E173 · Aluminium
- WHO
- Safe in moderation
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Safe in moderation
- FSANZ
- Better avoided
- Japan
- Better avoided
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E173?
E173 is metallic aluminium used purely as a surface colour for decoration, such as the shiny coating on sugar-panned confectionery, cake decorations, and pastries. EFSA has set a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg/kg body weight per week for aluminium from all dietary sources combined, since aluminium can accumulate in the body over time. In the EU/UK it is authorised only for narrow decorative uses; the US, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, and Japan do not approve it as a food colour.
Also appears on labels as: Aluminium, Aluminum, Al, Aluminium metal, Aluminum metal, Aluminium powder, Aluminum powder, Elemental aluminium, Elemental aluminum, Aluminium (E173), E173, E 173.
What the evidence says
- Aluminium can accumulate in the body; EFSA set a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg/kg bw/week for total dietary aluminium exposure.
- High consumers of aluminium from all dietary sources combined (not just E173) can approach or exceed the TWI, though E173's own contribution is typically small given its limited decorative use.
Research behind the verdict
- Safety of aluminium from dietary intake — EFSA AFC Panel, EFSA Journal (2008). EFSA set a TWI of 1 mg/kg bw/week for aluminium; noted potential exceedance in parts of the population and accumulation concerns. In the EU, E173 is authorised only for external coating of sugar confectionery for decoration of cakes and pastries (quantum satis).[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E173 safe?
Our overall verdict for E173 (Aluminium) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: safe in moderation; EFSA: safe in moderation; FSANZ: better avoided; Japan: better avoided; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E173 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Aluminium — 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 E173 and why is it used?
E173 is metallic aluminium used purely as a surface colour for decoration, such as the shiny coating on sugar-panned confectionery, cake decorations, and pastries. EFSA has set a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg/kg body weight per week for aluminium from all dietary sources combined, since aluminium can accumulate in the body over time. In the EU/UK it is authorised only for narrow decorative uses; the US, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, and Japan do not approve it as a food colour.
Does E173 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Aluminium.
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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.