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Black Iron Oxide
Black Iron Oxide
Also known as: E172i, E172
Low concern
Iron oxides are FDA-approved color additives exempt from certification, with use limited to 0.1% by weight in food. EFSA re-evaluated iron oxides and concluded no safety concerns at current uses, though noted some data gaps.
Found in
90 products
E-number
E172
Type
colour
What it is
Black iron oxide (Fe3O4), a mineral pigment.
Color additive.
Why it's flagged
- use limited to small quantities
What regulators actually say
"Synthetic iron oxide may be safely used for the coloring of foods... not to exceed 0.1 percent by weight of the food."
"The Panel concluded that exposure to iron oxides at the reported uses and use levels would not be of safety concern."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Color additive 21 CFR 73.200 (≤0.1% in food)
European Union — EFSA
Authorized food additive E172
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