E150c

Ammonia Caramel

Class III Caramel Colour

⚠️ Safety Verdict: Generally Safe (Some Concerns)

E150c (Ammonia Caramel) is approved and widely used, but contains 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a processing byproduct that raised cancer concerns in animal studies. At typical consumption levels, the risk is considered minimal by EFSA and FDA. California requires warning labels on high-4-MEI products, leading manufacturers to reduce 4-MEI levels.

💡 The 4 Types of Caramel Colour

E150a – Plain caramel (no ammonia or sulphites) – safest
E150b – Caustic sulphite caramel
E150c – Ammonia caramel (contains 4-MEI)
E150d – Sulphite ammonia caramel (highest 4-MEI) – most controversial

What is E150c (Ammonia Caramel)?

E150c is a dark brown food colouring made by heating sugars with ammonia compounds. It gives beer, soy sauce, and other foods their characteristic brown colour.

Why it's used:

Colour – provides uniform brown colouring
Stability – stable in acidic and alcoholic products
Cost-effective – cheaper than natural alternatives
No flavour – doesn't affect taste like molasses would

Where is E150c Found?

Beer – especially dark beers, stouts, ales
Soy sauce
Malt vinegar
Gravy and stock products
Some baked goods

The 4-MEI Concern

⚠️ 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI)

E150c contains 4-MEI, a byproduct of the ammonia caramelisation process:

Animal studies showed cancer at very high doses
California listed 4-MEI under Proposition 65 (cancer warning required)
No human studies have linked dietary 4-MEI to cancer
EFSA concluded current consumption levels are not a health concern

The Context

The animal studies used doses thousands of times higher than typical human consumption:

To exceed the California warning threshold, you'd need to drink 1,000+ cans of cola daily
Manufacturers have reduced 4-MEI levels by 80-90% since concerns emerged
E150a (plain caramel) is now preferred where possible

Is E150c Safe?

At typical consumption levels, yes. Regulatory bodies confirm:

✅ EFSA – No safety concerns at current exposure levels
✅ FDA – Approved with no restrictions
⚠️ California Prop 65 – Warning required above 29mcg 4-MEI per serving

Practical Advice

✅ Occasional consumption is fine
✅ Modern formulations have much lower 4-MEI
✅ E150a is the safest caramel if you want to avoid 4-MEI entirely
⚠️ If concerned, limit daily cola/dark soda consumption

🔍 Identify Caramel Types with NutraSafe

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E150c vs Other Caramels

E150a – No 4-MEI, safest choice
E150b – Minimal 4-MEI
E150c – Contains 4-MEI (this one)
E150d – Highest 4-MEI, most controversial

The Bottom Line

E150c (Ammonia Caramel) is considered safe at typical consumption levels:

⚠️ Contains 4-MEI which raised concerns in animal studies
✅ Human exposure is thousands of times lower than concerning levels
✅ Manufacturers have reduced 4-MEI content significantly
✅ Approved by EFSA, FDA, and worldwide regulators
✅ E150a is available as a 4-MEI-free alternative

Last updated: February 2026