Water And Modified Corn Starch Product Caramel Color Added

Caramel color is a food coloring made by heating carbohydrates, such as sugar or corn syrup. Modified corn starch is corn starch that has been altered physically or chemically to improve its performance in food products. When combined, they create a dark brown color.

This ingredient is added to foods to provide a brown color, mimicking the appearance of cooked or roasted products. It is frequently found in frozen dinners, gravies, sauces, and baked goods.

Caramel color is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated caramel colorings. Some studies have raised questions about certain compounds, like 4-MEI, which can form during the production of some caramel colors, but regulatory agencies have determined that levels found in food are not a health concern.