Caramel color

Caramel color includes plain caramel (I/E150a), caustic sulfite caramel (II/E150b), ammonia caramel (III/E150c), and sulfite ammonia caramel (IV/E150d). These are mixtures, and their manufacturing class matters. Classes III and IV can contain 4-MEI, which caused lung tumors in mice at doses far above estimated food exposure; Class III also contains THI, a by-product linked to immune effects in animals. FDA continues reviewing potential concerns with 4-MEI levels in these ammonia-based classes.

EFSA established a combined daily intake limit of 300 mg/kg body weight, with a lower 100 mg/kg limit for Class III within that total. Its refined exposure model found combined intake below the group limit, while some high Class III estimates exceeded its individual limit. Two 2026 analyses from the same French cohort linked estimated plain caramel intake to diabetes and cancer, and Class IV intake to diabetes. These associations warrant follow-up but cannot separate all dietary influences or establish causation.

Plain caramel is distinct from the classes associated with 4-MEI. Texas restricts Classes III and IV in specified school meals; that restriction does not cover every caramel class or all food sales.

Research reviewed on September 5, 2026 · 12 sources