Color Additive · EU 172
Black Iron Oxide
FDA status: Approved. EU: Approved. No U.S. state has enacted a specific ban yet.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Black Iron Oxide is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it independently of federal policy. Its composite safety score is 4 out of 5 (Low Risk), and the European Union separately classifies it as approved. By tracked product count it ranks #366 of 417.
- #366 of 417 by tracked product prevalence
The verdict
Black Iron Oxide is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it. By Open Food Facts product count it sits #366 of 417 among additives with tracked product presence (0th percentile).
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- #366 of 417
- product-prevalence rank
- 0
- state regulations
Regulatory snapshot
Black Iron Oxide: composite 4/5 (Low Risk) with FDA Approved and EU Approved.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | 172 | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | - | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 4 / 5 (Low Risk) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 1 | Open Food Facts (US) |
Values reflect official agency classifications as published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union's regulatory framework. See our methodology for scoring details.
What is Black Iron Oxide?
Black Iron Oxide is a food additive (172) classified as color additive.
Health Concerns
- EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of iron oxides and hydroxides -E 172- as food additives
Common Uses
Catalog-profile peer axes
Nationwide catalog-profile peers for Black Iron Oxide
Product-count (1) and safety-score (4/5) peer columns, disjoint link sets.
Score 4/5 peers (≥50 OFF products)
Nearest other additives by PlainIngredients safety score (floored at ≥50 tracked products), distinct from the count row.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Iron Oxide safe to consume?
Black Iron Oxide scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. In the lower-concern band the federal listing is the primary signal; EU status is Approved. Moderation still applies to any additive.
What is Black Iron Oxide used for in food?
Black Iron Oxide is commonly used as: Processed foods, beverages, confectionery. It belongs to the Color Additive category of food additives.
Where does Black Iron Oxide sit among food additives PlainIngredients tracks?
Among additives with at least one tracked product, it ranks #366 of 417 by Open Food Facts product count. See /methodology#corpus-placement for the ranking bases.
What health concerns are associated with Black Iron Oxide?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Black Iron Oxide: EFSA evaluation: Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of iron oxides and hydroxides -E 172- as food additives. These findings inform its safety score of 4/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.