Iron oxide, red

INS 172(ii)

Listed as a colour by Codex and the EU.

Listed as colours (EU, Codex)
Chemical structure of Iron oxide, red, from PubChem compound 518696
Structure from PubChem CID 518696 (National Library of Medicine, public domain). A depiction of one compound: where a listing covers a family, or a substance has no single structure, this page shows none.

Red iron oxide is a mineral pigment used in confectionery coatings and decorative work, valued for being completely stable to heat, light and acid.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Iron oxide, red by jurisdiction. Every jurisdiction this site covers is listed, including those where the substance does not appear.
JurisdictionStatusScope and limitsCitation
Australia and New ZealandFood Standards Australia New ZealandNo listed food uses foundThis site has not matched this substance to any food use on this jurisdiction’s list of authorised food additives. A food additive may be used only in foods that list names. Flavourings, enzymes, processing aids and added nutrients are regulated separately and do not appear on it.Related listings with permitted uses here: Iron oxide, black, Iron oxides and hydroxides (E172). This site cannot tell whether those listings cover this exact form.
CanadaHealth CanadaNo listing matchedHealth Canada’s lists name additives without E or INS numbers, so this site matches them by exact name. A substance listed there under a name this site does not recognise has no row here.Related listing with permitted uses here: Iron oxides and hydroxides (E172). This site cannot tell whether that listing covers this exact form.
European UnionEuropean Commission / EFSAPermitted, with conditions

40 food categories

highest permitted level 6 mg/kg

Show every food category
  • 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. Note 74: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.5 dehydrated milk as defined by directive 2001/114/ec — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except unflavoured products.
  • 1.6.3 other creams — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.3 edible cheese rind — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.4 whey cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.5 processed cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured processed cheese.
  • 1.7.6 cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. excluding tomato-based sauces.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury-based sandwich spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.9 Protein products excluding products covered in category 1 8 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.2 Foods for special medical purposes as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 (excluding products from food category 13.1.5.) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.3 Total diet replacement for weight control food as defined by Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. excluding cidre bouché, cydr jakościowy, perry jakościowe, cydr lodowy, perry lodowe.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. excluding wino owocowe jakościowe.
  • 14.2.5 Mead — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except miód pitny jakościowy’.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/787 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except: spirit drinks as defined in categories 1-17, 22, 36, 37 and 41 of Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/787.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic beverages including mixtures of alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages and other alcoholic beverages based on distilled alcohol with alcoholic strength by volume less than 15 % — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 17.2 food supplements supplied in a liquid form excluding food supplements for Infants and young children — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014 only food supplements in syrup form. Note 69: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 18.2 Meal replacement for weight control as referred to in Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 18.3 Food specially produced to reduce the gluten content of gluten-containing ingredients or substitute the gluten-containing ingredients — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 4.1.1 entire fresh fruit and vegetables — 6 mg/kgAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. ML = 6 mg/kg. only as a contrast enhancer for marking citrus fruit, melons and pomegranates in order to: – repeat all or some of the mandatory information particulars required by the Union legislation and/or national law, and/or – provide on a voluntary basis brand name, production method, PLU-code, QR-code and/or barcode. Period of application: From 24 June 2013.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. quantum satis. only seaweed-based fish roe analogues.
  • 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. except crème de pruneaux.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note 72: Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 70 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for microsweets shall be 40 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 6.3 breakfast cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only breakfast cereals other than extruded, puffed and/or fruit flavoured breakfast cereals.
  • 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.6 Batters — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.7 pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except edible external coating of pasturmas.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. quantum satis. only fish paste and crustacean paste.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma, Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus.
  • 9.3 fish roe — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II, Colours atquantum satis. quantum satis. except Sturgeons' eggs (Caviar).
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex IIand 39 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
Great BritainFood Standards Agency / Food Standards ScotlandPermitted, with conditions

47 food categories

highest permitted level 6 mg/kg or mg/l

Show every food category
  • 1.4 Flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 1.5 Dehydrated milk as defined by Directive 2001/114/EC — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except unflavoured products.
  • 1.6.3 Other creams — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured creams.
  • 1.7.1 Unripened cheese excluding products falling in category 16 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened cheese.
  • 1.7.3 Edible cheese rind — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.4 Whey cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 1.7.5 Processed cheese — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured processed cheese.
  • 1.7.6 Cheese products (excluding products falling in category 16) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only flavoured unripened products.
  • 1.8 Dairy analogues, including beverage whiteners — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only seasonings, for example curry powder, tandoori Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (70): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 120 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 12.4 Mustard — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.6 Sauces — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. excluding tomato-based sauces.
  • 12.7 Salads and savoury based sandwich spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 12.9 Protein products, excluding products covered in category 1.8 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.2 Dietary foods for special medical purposes defined in Directive 1999/21/EC (excluding products from food category 13.1.5) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.3 Dietary foods for weight control diets intended to replace total daily food intake or an individual meal (the whole or part of the total daily diet) — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 13.4 Foods suitable for people intolerant to gluten as defined by Commission Regulation (EC) No 41/2009 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.1.4 Flavoured drinks — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. excluding chocolate milk and malt products Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 14.2.3 Cider and perry — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. excluding cidre bouché.
  • 14.2.4 Fruit wine and made wine — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Excluding wino owocowe markowe.
  • 14.2.5 Mead — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.6 Spirit drinks as defined in Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except: spirit drinks as defined in Article 5(1) and sales denominations listed in Annex II, paragraphs 1-14 of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 and spirits (preceded by the name of the fruit) obtained by maceration and distillation, Geist (with the name of the fruit or the raw material used), London Gin, Sambuca, Maraschino, Marrasquino or Maraskino and Mistrà.
  • 14.2.7.3 Aromatised wine-product cocktails — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 14.2.8 Other alcoholic drinks including mixtures of alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks and spirits with less than 15 % of alcohol — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 15.1 Potato-, cereal-, flour- or starch-based snacks — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (71): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 30 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 15.2 Processed nuts — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 16 Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3 and 4 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (74): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 15 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.1 Food supplements supplied in a solid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (69): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 17.2 Food supplements supplied in a liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children — several limitsAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. (1) quantum satis: no further restriction; (2) quantum satis: Period of application: from 1 August 2014 only food supplements in syrup form. Note (69): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 150 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 3 Edible ices — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (75): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 30 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 4.1.1 Entire fresh fruit and vegetables — 6 mg/kg or mg/lAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. ML = 6. only as a contrast enhancer for marking citrus fruit, melons and pomegranates in order to: repeat all or some of the mandatory information particulars required by ... law, and/or provide on a voluntary basis brand name, production method, PLU-code, QR-code and/or barcode Period of application: From 24 June 2013 .
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only mostarda di frutta.
  • 4.2.4.1 Fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. quantum satis. Only seaweed based fish roe analogues.
  • 4.2.5.3 Other similar fruit or vegetable spreads — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except crème de pruneaux.
  • 5.2 Other confectionery including breath refreshening microsweets — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (72): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 70 mg/kg. As a derogation to this rule, the maximum limit only for microsweets shall be 40 mg/kg. For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.3 Chewing gum — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg For the purposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. Period of application: from 1 August 2014. Note (73): Maximum limit for aluminium coming from all aluminium lakes 300 mg/kg. For the puroposes of Article 22 (1) (g) of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 that limit shall apply from 1 February 2013.
  • 6.3 Breakfast cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only breakfast cereals other than extruded, puffed and/or fruit-flavoured breakfast cereals.
  • 6.5 Noodles — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.6 Batters — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 6.7 Pre-cooked or processed cereals — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 7.2 Fine bakery wares — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis.
  • 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except edible external coating of pasturmas.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. only surimi and similar products and salmon substitutes based on Theragra chalcogramma , Pollachius virens and Clupea harengus.
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including mollusks and crustaceans — several limitsAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. (1) quantum satis: only fish paste and crustacean paste; (2) quantum satis: Only smoked fish.
  • 9.3 Fish roe — quantum satisAuthorised under E 172, Iron oxides and hydroxides. Permitted as a member of Group II: Food colours authorised at quantum satis. quantum satis. except Sturgeons’ eggs (Caviar).
Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex II (as at 28 June 2024)and 46 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-18
JapanConsumer Affairs AgencyPermitted, with conditions
Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 176, 三二酸化鉄（別名三酸化二鉄又はベンガラ） (“Iron Sesquioxide (Diiron Trioxide or Iron Oxide Red)” in the unofficial English translation). …

Designated additive: Appended Table 1, item 176, 三二酸化鉄（別名三酸化二鉄又はベンガラ） (“Iron Sesquioxide (Diiron Trioxide or Iron Oxide Red)” in the unofficial English translation). Standards for use — Specifications and Standards for Foods, Food Additives, etc. (MHW Notification No. 370 of 1959), Part II (Food Additives), F (Standards for use), entry 三二酸化鉄: (1) [may be used only in the foods stated] “三二酸化鉄は、バナナ(果柄の部分に限る。)及びコンニャク以外の食品に使用してはならない。” The Japanese is the standard as published. There is no official English translation of the Notification; the English in square brackets is this site’s description of what each sentence does, not a translation of the foods or the levels. Compositional specifications for this additive, in the same Notification, are not imported and are not shown here; nor are the general rules in F 添加物一般, which apply to every additive.

Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act (MHW Ordinance No. 23 of 1948), Appended Table 1retrieved 2026-10-18
South KoreaMinistry of Food and Drug SafetyNo listing matchedThis site imports Part III of South Korea’s Standards and Specifications for Food Additives, matched by CAS number, then INS number, then exact name. Mixed preparations and sanitisers are not imported, and an entry whose identifiers disagreed with a page’s is held for review, so an empty row does not show that South Korea does not permit the substance.
United StatesFood and Drug AdministrationNot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.
Codex AlimentariusCodex Alimentarius Commission / JECFAPermitted, with conditions

32 food categories

highest permitted level 7,500 mg/kg

Show every food category and its notes
  • 01.1.4 Flavoured Fluid Milk Drinks — 20 mg/kg
    • Note 52 Excluding chocolate milk.
    • Note 402 Except for use in products conforming to the Standard for Fermented Milks (CXS 243-2003) at 100 mg/kg.
  • 01.6.2.2 Rind of ripened cheese — 100 mg/kg
  • 01.6.4 Processed cheese — 50 mg/kg
  • 01.7 Dairy-based desserts (e.g. pudding, fruit or flavoured yoghurt) — 100 mg/kg
  • 02.4 Fat-based desserts excluding dairy-based dessert products of food category 01.7 — 350 mg/kg
  • 03.0 Edible ices, including sherbet and sorbet — 300 mg/kg
  • 04.1.1.2 Surface-treated fresh fruit — 1,000 mg/kg
    • Note 4 For use in decoration, stamping, marking or branding the product only.
    • Note 16 For use in glaze, coatings or decorations for fruit, vegetables, meat or fish only.
  • 04.1.2.4 Canned or bottled (pasteurized) fruit — 300 mg/kg
    • Note 267 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Certain Canned Fruits (CODEX STAN 319-2015) except for use in special holiday packs for canned pears conforming to the standard.
  • 04.1.2.5 — 200 mg/kg
  • 04.1.2.6 Fruit-based spreads (e.g. chutney) excluding products of food category — 500 mg/kg
    • Note XS160 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Mango Chutney (CODEX STAN 160-1987).
  • 04.1.2.7 Candied fruit — 250 mg/kg
  • 04.1.2.9 Fruit-based desserts, incl. fruit-flavoured water-based desserts — 200 mg/kg
  • 05.2 Confectionery including hard and soft candy, nougats, etc. other than food categories 05.1, 05.3, and 05.4 — 200 mg/kg
    • Note XS309R Excluding products conforming to the Codex Regional Standard for Halawa Tehenia (CODEX STAN 309R-211).
  • 05.3 Chewing gum — 5,000 mg/kg
  • 05.4 Decorations (e.g. for fine bakery wares), toppings (non-fruit), and sweet sauces — 100 mg/kg
  • 06.3 Breakfast cereals, including rolled oats — 75 mg/kg
  • 06.5 Cereal and starch based desserts (e.g. rice pudding, tapioca pudding) — 75 mg/kg
  • 07.2 Fine bakery wares (sweet, salty, savoury) and mixes — 100 mg/kg
  • 08.4 Edible casings (e.g. sausage casings) — 1,000 mg/kg
    • Note 365 On a casings basis.
  • 09.2.5 Smoked, dried, fermented, and/or salted fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 250 mg/kg
    • Note 22 For use in smoked fish paste only.
    • Note XS167 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Fish and Dried Salted Fish of the Gadidae Family of Fishes (CODEX STAN 167-1989).
    • Note XS189 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Dried Shark Fins (CODEX STAN 189-1993).
    • Note XS222 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Crackers from Marine and Freshwater Fish, Crustaceans and Molluscan Shellfish (CODEX STAN 222-2001).
    • Note XS236 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Boiled Dried Salted Anchovies (CODEX STAN 236-2003).
    • Note XS244 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Salted Atlantic Herring and Salted Sprat (CODEX STAN 244-2004).
    • Note XS311 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoked-flavoured Fish and Smoke-dried Fish (CODEX STAN 311-2013).
  • 09.3.3 Salmon substitutes, caviar and other fish roe products — 100 mg/kg
    • Note XS291 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Sturgeon Caviar (CODEX STAN 291-2010).
  • 09.3.4 Semi-preserved fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms (e.g. fish paste), excluding products of food categories 09.3.1 - 09.3.3 — 50 mg/kg
    • Note 95 For non-standardized foods: for use in surimi and fish roe products only.
  • 09.4 Fully preserved, including canned or fermented fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms — 50 mg/kg
    • Note 95 For non-standardized foods: for use in surimi and fish roe products only.
    • Note XS3 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Salmon (CODEX STAN 3-1981).
    • Note XS37 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Shrimps or Prawns (CODEX STAN 37-1991).
    • Note XS70 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Tuna and Bonito (70-1981).
    • Note XS90 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Crab Meat (CODEX STAN 90-1981).
    • Note XS94 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CODEX STAN 94-1981).
    • Note XS119 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Canned Finfish (CODEX STAN 119-1981).
  • 10.1 Fresh eggs — GMP
    • Note 4 For use in decoration, stamping, marking or branding the product only.
  • 10.4 Egg-based desserts (e.g. custard) — 150 mg/kg
  • 12.2.2 Seasonings and condiments — 1,000 mg/kg
  • 12.5 Soups and broths — 100 mg/kg
    • Note XS117 Excluding products conforming to the Codex Standard for Bouillons and Consommés (CODEX STAN 117-1981).
  • 12.6 Sauces and like products — 75 mg/kg
    • Note XS302 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Fish Sauce (CODEX STAN 302-2011).
    • Note XS306 Excluding products conforming to the Standard for Chilli Sauce (CXS 306-2011).
  • 13.6 Food supplements — 7,500 mg/kg
    • Note 3 For use in surface treatment only.
  • 14.1.4 Water-based flavoured drinks, including "sport," “energy,” or "electrolyte" drinks and particulated drinks — 100 mg/kg
  • 15.1 Snacks - potato, cereal, flour or starch based (from roots and tubers, pulses and legumes) — 500 mg/kg
  • 15.2 Processed nuts, including coated nuts and nut mixtures (with e.g. dried fruit) — 400 mg/kg
CXS 192-1995 Table One, INS 172(ii)and 31 further provisionsretrieved 2026-09-07

How much is permitted

A listing usually limits the quantity as well as the food. Only one of the forms that takes is a figure: quantum satis and good manufacturing practice permit the amount the technological effect requires and no more, which is a limit rather than the absence of one. Figures below are the range across every food category this page is listed in, and categories differ between regulators — see how much is permitted.

European Union6 mg/kg1 numeric limit, 39 quantum satis
Great Britain6 mg/kg1 numeric limit, 2 several limits, 44 quantum satis
Japan—1 no quantity stated
Codex Alimentarius20 mg/kg – 7,500 mg/kg31 numeric limit, 1 GMP

What it is made from

Made synthetically by precipitating and calcining iron salts. The shade depends on particle size and on the oxidation state achieved during calcining.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

InChIKey
JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem
CID 518696

Every name it appears under

101 recorded names. A label may use any of them.

E number

  • E172

INS number

  • 172(ii)

CAS registry number

  • 1309-37-1

As it appears in regulation

  • Iron oxides and hydroxides

Other names

  • 11554 Red
  • Anchred standard
  • Anhydrous Ferric Oxide
  • Anhydrous Iron (III)
  • Anhydrous Iron (III) Oxide
  • Anhydrous iron oxide
  • Anhydrous oxide of iron
  • Armenian bole
  • Bayer S 11
  • Bayferrox 105M
  • Black oxide of iron
  • Calcotone Red
  • Caput mortuum
  • Colcothar
  • COSMETIC RED OXIDE
  • Crocus martis adstringens
  • Deanox
  • E 172 RED
  • Eisenoxyd
  • English Red
  • Ferric Oxide
  • Ferric oxide (anhydrous)
  • Ferric oxide (colloidal)
  • Ferric Oxide Red
  • Ferric sesquioxide
  • Ferrugo
  • Ferrum Oxydatum
  • Hematite 8124
  • Hematite mineral
  • Indian Red
  • iron (III) oxide
  • Iron oxide (Fe2O3)
  • Iron oxide,
  • Iron oxide, red
  • Iron Red
  • Iron sesquioxide
  • Iron trioxide
  • iron(3+) oxide
  • Jeweler's rouge
  • Jewelers rouge
  • Levanox Red 130A
  • Light Red
  • Mapico Red
  • Mars Brown
  • Mars Red
  • Natural hematite
  • Natural Red Oxide
  • Ochre
  • Prussian Brown
  • Quick rouge
  • Raddle
  • Red Ferric Oxide
  • Red Iron Oxide
  • RED IRON OXIDE R 1599D
  • Red oxide
  • Red oxide D3452
  • Red oxide D6984
  • Red oxide of iron
  • Rouge

Hazard reference values

No reference value for this substance in the sources we hold.

Evidence and how bodies read it

What assessing bodies concluded

Each conclusion is paraphrased in the body's own framing, from the published opinion linked beneath it. Where bodies differ, both stand; this site does not adjudicate between them or add a view of its own.

  1. EFSA 2015

    The ANS Panel concluded that an adequate safety assessment of iron oxides and hydroxides (E 172) could not be carried out because the biological and toxicological database was insufficient, noting that genotoxicity could not be evaluated. It recommended that particle size and particle size distribution be included in the specifications.

    Source document

Common questions

Assembled from what is above, in the words the questions are usually asked in. Each answer is the same statement the relevant section makes, with the same citations behind it.

What is INS 172(ii)?
INS 172(ii) is Iron oxide, red. Red iron oxide is a mineral pigment used in confectionery coatings and decorative work, valued for being completely stable to heat, light and acid.
What is Iron oxide, red used for in food?
It is listed as a colour — the role Codex and the EU assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Iron oxide, red permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, the EU, Great Britain, Japan and the Codex standard permit it. Each permission is for named foods at named levels, not a blanket one; the table on this page gives them with citations.
Is Iron oxide, red vegan?
Yes. Iron oxide, red is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • jp retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gsfa retrieved 2026-09-07

Full licence terms and publisher details on Sources. How this page is built and updated: Method.

Machine-readable: a JSON record of this additive is given on request —how to ask for access.

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