E150 (d) - Sulphite Ammonia Caramel

Caramel coloring 4 (Caramel 4 - Ammonia-sulphite) is a natural food coloring with number E150d . It is approved for use as a colorant. The caramel color is obtained by the thermal decomposition of various sugars. In terms of chemical structure, caramel dyes belong to melanins - a group of heteropolymer colloidal pigments with a complex structure. Melanins isolated from plant tissues have radioprotective properties, protect against damage and mutation due to radiation.

Nature and origin of the additive

The colorant E150d helps to eliminate the formation of sediment in the products - this is due to the property of its molecules to have a positive or negative residual charge (depending on the reagents used in production).

Like all types of additives from the E150 group, the colorant E150d is produced by heat treatment of the carbohydrates glucose and sucrose. The main difference from the other additives in the E150 group is that ammonium and sulfite compounds (bases and acids) are added to the reaction mixture during the production process. Additives such as ammonium phosphate, ammonium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, ammonium sulphate, ammonium sulphite and bisulphite, sodium sulphite and bisulphite, potassium sulphite and bisulphite, ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate can be used in the production of E150d.

Main characteristics of the additive ammonia-sulphite caramel (E150d):

• Color - dark brown, almost black (the darkest in the group);
• Smell - of burnt sugar;
• Consistency - powder, thick liquid or dark brown solution;
• The taste is bitter.

Properties of caramel (ammonium sulfite):

• It is suitable as an additive for products that in the process of processing and cooking are exposed to high temperature and pressure, and have high acidity. It is also resistant to light exposure.
• The additive E150d is highly soluble in water and has high microbiological stability. Due to this, no harmful microorganisms are formed in the final product.

Effect of the E150d supplement on the body:

The E150 supplement group is generally considered safe when taken as part of the recommended daily intake.

The food supplement E150d is the most dangerous of all from the E150 group. According to some studies, ammonia-sulfite caramel has a weak carcinogenic effect, can cause cancer and gastrointestinal problems. At the same time, according to the WHO expert commission, the colorant is considered safe for the body if its maximum daily dose of 200 mg per 1 kg of body weight is not exceeded.

Use of ammonium sulfite caramel (E150d)

Most often, the food additive E150d - caramel (ammonium sulfite) is used to color drinks (alcoholic and soft). It is also used for coloring other products in different shades of caramel, brown and beige. These are:

• confectionery - biscuits, pastries, gingerbread;
• bakery products;
• frozen desserts;
• alcoholic beverages - wine, cider, whiskey, cognac, liqueur, bitter infusion (bitter), beer;
• soft drinks - cola and others;
• meat delicacies and sausages, pate, boiled meat, sausages and sausages;
• semi-finished products;
• canned vegetables;
• marinati;
• spices for meat sauces;
• pickles;
• canned and jams;
• compotes;
• citrus marmalades;
• canned mushrooms;
• dry soups;
• chocolate butter;
• dairy desserts;
• vinegar.

Ammonium sulphite caramel as a food additive E150d is not banned for use in the food industry, but in some countries (including the United States) the manufacturer must indicate its content on the label. The colorant is approved for use in products in Russia and Ukraine.