colour INS 150b

Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel E150b

natural-derived — Primarily heat-treated carbohydrate.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved
🇺🇸 USA: Approved
🇯🇵 Japan: Approved
🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved
🇨🇦 Canada: Approved
Scientific Name

Caustic sulfite caramel

CAS: 8028-89-5

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

? Did You Know?

Beyond food, Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel is also used in medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

In the EU, Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

Widely permitted in more than 55 food categories

Official EFSA Link
🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

approved GRAS, Exempt from certification

Regulated as a direct food additive under FDA CFR titles.

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Classified as Caramel II in Japanese regulations

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

0–160 mg/kg bw/day

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not specified

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: heat treatment with sulfite compounds

Made by controlled heating of food-grade carbohydrates (sugars) with or without acids or alkalis in the presence of sulfite compounds. No ammonium compounds are used in this class. The sulfite incorporation gives the caramel a negative charge, making it suitable for specific beverage applications.

Applications Beyond Food

Medical

May be used as a colorant in some pharmaceutical preparations

Industrial

Used in industrial liquor coloring applications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel (E150b)?
Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel (E150b) is a colour used in food products. It is natural-derived and heat-treated carbohydrate. Produced by controlled heat treatment of carbohydrates in the presence of sulfite compounds. Though made from natural sugars, the product is manufactured and not found in nature.
What is the ADI for Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel is 0–160 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
What foods contain Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel?
Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel is used in various food categories including Beverages, Savoury snacks. It is used as a colour in these products.
Is Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel the same as Sulfite caramel?
Yes, Caramel II - Caustic Sulfite Caramel is also known as Sulfite caramel, Class II caramel, Caustic sulphite caramel. These are different names for the same substance.