Color Additive · EU 172
Yellow 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, Yellow 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.
The verdict
Yellow Iron Oxide is FDA-approved, and no U.S. state has moved to restrict it.
- 4/5
- Low Risk
- Approved
- FDA status
- Approved
- EU status
- 0
- state regulations
E-number regulatory snapshot
Yellow Iron Oxide: no OFF product match; EU code 172 is the standout identifier.
| Property | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| E-Number | 172 | EU additive register |
| FDA Status | Approved | FDA SAFFA |
| EU Status | Approved | EC 1333/2008 |
| 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 | Not yet tracked | 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 Yellow Iron Oxide?
Yellow 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 Yellow Iron Oxide
Product-count (0) 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 Yellow Iron Oxide safe to consume?
Yellow Iron Oxide scores 4/5 (Low Risk). FDA status is Approved. No OFF product match yet; EU additive code 172 is the standout identifier on this row.
What is Yellow Iron Oxide used for in food?
Yellow Iron Oxide (172) is catalogued for Processed foods, beverages, confectionery; treat uses as SAFFA class, not shelf count.
What health concerns are associated with Yellow Iron Oxide?
Research has identified the following health concerns for Yellow 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.