E150C · Ammonia caramel
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E150C?
Ammonia caramel (Caramel Colour Class III) is produced by heating sugar with ammonium compounds, without sulphite. It gives a reddish-brown to dark brown color and is widely used in beer, baked goods, sauces, and confectionery. It is approved for food use in the EU and US within regulated limits and is considered safe for the general population.
Also appears on labels as: E150c, E 150c, E-150c, INS 150c, Ammonia caramel, Caramel colour III, Caramel color III, Ammonia process caramel, Ammonia caramel colour, Caramel III, Ammonia caramel color, Colour E150c.
What the evidence says
- Manufacturing can generate trace 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI); EFSA and FDA limits keep dietary exposure well below levels of concern.
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food-use levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E150C safe?
Our overall verdict for E150C (Ammonia caramel) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E150C vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ammonia caramel — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E150C and why is it used?
Ammonia caramel (Caramel Colour Class III) is produced by heating sugar with ammonium compounds, without sulphite. It gives a reddish-brown to dark brown color and is widely used in beer, baked goods, sauces, and confectionery. It is approved for food use in the EU and US within regulated limits and is considered safe for the general population.
Does E150C contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ammonia caramel.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.