Caramel colour class IV (E150d)

Also known as: E150d, ammonia-sulfite caramel, 4-MEI

Moderate concernunder our published method

By NordicScan Evidence Engine · generated from structured evidence records · source spans verified by automated gates · Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · how we score.

What it is

Caramel colour class IV is an ammonia-sulfite caramel colour used in colas, sauces, beers and other dark foods or drinks.

Why people ask

People ask because caramel colour is permitted for food use, while 4-MEI, a process-related constituent, has a California Proposition 65 listing.

What our method flags — by use

Food · US / California

Our method rates caramel colour class IV as moderate-concern with a hazard flag: caramel colour is permitted for food use, and 4-MEI carries a California listing signal.

California listed by Proposition 65 4-methylimidazole, a constituent tracked for some caramel colour processes, as currently listed for cancer.

Authority / source	Finding (our paraphrase)	Evidence tier	Date	Link
California OEHHA	California listed by Proposition 65 4-methylimidazole, a constituent tracked for some caramel colour processes, as currently listed for cancer.	authority_regulatory	2011-01-07	source
eCFR / US FDA	FDA listed by regulation caramel as a colour additive for food use in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice.	authority_regulatory / --	2026-07-06	source

Evidence coverage for this use: Fair (computed from source count × authority tier × recency; signals depth, does not change the concern band).

How this moves a product’s score

On a product score, class IV caramel colour contributes a moderate concern signal with a California listing flag for 4-MEI; the page keeps the constituent signal separate from the general food-colour listing.

Nordic Scan provides ingredient information and a concern score under our published method, for general consumer research. It is not medical advice and not a medical device, and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or determine the safety of any product. Decide for yourself.

Common questions

Is every caramel colour class IV product treated the same?: The score uses the ingredient label signal and reports the 4-MEI authority cell separately; it does not estimate a product-specific 4-MEI amount.

This is what Caramel colour class IV (E150d) is. What’s in the products you buy? Scan a label and see the concern signals our method flags. Get the app.

Reviewed 2026-07-08 · Evidence snapshot geo-wave1-evidence-snapshot-2026-07-08 · Scoring engine det_v3 · Sources checked 2026-07-08 · See how we score.