Orcein
A natural lichen dye, no longer authorised in the EU.
- Category
- Colours
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
What it is
Orcein is a natural purple-red dye made from lichens, one of the oldest colouring materials in use.
How it is used in food
Gives a purple-red from a natural source, at a time when few other purples were available.
Commonly found in- Wines and liqueurs
- Confectionery
- Baked goods
Health and safety
The reason to avoid it is regulatory rather than toxicological: it is not on the EU list of authorised food colours, so it has no modern evaluation and no acceptable intake behind it. No specific harm has been demonstrated.
Not authorised as a food colour in the EU. Its main modern use is as a biological stain in microscopy rather than in food.
Regulatory status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand FSANZ |
Permitted | Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code. |
| European Union EFSA / European Commission |
Not approved | Not on the EU authorised list of food additives (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
- E182
Worth knowing
The same lichens give us litmus — the paper that turns red in acid and blue in alkali is made from the same extract.
Conclusion
An obsolete and banned food dye.
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Open the appEntry last reviewed 2026-07-28.
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