Caramels

Basic Information

Field	Content
Chinese name	Caramels
English name	Caramels
INS/E number	INS 150
Functional class	Colour
Year adopted	1964
Approved by	Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA)

What is it?

Caramels (INS 150) are brown to black colours produced by heating sugars; classified into four classes (150a–150d) by production method.

Source

Industrial：控制加热（焦糖化）制成，可按需加酸/碱/盐

Why is it used?

• Provides a brown colour
• Used to colour colas, soy sauce, beer
• Enhances appearance and flavour perception

Common Foods

• Cola beverages
• Soy sauce
• Beer
• Spirits
• Confectionery
• Bakery products

Safety

作为广泛使用的着色剂，在规定限量内总体安全；氨法焦糖（150c/150d）需关注 4-甲基咪唑（4-MEI）残留。

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：0-200 mg/kg bw (以焦糖色计，按类别不同)

Concerns：

• 氨法焦糖可能含 4-甲基咪唑（4-MEI）
• 亚硫酸铵法含亚硫酸盐残留

Usage Standard

China：GB 2760（普通法/氨法/亚硫酸铵法分别管理）

International：

• EU 1333/2008 Annex II (E 150a–E 150d)
• FDA 21 CFR 73.85 (caramel colour)
• Codex GSFA (INS 150)
• FSANZ (150)

In a nutshell

Caramel colour is a brown colour made by heating sugars, widely used.

Consumer Advice

Caramel colour is a brown colouring made by heating sugars such as sucrose or glucose. It comes in four classes depending on the production process (plain, caustic sulphite, ammonia, and sulphite ammonia caramel) and is used in cola drinks, soy sauce, vinegar, baked goods, sweets and meat products. It is approved in China and the EU (E150a-d) and is one of the most widely consumed food colours in the world. It is considered safe at approved levels; ammonia and sulphite-ammonia types contain trace amounts of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), which is well below levels of concern in compliant products.

Dietary Restrictions

• Vegan: ✅
• Halal: ✅
• Kosher: ✅

Allergens

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.