✅ Safety Verdict: Safe
E172 (Iron Oxides) is considered safe by food safety authorities worldwide. It's a mineral compound (essentially rust) that's poorly absorbed by the body and passes through largely unchanged. It's one of the safer food colourings available.
What is E172 (Iron Oxides)?
E172 is a group of Iron Oxide compounds – mineral pigments that create red, yellow, and black colours.
E172(i)
Red
E172(ii)
Yellow
E172(iii)
Black
What they are:
- E172(i) - Red iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) – same compound as rust
- E172(ii) - Yellow iron oxide (FeO(OH)) – hydrated form
- E172(iii) - Black iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) – magnetite
Why they're used:
- Stable colours – don't fade easily
- Heat resistant – survive cooking
- Natural mineral origin – not synthetic dyes
- Inexpensive and widely available
Where is E172 Found?
Food Products:
- Cake decorations and icing
- Chocolate coatings
- Confectionery – coloured sweets
- Meat products – to enhance colour
- Salmon and fish – colour enhancement
- Cheese rinds
- Seasoning mixes
Non-Food Products:
- Cosmetics – foundations, eyeshadows, lipsticks
- Medicines – pill coatings
- Paints and pigments
- Ceramics
Is E172 Safe?
✅ Safety Profile:
- Poorly absorbed – most passes through digestive system unchanged
- No ADI set – considered safe enough that limits aren't needed
- Natural mineral – not a synthetic chemical
- Long history of use – used for centuries in various applications
- Approved worldwide – EU, UK, US, Australia, etc.
💡 Does E172 Add Iron to Your Diet?
No. Although E172 contains iron, it's in a form (iron oxide) that your body cannot absorb well. It won't contribute meaningfully to your iron intake – the iron passes through your digestive system largely unchanged.
Minimal Concerns:
- Nanoparticle form – some concern about nano-sized iron oxide, but not commonly used in food
- Purity standards – must meet strict purity requirements to limit heavy metal contamination
E172 vs Synthetic Dyes
E172 is often considered a better alternative to synthetic dyes:
- ✅ Not linked to hyperactivity (unlike azo dyes)
- ✅ No warning labels required
- ✅ Natural mineral origin
- ✅ Very stable – doesn't break down into other compounds
- ✅ Vegan-friendly
Regulatory Status
UK/EU: Approved with no ADI (considered safe at all normal usage levels)
US: FDA approved for cosmetics; limited food use
Note: More restricted in the US for food than in the EU
Who Should Avoid E172?
Almost No One Needs to Avoid:
- E172 is considered safe for virtually everyone
- No common allergies or sensitivities
- Safe for children
- Safe during pregnancy
Rare Considerations:
- Hemochromatosis (iron overload disorder) – theoretically could be a concern, but absorption is so low it's unlikely to matter
The Bottom Line
- ✅ Considered very safe – one of the safest colourings
- ✅ Natural mineral origin – not a synthetic chemical
- ✅ Poorly absorbed – passes through body unchanged
- ✅ No hyperactivity concerns – unlike many other colours
- ✅ Vegan – mineral-based, no animal products
- ✅ No warning labels required
Our recommendation: E172 is one of the safest food colourings available. If you're concerned about artificial colours, E172 is a better choice than many synthetic dyes. There's no need to actively avoid it – it's well-tolerated by virtually everyone.
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Last updated: February 2026