What is E172? Iron Oxides and Hydroxides Explained
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E172 is Iron Oxides and Hydroxides — a colour (mineral) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
What is E172 (Iron Oxides and Hydroxides)?
E172 is Iron Oxides and Hydroxides, a food additive classified as a colour that give food its colour. A colour (mineral) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks. You'll find it in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing and many other packaged foods. Like every E-number, E172 has been authorised for use in food following an EFSA safety evaluation — though authorisation doesn't mean concern-free, as the safety section below explains.
Where is E172 found?
E172 (Iron Oxides and Hydroxides) is found in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks, cake icing, jams and preserves, ready meals, desserts.
- sweets and confectionery
- soft drinks
- cake icing
- jams and preserves
- ready meals
- desserts
Is E172 safe?
EFSA has reviewed E172 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Iron Oxides and Hydroxides to harm at normal dietary intakes.
EFSA opinion: Iron Oxides and Hydroxides — status Safe.
Check the calorie content of foods containing E172. If you’re pregnant, see our pregnancy food safety guide.
Related to E172 (Iron Oxides and Hydroxides)
Products relevant to this additive and your dietary choices
Natural Food Colouring
Plant-based and fruit-extract alternatives to synthetic colours.
Natural Food Dyes
Gel and powder colours from natural sources.
E172 FAQs
What is E172 in food?
E172 is Iron Oxides and Hydroxides — a colour (mineral) used in sweets and confectionery, soft drinks.
Is E172 safe to eat?
EFSA has reviewed E172 and considers it safe for human consumption at the levels used in food. No credible evidence links Iron Oxides and Hydroxides to harm at normal dietary intakes.
Is E172 vegan?
E172 (Iron Oxides and Hydroxides) is vegan. It is derived from mineral, with no animal involvement in standard food production.
Is E172 halal?
E172 (Iron Oxides and Hydroxides) is halal. It is derived from mineral, which involves no haram sources.
Related Colours additives
Also check: safe for cats? · safe for dogs? · calorie checker · medication interactions
Data: Open Food Facts (ODbL) · EFSA