Iron Oxides And Iron Hydroxides
Also known as: E172
Iron oxides are FDA-approved color additives exempt from certification, with very limited GI absorption. EFSA re-evaluated E172 in 2015 and concluded current uses are not of safety concern at typical exposure levels.
What it is
Iron oxides and hydroxides (synthetic mineral pigments) ranging from yellow to red to black.
Color additive providing yellow, red, and black hues.
Why it's flagged
- Possible bioavailable iron at very high intake
- Limited toxicokinetic data noted by EFSA
What regulators actually say
"The Panel concluded that the current uses and use levels of iron oxides and hydroxides (E 172) as a food additive would not be of safety concern."
"Synthetic iron oxide ... may be safely used for coloring sausage casings, hard and soft candies ... not to exceed 0.1 percent."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
FDA approved as synthetic iron oxide color additive (21 CFR 73.200) for sausage casings, dietary supplements, and other specified uses.
European Union — EFSA
EFSA (2015) concluded no safety concern at reported uses; ADI not specified due to low absorption.
Scan it before you buy it
Get Ube on iOS or Android — point at any barcode, see what's actually in there.
Get the app