E152 – Black 7984
ColouringDescription
Carbon Black
Notes
Carbon black is a fine black powder made from the incomplete burning of heavy petroleum products like coal tar, or from natural gas in controlled, oxygen-limited environments. This process, called pyrolysis, breaks down the carbon-containing materials and leaves behind tiny particles of nearly pure carbon. The resulting powder is then processed and purified to remove any harmful residues before being approved for food use. In food production, carbon black serves as an intense black colouring agent, providing a deep, rich black colour that's nearly impossible to achieve with natural ingredients. You might encounter it in speciality black foods like certain types of bread, pasta, ice cream, or confectionery items, though it's not as commonly used as other food colourings due to regulatory restrictions in many regions. This synthetic additive is technically suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets since it's derived from carbon sources rather than animals. However, E152 has faced regulatory scrutiny in various countries, with some regions restricting or prohibiting its use in food due to safety concerns. The European Union, for instance, does not currently approve carbon black for food use, while other jurisdictions may have different regulations. Consumers interested in foods containing this additive should check local food labelling requirements.