Food colorants are additives used to enhance or restore color in food products. In the EU, they are regulated under Regulation 1333/2008 and identified by E-numbers (E100–E199). Certain synthetic dyes — the “Southampton Six” — require the warning label “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” under Regulation 1333/2008. Ovalab provides accredited colorant analysis to verify compliance.
Key Facts About Food Colorants
- EU Regulation 1333/2008: Lists all authorized food colorants (E100–E199) with maximum permitted levels per food category in Annex II.
- Southampton Six: Sunset Yellow (E110), Quinoline Yellow (E104), Carmoisine (E122), Allura Red (E129), Tartrazine (E102), and Ponceau 4R (E124) require the warning “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”
- Titanium dioxide (E171): Banned as a food additive in the EU since August 2022 (Regulation EU 2022/63) following EFSA’s 2021 safety assessment that genotoxicity concerns could not be ruled out.
- Natural colorants: Include curcumin (E100), chlorophylls (E140), carotenoids (E160a), beetroot red (E162), and anthocyanins (E163) — generally with higher maximum levels or quantum satis authorization.
- Analysis methods: HPLC with UV-Vis or diode array detection for simultaneous identification and quantification of synthetic and natural colorants in food matrices.
Testing Methods at Ovalab
Ovalab determines synthetic and natural food colorants using HPLC with UV-Vis/DAD detection. The laboratory can simultaneously identify and quantify multiple E-number dyes in confectionery, beverages, dairy, and processed foods. Testing under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation (ČIA Certificate 537/2025) ensures results are accepted for regulatory compliance with Regulation 1333/2008 and HACCP verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which food colorants are banned in the EU?
Titanium dioxide (E171) was banned as a food additive in the EU from August 2022 (Regulation EU 2022/63). Several other colorants authorized elsewhere (e.g., FD&C Red No. 3 in the USA) have never been authorized in the EU.
What are the Southampton Six colorants?
Sunset Yellow (E110), Quinoline Yellow (E104), Carmoisine (E122), Allura Red (E129), Tartrazine (E102), and Ponceau 4R (E124). Products containing these must carry the warning about possible effects on children’s attention and activity.
What are E-numbers?
E-numbers are codes assigned to substances authorized as food additives in the EU. Colorants are E100–E199, preservatives E200–E299, antioxidants E300–E399, and so on. The ‘E’ indicates evaluation and approval by EU authorities.
Can Ovalab detect unauthorized colorants?
Yes. Ovalab’s HPLC-DAD methods can detect both authorized and unauthorized colorants, including illegal dyes such as Sudan I-IV that have been found as adulterants in spices and sauces.
How are natural colorants regulated differently?
Natural colorants often have higher maximum levels or are authorized quantum satis (as much as needed) under Regulation 1333/2008. However, they still require compliance verification, especially for extracts where active pigment content varies.