Preservative And Caramel Color

Caramel color is a dark brown coloring made from heating carbohydrates like sugar or corn syrup. Depending on the manufacturing process, it can be made with or without ammonia or sulfites. It is one of the most widely used food colorings worldwide.

Caramel color is used to give foods a brown hue, mimicking the color of cooked or roasted ingredients. It is commonly found in beverages like sodas, baked goods, sauces, and confectionery.

Caramel color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Some types of caramel color, specifically Class III and IV, can contain byproducts like 4-MEI, which has raised concerns. However, regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA have reviewed caramel color and have not set specific limits for 4-MEI in foods, deeming it safe at typical consumption levels. JECFA has also evaluated caramel color.