E175 · Gold
- WHO
- Use caution
- FDA
- Better avoided
- EFSA
- Use caution
- FSANZ
- Safe in moderation
- Japan
- Better avoided
- UK FSA
- Safe in moderation
- Health Canada
- Better avoided
What is E175?
E175 is metallic gold used purely as a surface decoration on confectionery, chocolates, and similar products, such as gold leaf on cakes or liqueurs. In the EU/UK it is authorised only for narrow decorative purposes. EFSA's 2016 re-evaluation could not establish an acceptable daily intake (ADI) or fully confirm safety, citing limited toxicological data and uncertainty about particle size, including possible nanoscale fractions. The U.S. FDA permits gold as a color additive exempt from certification for food surface decoration under specific conditions; other jurisdictions vary in whether they authorise it.
Also appears on labels as: Gold, Gold Leaf, Gold Flakes, Edible Gold, Food Grade Gold, E175, E 175, E-175, INS 175, Au, Aurum, Metallic Gold.
What the evidence says
- Limited toxicological data; EFSA could not establish an ADI in its 2016 review.
- Uncertainty around particle size distribution and potential nanoscale fraction in commercial gold leaf/powder.
- Typical dietary exposure from decorative use is very small, but regulatory status varies by country.
Frequently asked questions
Is E175 safe?
Our overall verdict for E175 (Gold) is “Better avoided”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: better avoided; WHO: use caution; EFSA: use caution; FSANZ: safe in moderation; Japan: better avoided; UK FSA: safe in moderation; Health Canada: better avoided.
Is E175 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Gold — 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 E175 and why is it used?
E175 is metallic gold used purely as a surface decoration on confectionery, chocolates, and similar products, such as gold leaf on cakes or liqueurs. In the EU/UK it is authorised only for narrow decorative purposes. EFSA's 2016 re-evaluation could not establish an acceptable daily intake (ADI) or fully confirm safety, citing limited toxicological data and uncertainty about particle size, including possible nanoscale fractions. The U.S. FDA permits gold as a color additive exempt from certification for food surface decoration under specific conditions; other jurisdictions vary in whether they authorise it.
Does E175 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Gold.
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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.