Cross-reference between US and EU food color additive systems. Each record is one color additive with its FD&C designation (US), E-number (EU), chemical/CI name, CAS number, US regulatory status (approved/banned, permitted uses by application category), EU regulatory status (permitted/banned, Group classification, maximum levels by food category), and key differences. Answers 'is Red 40 banned in Europe?' (no — E129, permitted with warning label), 'what is the EU maximum level of Allura Red in soft drinks?' (Group III combined 100 mg/L), 'which US food colors have no EU equivalent?' (FD&C Green No. 3), 'is titanium dioxide allowed in food in the EU?' (no — E171 banned Aug 2022), and 'what are the Southampton six dyes and what warning do they require?'

US federal regulations are government works, public domain. EU regulations as retained in UK law are published under Crown copyright with Open Government Licence. Facts (regulatory status, maximum levels) are not copyrightable in either jurisdiction.

Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Allura red AC

**EU E-number:** E 129

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 129 | Allura red AC

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Allura red AC — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Aluminium

**EU E-number:** E 173

**EU food use status:** only external coating of sugar confectionery for the decoration of cakes and pastries

> E 173 | Aluminium | quantum satis | | only external coating of sugar confectionery for the decoration of cakes and pastries |

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Aluminium — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Amaranth

**EU E-number:** E 123

**EU food use status:** only wine-based aperitif

> E 123 | Amaranth | 30 | | only wine-based aperitif

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Amaranth — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Ammonia caramel

**EU E-number:** E 150c

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | E 150c | Ammonia caramel

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Ammonia caramel — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Annatto bixin

**EU E-number:** E 160b(i)

**EU food use status:** only ripened orange, yellow and broken-white cheese and red and green pesto cheese

> E 160b(i) | Annatto bixin | 15 | (94) | only ripened orange, yellow and broken-white cheese and red and green pesto cheese

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Annatto bixin — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Annatto norbixin

**EU E-number:** E 160b(ii)

**EU food use status:** only ripened orange, yellow and broken-white cheese and red and green pesto cheese

> E 160b(ii) | Annatto norbixin | 15 | (94) | only ripened orange, yellow and broken-white cheese and red and green pesto cheese

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Annatto norbixin — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Anthocyanins

**EU E-number:** E 163

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | E 150c | Ammonia caramel | E 150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | E 153 | Vegetable carbon | E 160a | Carotenes | E 160c | Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin | E 162 | Beetroot Red, betanin | E 163 | Anthocyanins

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Anthocyanins — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Azorubine, Carmoisine

**EU E-number:** E 122

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Azorubine, Carmoisine — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Beetroot Red, betanin

**EU E-number:** E 162

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | E 150c | Ammonia caramel | E 150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | E 153 | Vegetable carbon | E 160a | Carotenes | E 160c | Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin | E 162 | Beetroot Red, betanin

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Beetroot Red, betanin — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Beta-apo-8′-carotenal (C 30)

**EU E-number:** E 160e

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 129 | Allura red AC | E 131 | Patent Blue V | E 132 | Indigotine, Indigo carmine | E 133 | Brilliant Blue FCF | E 142 | Green S | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32013R1274> ▼M35 | E 151 | Brilliant Black PN | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 155 | Brown HT | E 160e | Beta-apo-8′-carotenal (C 30)

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Beta-apo-8′-carotenal (C 30) — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Brilliant Black PN

**EU E-number:** E 151

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 129 | Allura red AC | E 131 | Patent Blue V | E 132 | Indigotine, Indigo carmine | E 133 | Brilliant Blue FCF | E 142 | Green S | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32013R1274> ▼M35 | E 151 | Brilliant Black PN

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Brilliant Black PN — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Brilliant Blue FCF

**EU E-number:** E 133

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 129 | Allura red AC | E 131 | Patent Blue V | E 132 | Indigotine, Indigo carmine | E 133 | Brilliant Blue FCF

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Brilliant Blue FCF — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Brown HT

**EU E-number:** E 155

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 129 | Allura red AC | E 131 | Patent Blue V | E 132 | Indigotine, Indigo carmine | E 133 | Brilliant Blue FCF | E 142 | Green S | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32013R1274> ▼M35 | E 151 | Brilliant Black PN | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 155 | Brown HT

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Brown HT — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** calcium carbonate

**EU E-number:** E 170

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | E 150c | Ammonia caramel | E 150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | E 153 | Vegetable carbon | E 160a | Carotenes | E 160c | Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin | E 162 | Beetroot Red, betanin | E 163 | Anthocyanins | E 170 | calcium carbonate

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

calcium carbonate — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Canthaxanthin

**EU E-number:** E 161g

**EU food use status:** not authorised in the food categories listed in Part D and E

> E 161g | Canthaxanthin ( *1 ) | E 162 | Beetroot Red, betanin | E 163 | Anthocyanins | E 170 | Calcium carbonate | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32022R0063> ▼M98 | E 171 | Titanium dioxide ( *2 ) | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 172 | Iron oxides and hydroxides | E 173 | Aluminium | E 174 | Silver | E 175 | Gold | E 180 | Litholrubine BK | ( 1 ) The term caramel relates to products of a more or less intense brown colour which are intended for colouring. It does not correspond to the sugary aromatic product obtained from heating sugars and which is used for flavouring food (e.g. confectionery, pastry, alcoholic drinks). ( *1 ) Canthaxanthin is not authorised in the food categories listed in Part D and E.

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Canthaxanthin — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Carminic acid, Carmine

**EU E-number:** E 120

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Carminic acid, Carmine — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Carotenes

**EU E-number:** E 160a

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | E 150c | Ammonia caramel | E 150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | E 153 | Vegetable carbon | E 160a | Carotenes

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Carotenes — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Caustic sulphite caramel

**EU E-number:** E 150b

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Caustic sulphite caramel — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins

**EU E-number:** E 140

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Citrus Red No. 2

**US FD&C designation:** Citrus Red No. 2

**US food use status:** shall be used only for coloring the skins of oranges that are not intended or used for processing

> Citrus Red No. 2 shall be used only for coloring the skins of oranges that are not intended or used for processing (or if so used are designated in the trade as Packinghouse elimination ) and that meet minimum maturity standards established by or under the laws of the States in which the oranges are grown.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-74>

Citrus Red No. 2 — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins

**EU E-number:** E 141

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Curcumin

**EU E-number:** E 100

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Curcumin — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Erythrosine

**EU E-number:** E 127

**EU food use status:** only cocktail cherries and candied cherries

> E 127 | Erythrosine | 200 | | only cocktail cherries and candied cherries

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Erythrosine — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** FD&C Blue No. 1

**US FD&C designation:** FD&C Blue No. 1

**US food use status:** may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice

> FD&C Blue No. 1 may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice except that it may not be used to color foods for which standards of identity have been promulgated under section 401 of the act unless added color is authorized by such standards.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-74>

FD&C Blue No. 1 — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** FD&C Blue No. 2

**US FD&C designation:** FD&C Blue No. 2

**US food use status:** may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with current good manufacturing practice

> The color additive FD&C Blue No. 2 may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with current good manufacturing practice except that it may not be used to color foods for which standards of identity have been promulgated under section 401 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act unless added color is authorized by such standards.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-74>

FD&C Blue No. 2 — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** FD&C Green No. 3

**US FD&C designation:** FD&C Green No. 3

**US food use status:** may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with current good manufacturing practice

> The color additive FD&C Green No. 3 may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with current good manufacturing practice except that it may not be used to color foods for which standards of identity have been promulgated under section 401 of the act unless added color is authorized by such standards.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-74>

FD&C Green No. 3 — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** FD&C Red No. 3

**US FD&C designation:** FD&C Red No. 3

**US food use status:** may be safely used for coloring foods generally (including dietary supplements) in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice

> FD&C Red No. 3 may be safely used for coloring foods generally (including dietary supplements) in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice except that it may not be used to color foods for which standards of identity have been promulgated under section 401 of the act unless added color is authorized by such standards.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-74>

FD&C Red No. 3 — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** FD&C Red No. 40

**US FD&C designation:** FD&C Red No. 40

**US food use status:** may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice

> FD&C Red No. 40 may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice except that it may not be used to color foods for which standards of identity have been promulgated under section 401 of the act unless added color is authorized by such standards.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-74>

FD&C Red No. 40 — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** FD&C Yellow No. 5

**US FD&C designation:** FD&C Yellow No. 5

**US food use status:** may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice

> FD&C Yellow No. 5 may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with good manufacturing practice, except that it may not be used to color foods for which standards of identity have been promulgated under section 401 of the act unless added color is authorized by such standards.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-74>

FD&C Yellow No. 5 — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** FD&C Yellow No. 6

**US FD&C designation:** FD&C Yellow No. 6

**US food use status:** may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with current good manufacturing practice

> The color additive FD&C Yellow No. 6 may be safely used for coloring foods (including dietary supplements) generally in amounts consistent with current good manufacturing practice, except that it may not be used to color foods for which standards of identity have been promulgated under section 401 of the act unless added color is authorized by such standards.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-74>

FD&C Yellow No. 6 — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Gold

**EU E-number:** E 175

**EU food use status:** only external coating of confectionery

> E 175 | Gold | quantum satis | | only external coating of confectionery

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Gold — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Green S

**EU E-number:** E 142

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 129 | Allura red AC | E 131 | Patent Blue V | E 132 | Indigotine, Indigo carmine | E 133 | Brilliant Blue FCF | E 142 | Green S

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Green S — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Indigotine, Indigo carmine

**EU E-number:** E 132

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 129 | Allura red AC | E 131 | Patent Blue V | E 132 | Indigotine, Indigo carmine

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Indigotine, Indigo carmine — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Iron oxides and hydroxides

**EU E-number:** E 172

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | E 150c | Ammonia caramel | E 150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | E 153 | Vegetable carbon | E 160a | Carotenes | E 160c | Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin | E 162 | Beetroot Red, betanin | E 163 | Anthocyanins | E 170 | calcium carbonate | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32022R0063> ▼M98 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 172 | Iron oxides and hydroxides

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Iron oxides and hydroxides — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Litholrubine BK

**EU E-number:** E 180

> E 173 | Aluminium | E 174 | Silver | E 175 | Gold | E 180 | Litholrubine BK

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Litholrubine BK — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Lutein

**EU E-number:** E 161b

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 129 | Allura red AC | E 131 | Patent Blue V | E 132 | Indigotine, Indigo carmine | E 133 | Brilliant Blue FCF | E 142 | Green S | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32013R1274> ▼M35 | E 151 | Brilliant Black PN | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 155 | Brown HT | E 160e | Beta-apo-8′-carotenal (C 30) | E 161b | Lutein

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Lutein — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Lycopene

**EU E-number:** E 160d

**EU food use status:** only flavoured processed cheese

> E 160d | Lycopene | 5 | | only flavoured processed cheese

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Lycopene — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Orange B

**US FD&C designation:** Orange B

**US food use status:** may be safely used for coloring the casings or surfaces of frankfurters and sausages subject to the restriction that the quantity of the color additive does not exceed 150 parts per million by weight of the finished food

> Orange B may be safely used for coloring the casings or surfaces of frankfurters and sausages subject to the restriction that the quantity of the color additive does not exceed 150 parts per million by weight of the finished food.

Source: <https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-74>

Orange B — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin

**EU E-number:** E 160c

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | E 150c | Ammonia caramel | E 150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | E 153 | Vegetable carbon | E 160a | Carotenes | E 160c | Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Paprika extract, capsanthin, capsorubin — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Patent Blue V

**EU E-number:** E 131

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32018R1472> ▼M81 | E 120 | Carminic acid, Carmine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 122 | Azorubine, Carmoisine | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32012R0232> ▼M6 ————— | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 129 | Allura red AC | E 131 | Patent Blue V

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Patent Blue V — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Plain caramel

**EU E-number:** E 150a

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Plain caramel — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A

**EU E-number:** E 124

**EU food use status:** only candied fruit and vegetables

> E 124 | Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A | 10 | (61) | only candied fruit and vegetables

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Ponceau 4R, Cochineal Red A — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Quinoline Yellow

**EU E-number:** E 104

**EU food use status:** only candied fruit and vegetables

> E 104 | Quinoline Yellow | 30 | (61) | only candied fruit and vegetables

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Quinoline Yellow — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Riboflavins

**EU E-number:** E 101

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Riboflavins — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Silver

**EU E-number:** E 174

**EU food use status:** only external coating of confectionery

> E 174 | Silver | quantum satis | | only external coating of confectionery

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Silver — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Sulphite ammonia caramel

**EU E-number:** E 150d

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | E 150c | Ammonia caramel | E 150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Sulphite ammonia caramel — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Sunset Yellow FCF/Orange Yellow S

**EU E-number:** E 110

**EU food use status:** only candied fruit and vegetables

> E 110 | Sunset Yellow FCF/Orange Yellow S | 10 | (61) | only candied fruit and vegetables

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Sunset Yellow FCF/Orange Yellow S — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Tartrazine

**EU E-number:** E 102

**EU food use status:** Food colours with combined maximum limit

**EU additive group:** Group III

> Group III: Food colours with combined maximum limit E-number | Name | E 100 | Curcumin | E 102 | Tartrazine

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Tartrazine — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Titanium dioxide

**EU E-number:** E 171

**EU food use status:** not authorised in the food categories listed in Part D and E

> E 171 | Titanium dioxide ( *2 ) | <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32011R1129> ▼M2 | E 172 | Iron oxides and hydroxides | E 173 | Aluminium | E 174 | Silver | E 175 | Gold | E 180 | Litholrubine BK | ( 1 ) The term caramel relates to products of a more or less intense brown colour which are intended for colouring. It does not correspond to the sugary aromatic product obtained from heating sugars and which is used for flavouring food (e.g. confectionery, pastry, alcoholic drinks). ( *1 ) Canthaxanthin is not authorised in the food categories listed in Part D and E. The substance is in list B1 because it is used in medicinal products in accordance with Directive 2009/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 109, 30.4.2009, p. 10). <https://web.archive.org/web/20250605215849/https:/eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=celex:32022R0063> ►M98 ( *2 ) Titanium dioxide is not authorised in the food categories listed in Part D and E.

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Titanium dioxide — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison


**Color additive name:** Vegetable carbon

**EU E-number:** E 153

**EU food use status:** authorised at quantum satis

**EU additive group:** Group II

> Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis E-number | Name | E 101 | Riboflavins | E 140 | Chlorophylls, Chlorophyllins | E 141 | Copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophyllins | E 150a | Plain caramel | E 150b | Caustic sulphite caramel | E 150c | Ammonia caramel | E 150d | Sulphite ammonia caramel | E 153 | Vegetable carbon

Source: <https://web.archive.org/web/2025/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02008R1333-20241216>

Vegetable carbon — Food color additive cross-reference: US FD&C designation vs EU E-number, with regulatory status comparison