Tag: E100

Over 1 billion people use turmeric every day, and its active compound, curcumin, is responsible for its vibrant yellow color. As a food additive in the European Union, this natural coloring agent, often derived from turmeric, is identified by its official E number. For those curious about the ingredients in their food, knowing this designation is a simple way to identify the source of yellow and orange hues.

In Europe, E100 is the official designation for curcumin, the primary active chemical compound found within the turmeric plant. However, this designation doesn't mean E100 is the same as turmeric; the relationship is more nuanced, similar to how vitamin C differs from an orange.

Kodak's 2018 reintroduction of Ektachrome E100 delighted analog photographers worldwide, but it still begs the question: is E100 color positive? The definitive answer is yes; it is a color reversal film that produces a positive image directly onto the film base during the E-6 development process.

According to the Food Standards Agency, E100, also known as curcumin, is authorized for use as a food additive in the EU, and has been deemed safe at an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 3 mg/kg body weight. Understanding what this common yellow coloring is, and how it impacts your health, is crucial for making informed dietary choices.

Over 1.1 million tons of curcumin are produced annually, with around 80% originating from India. For many consumers, encountering the code 'E100' on a food label raises the important question: 'What does E100 mean in food?' This E-number is the European designation for curcumin, a naturally derived coloring agent with a long history of use.