US (only EU); EFSA approval conditional on strict PAH impurity controls
What regulators actually say
"The Panel concluded that the present database did not give reason to revise the ADI 'not specified' for vegetable carbon (E 153)."
"Part 73 — Listing of Color Additives Exempt From Certification (color additives permitted for use in foods in the US)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not listed in 21 CFR 73 as an approved color additive for food use in the US.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA (2012) did not raise safety concerns for E153 at reported exposures, conditional on strict PAH purity criteria.
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