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E 153Colours

Vegetable carbon

Characteristics

Additive NameVegetable carbon
E No.E 153
TypeIndividual Substance
In plain language

A black colouring agent made from charred plant materials — wood, peat, or vegetable matter. Used to give foods a deep black or dark grey colour, mainly in specialty cheeses, certain fish products, and some processed foods. Not widely authorised across the EU — permitted only in a handful of food categories. Generally considered safe at the levels used. No significant health concerns at typical dietary exposure.

Conditions of Use

This additive is authorised to be used in the following 3 food categories:

1.7.2ripened cheese
Quantum satis (no max)
only morbier cheese
9.2Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans
Quantum satis (no max)
only fish paste and crustacean paste
4.2.4.1fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote
Quantum satis (no max)
Only seaweed based fish roe analogues

Source

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E 153 - Vegetable carbon | E-Number Information