FDA Status
Approved
Caramel Color (E150a-d), CAS 8028-89-5, is a color additive additive holding a composite safety score of 3 out of 5 (Mixed Evidence). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently classifies it as Approved, while the European Union lists it as Approved. This ingredient appears in approximately 5,217 tracked food products across our database. It is most commonly used as Cola, soy sauce, beer, bread, pet food.
No U.S. state has enacted specific legislation targeting Caramel Color to date, keeping federal FDA classification as the operative standard. State-level food safety legislation remains active nationally, and that picture may shift as new bills advance.
Peer-reviewed research has flagged 1 distinct area of health concern for Caramel Color, which factors directly into the assigned safety score. All figures above draw on FDA SAFFA inventory records, EU food additive regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, EFSA scientific opinions where published, and legislative records from individual U.S. states.
Regulatory Snapshot
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| E-Number | E150a-d | EU additive register |
| CAS Number | 8028-89-5 | CAS Registry |
| Category | Color Additive | FDA functional class |
| Composite Safety Score | 3 / 5 (Mixed Evidence) | PlainIngredients methodology |
| EFSA ADI | Not established | EFSA scientific opinion |
| U.S. State Actions | 0 states | State legislative records |
| Tracked Products | 5,217 | 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.
3.0 / 5
Composite Safety Mixed Evidence
Safety Score: 3 out of 5
Safety Rating 60.0%
EU Status
Approved
E150a-d
U.S. State Regulations
0 states
None enacted
Safety Assessment
Caramel Color receives a safety score of 3/5 (Mixed Evidence) based on a composite analysis of FDA regulatory status, EU approval, scientific literature on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. The FDA has approved Caramel Color for use in food products under specified conditions.
Research has identified 1 area of health concern associated with Caramel Color. Consumers with specific health conditions should consult a healthcare provider before consuming products containing this ingredient.
What is Caramel Color?
Made by heating sugars. Four classes (I-IV). Class IV (ammonia caramel) is most controversial.
Health Concerns
- Class IV contains 4-MEI, a possible carcinogen. California requires Prop 65 warning.
Common Uses
Cola, soy sauce, beer, bread, pet food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caramel Color safe to consume?
Caramel Color has a safety score of 3/5 (Mixed Evidence). It is approved by the FDA for use in food. As with all food additives, moderation is advisable.
What is Caramel Color used for in food?
Caramel Color is commonly used as: Cola, soy sauce, beer, bread, pet food. It belongs to the Color Additive category of food additives.
Is Caramel Color banned in any US states?
Currently, no US states have enacted specific bans or regulations targeting Caramel Color. However, state food safety legislation is evolving rapidly.
What is the difference between FDA and EU regulation of Caramel Color?
The FDA classifies Caramel Color as "Approved", while the EU status is "Approved" (E150a-d). The FDA and EU use separate evaluation frameworks — the EU often applies the precautionary principle, sometimes banning additives that remain approved in the US. Always check both jurisdictions when evaluating food additive safety.
What health concerns are associated with Caramel Color?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Caramel Color: Class IV contains 4-MEI, a possible carcinogen. California requires Prop 65 warning.. These findings inform its safety score of 3/5. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
How is the safety score for Caramel Color calculated?
The safety score of 3/5 for Caramel Color is a composite assessment based on FDA regulatory status, EU approval status, published scientific research on health effects, and state-level legislative actions. A score of 1 means "Banned / Avoid" and 5 means "Generally Safe." The score is updated as new regulatory actions or scientific evidence emerge.
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Related Data Sources
Data Sources
- FDA Substances Added to Food (SAFFA) Inventory
- EU Food Additive Regulations (EC) No 1333/2008
- State food safety legislation and bill records
Related Resources
Related Color Additive Ingredients
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Related
Data sourced from official EWG, FDA GRAS, and ingredient toxicology databases. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainIngredients Editorial