Caramel Color Class Iv

Caramel color class IV is a dark brown liquid or solid made by heating carbohydrates, such as sugar or corn syrup, with ammonia and sulfites. This process creates a range of brown colors. It is one of four classes of caramel colorings.

Manufacturers use caramel color class IV to give foods a brown or caramel hue. It is commonly found in baked goods, soft drinks, sauces, gravies, and confectionery.

Caramel color class IV is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated caramel colors. Some studies have raised concerns about certain compounds, like 4-MEI, which can be present in some caramel colors, but levels in food are generally considered safe by regulatory agencies.