E 150b Caustic sulphite caramel

What is E 150b?

E 150b is the E number of Caustic sulphite caramel. Brown colour made by heating sugars with sulphite compounds. It is used, for example, in spirits and vinegar.

What is E 150b used for?

E 150b belongs to the group "Colours" and is used as colour.

• Colour: Colours add or restore colour in a food.

Which foods may contain E 150b?

According to the European Commission's database, E 150b may be used in 58 food categories and subcategories, each only in specific products and usually with maximum levels. The categories come from these areas:

• Dairy products and analogues
• Edible ices
• Fruit and vegetables
• Confectionery
• Cereals and cereal products
• Bakery wares
• Meat
• Fish and fisheries products
• Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products
• Foods for specific groups (infants, young children, special medical purposes)
• Beverages
• Ready-to-eat savouries and snacks
• Desserts
• Food supplements
• Processed foods not covered by categories 1 to 17

Is E 150b vegan?

Usually yes: the substance is normally made from plant, mineral or synthetic raw materials or with microorganisms. In individual cases, only the manufacturer or a vegan label can give certainty.

Is E 150b linked to genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering: May be obtained from plants for which genetically modified varieties exist, such as soya, maize, rapeseed or sugar beet. If the substance comes from a GM plant, this must be stated on the label in the EU (Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003).

In food labelled "ohne Gentechnik" and in organic food, such substances from or by genetically modified organisms are excluded in principle.

How does E 150b appear on the label?

In the list of ingredients, the substance appears with its function, followed by the E number or the name, for example "Colour: E 150b" or "Colour: Caustic sulphite caramel".