colour INS 153

Vegetable Carbon E153

Q: What is Vegetable Carbon (E153)?

Vegetable Carbon (E153) is a colour used in food products. It is natural and plant carbonization. While the raw materials are natural plant materials, vegetable carbon is produced through high-temperature carbonization processes. The product is essentially pure carbon derived from incomplete combustion of vegetable matter.

Q: Is Vegetable Carbon banned in any country?

Vegetable Carbon is banned in USA. Regulatory status varies by country. Always check with your local food regulatory authority for current information.

Q: What foods contain Vegetable Carbon?

Vegetable Carbon is used in various food categories including Cheese rind/coatings, Confectionery, Fine bakery wares. It is used as a colour in these products.

Q: Is Vegetable Carbon the same as Carbon black?

Yes, Vegetable Carbon is also known as Carbon black, Vegetable carbon black, Charcoal powder, CI 77266, Pigment Black 6. These are different names for the same substance.

natural — Primarily plant carbonization.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Banned

🇯🇵 Japan: Approved

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Approved

🇨🇦 Canada: Approved

Scientific Name

Carbon black (vegetable origin)

CAS: 1333-86-4

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?

Vegetable Carbon is derived from plant materials — its origin is more natural than its E-number might suggest.

Beyond food, Vegetable Carbon is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.

Regulatory opinions differ: Vegetable Carbon is approved in EU, JAPAN, CANADA but banned in USA. This reflects different risk assessment philosophies between regions.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis (in permitted categories) mg/kg

Must meet strict purity standards; carcinogenic PAHs must be <1.0 µg/kg (as benzo[a]pyrene)

Official EFSA Link

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

banned Not approved

FDA does not approve E153 for use in food

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

approved Cat: 既存添加物

Classified as existing food additive under Japanese regulations

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not specified

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not established

Natural Occurrence

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

Manufacturing

Method: high-temperature carbonization

Produced by carbonization of vegetable materials (wood, coconut shells, bamboo, peat, or other plant residues) at high temperatures in a limited supply of air, followed by steam activation. The process involves controlled incomplete combustion that converts organic plant matter into finely divided elemental carbon particles. This is literally burnt plant material processed into a stable black pigment.

Applications Beyond Food

Cosmetics

Used in cosmetics and personal care products for black coloring

Medical

Used as a colorant in pharmaceutical preparations and activated charcoal products

Industrial

Used in inks, paints, and industrial applications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vegetable Carbon (E153)?

Vegetable Carbon (E153) is a colour used in food products. It is natural and plant carbonization. While the raw materials are natural plant materials, vegetable carbon is produced through high-temperature carbonization processes. The product is essentially pure carbon derived from incomplete combustion of vegetable matter.

Is Vegetable Carbon banned in any country?

Vegetable Carbon is banned in USA. Regulatory status varies by country. Always check with your local food regulatory authority for current information.

What foods contain Vegetable Carbon?

Vegetable Carbon is used in various food categories including Cheese rind/coatings, Confectionery, Fine bakery wares. It is used as a colour in these products.

Is Vegetable Carbon the same as Carbon black?

Yes, Vegetable Carbon is also known as Carbon black, Vegetable carbon black, Charcoal powder, CI 77266, Pigment Black 6. These are different names for the same substance.