aluminium
Basic Information
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Chinese name | aluminium |
| English name | aluminium |
| INS/E number | INS 173 |
| Functional class | Colour |
| Year adopted | To be added. |
| Approved by | European Union (EFSA) |
What is it?
Aluminium (INS 173) is a silver-white colour used as metal aluminium powder or flakes, exploiting its metallic lustre to decorate food surfaces such as coatings, chocolate and liqueurs.
Source
Industrial：电解铝、研磨制成食品级铝粉/铝薄片，控制粒度与纯度
Why is it used?
- Provides silver metallic lustre
- Decorates sugar coatings and chocolate
- Surface decoration in liqueurs
- Enhances premium appearance
- Blended for pearlescent/metallic effects
Common Foods
- Sugar coatings and decoration
- Chocolate products
- Liqueurs
- Confectionery
- Bakery decoration
Safety
ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：Not applicable (evaluated, no limit set)
Concerns：
- 铝的膳食总摄入需关注
- 部分法域限制或禁用
- 应为不溶性、仅表面使用
Usage Standard
China：GB 2760（铝色淀及相关，按具体管理）
International：
- EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex II (E 173) 限特定用途
- FDA 21 CFR 73.1645 (Aluminium powder)
- Codex GSFA (INS 173)
- FSANZ Food Standards Code (Aluminium, 173)
In a nutshell
Aluminium is a silver metallic surface colour; as an insoluble particle it is relatively safe but total aluminium intake should be watched.
Consumer Advice
Metallic aluminium is approved in the European Union (E173) only for the decorative external coating of sugar confectionery and is not an essential ingredient. It is not approved in China or the United States. Because metallic aluminium is not absorbed by the body and passes through the digestive tract, its use within the permitted scope is considered safe; consumers far more commonly encounter aluminium from cookware than from this additive.
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.