Back to catalogSafety
E172ColorantLow concern
Iron Oxides
In plain words
The short version
Mineral pigments providing red, yellow, and black tones — increasingly used as a natural replacement for titanium dioxide.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI of 0.5 mg/kg body weight expressed as iron (JECFA). Iron is an essential nutrient at low levels; the additive use contributes a small fraction of dietary iron compared to fortified flours. Considered safe at typical use levels.
The detail
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.