E150B · Colours

Caustic sulphite caramel

Limited risk

Caramel made with sulphite compounds.

Category: Colours
Acceptable daily intake: 300 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes

What it is

Caustic sulphite caramel (Class II) is caramel colour made with sulphite but no ammonia.

How it is used in food

Provides caramel color for spirits like whisky and brandy.

Commonly found in

Whisky and brandy
Vinegars
Sauces

Health and safety

Negligible residual sulphite.

Residual sulphite levels are considered safely negligible.

Regulatory status

Region	Status	Notes
Australia & New Zealand FSANZ	Permitted	Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union EFSA / European Commission	Permitted	Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration)	Permitted	Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives).

Identification on labels

E-number: E150b

Also printed asCaustic sulfite caramel

Worth knowing

Produced with sulphite compounds.

Conclusion

You do not need to steer clear of caustic sulphite caramel unless you are extremely sensitive to sulphite compounds. Produced without ammonium, this spirit and sauce colourant leaves only negligible residual sulphites that EFSA considers safely within its 300 mg per kg body weight daily limit. For the vast majority of people, its presence in whisky or vinegar is of minor concern.

References

EFSA evaluation of E150b — EFSA
Re-evaluation of caramel colours (E 150 a,b,c,d) as food additives — EFSA

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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