Tag: E172

According to regulatory bodies like the FDA, food-grade iron oxides (E172) are generally considered safe for consumption at controlled levels, but the question remains: how much iron oxide is safe to eat? Unlike some forms of bioavailable iron, the iron oxides used in food are poorly absorbed by the digestive system and are not considered a significant health risk in regulated quantities.

Iron deficiency affects millions globally, and while some specially formulated iron oxides are being explored for supplements, the general answer to whether iron oxide is good for health is complex and context-dependent. For industrial workers, inhaling iron oxide dust poses significant risks, while consumers might encounter it as a harmless food additive (E172).

In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that an adequate assessment of the food additive E172 (iron oxides and hydroxides) could not be carried out due to insufficient data. This raises an important and persistent question for consumers and manufacturers alike: is E172 safe?

According to regulatory information, the food additive E172, composed of iron oxides and hydroxides, is widely permitted as a safe food colorant in many regions globally, including the EU. It is a durable, heat-stable mineral pigment used to produce a range of yellow, red, black, and brown shades in various processed food products.

While the mineral hematite has been used as a pigment for thousands of years, food-grade red iron oxide (E172) is now primarily produced synthetically to ensure purity and consistency. This versatile food colorant, also known as ferric oxide, imparts a strong, stable deep red hue to a variety of processed foods and pharmaceuticals.

According to the FDA, iron oxides have been approved for use as natural colorants in various foods, which stands in stark contrast to the synthetic origin of Red 40. This distinction reveals that, despite having similar shades of red, red iron oxide and Red 40 are not the same substance.

Over 40,000 years ago, natural iron oxides were used as pigments in prehistoric cave paintings. Today, many people wonder, **what is red iron oxide made of**, and how does this substance end up coloring food and dietary supplements?.