Iron oxides and hydroxides

E number E172

Listed as a colour by Canada and the EU.

Listed as colours (CA, EU)

Iron oxides and hydroxides are yellow, red, brown and black colours used in confectionery, fish-roe analogues and decorations. The EU also permits them in tiny amounts as a contrast enhancer when fresh fruit is marked.

Where it is and isn’t permitted

Status of Iron oxides and hydroxides 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 ZealandPermitted, with conditions

47 food categories

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

Show every food category
  • 0.2 Colourings — GMP
  • 0.3 Flavourings — GMP
  • 1.1.2 Liquid milk products and flavoured liquid milk — GMP
  • 1.2.2 Fermented milk products and rennetted milk products — GMP
  • 1.3 Condensed milk and evaporated milk — GMP
  • 1.4.2 Cream products (flavoured, whipped, thickened, sour cream etc) — GMP
  • 1.5 Dried milk, milk powder, cream powder — GMP
  • 1.6 Cheese and cheese products — GMP
  • 11.1.1 Rainbow sugar — GMP
  • 11.4 Tabletop sweeteners — GMP
  • 12.1.2 Reduced sodium salt mixture — GMP
  • 12.1.3 Salt substitute — GMP
  • 12.3 Vinegars and related products — GMP
  • 12.5 Yeast and yeast products — GMP
  • 12.6 Vegetable protein products — GMP
  • 13.3 Formulated meal replacements and formulated supplementary foods — GMP
  • 13.4 Formulated supplementary sports foods — GMP
  • 13.5 Food for special medical purposes — GMP
  • 14.1.1.2 Carbonated, mineralised and soda waters — GMP
  • 14.1.2.1 Fruit and vegetable juices — GMPFor juice separated by other than mechanical means only.
  • 14.1.2.2 Fruit and vegetable juice products — GMP
  • 14.1.3 Water based flavoured drinks — GMP
  • 14.1.4 Formulated Beverages — GMP
  • 14.2.3 Wine based drinks and reduced alcohol wines — GMP
  • 14.2.4.1 Fruit wine products and vegetable wine products — GMP
  • 14.2.5 Spirits and liqueurs — GMP
  • 14.3 Alcoholic beverages not included in item 14.2 — GMP
  • 2.1 Edible oils essentially free of water — GMPNot for olive oil.
  • 2.2.1.2 Butter products — GMP
  • 2.2.1.3 Margarine and similar products — GMP
  • 2.2.2 Oil emulsions (<80% oil) — GMP
  • 20 Foods not included in items 0 to 14 — GMP
  • 3 Ice cream and edible ices — GMP
  • 4.3 Processed fruits and vegetables — GMP
  • 5.1 Chocolate and cocoa products — GMPPermitted on the surface of chocolate only.
  • 5.2 Sugar confectionery — GMP
  • 5.4 Icings and frostings — GMP
  • 6.3 Processed cereal and meal products — GMP
  • 6.4 Flour products (including noodles and pasta) — GMP
  • 7 Breads and bakery products — GMP
  • 8.2 Processed meat, poultry and game products in whole cuts or pieces — GMP
  • 8.3 Processed comminuted meat, poultry and game products, other than products listed in item 8.3.2 — GMPNot for sausage or sausage meat containing raw, unprocessed meat.
  • 8.4 Edible casings — GMP
  • 8.5 Animal protein products — GMP
  • 9.2 Processed fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.3 Semi preserved fish and fish products — GMP
  • 9.4 Fully preserved fish including canned fish products — GMP
Food Standards Code, Schedule 15, S15—5and 46 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
CanadaHealth CanadaPermitted

no numerical limit (good manufacturing practice)

4 permitted uses

Show every permitted use
  • In: Apple and (naming the fruit or fruits) jam; Bread; Butter; Concentrated (naming the fruit) juice, except frozen concentrated orange juice; Fig marmalade with pectin; Fish roe (caviar); Ice cream mix; Ice milk mix; Icing sugar; (Naming the fruit or fruits) jam with pectin; (Naming the fruit or fruits) jelly with pectin; Liqueur; Lobster paste; (Naming the flavour) milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk; (Naming the flavour) partly skimmed milk with added milk solids; (Naming the flavour) skim milk; (Naming the flavour) skim milk with added milk solids; Pickles and relishes; Pineapple marmalade with pectin; Rhubarb and (naming the fruit or fruits) jam; Sherbet; Smoked fish; Tomato catsup. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item I.2(a)
  • In: Blend of prepared fish and prepared meat as set out in paragraph 18.1.3(g) of Volume 18 of the Food Compositional Standards Document. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. Amendment notices: NOM/ADM-0122. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item I.2(b)
  • In: Edible collagen film. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item I.2(c)
  • In: Unstandardized foods. Purpose: Food colour. Limit: Good Manufacturing Practice. — Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3), item I.2(d)
Health Canada, List of Permitted Food Colours (List 3)and 3 further provisionsretrieved 2026-10-17
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 AgencyNo listing matchedThis site imports only Japan’s list of designated additives (Appended Table 1 to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Food Sanitation Act), matched by English name. Existing additives, natural flavouring agents and ordinary foods used as additives are permitted outside that list and are not imported, so an empty row does not show that Japan does not permit the substance.Related listing with permitted uses here: Iron oxide, red. This site cannot tell whether that listing covers this exact form.
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 / JECFANot listedDoes not appear on this jurisdiction’s permitted list. That is not the same as being prohibited.

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.

Australia and New Zealand—47 GMP
Canada—4 GMP
European Union6 mg/kg1 numeric limit, 39 quantum satis
Great Britain6 mg/kg1 numeric limit, 2 several limits, 44 quantum satis

What it is made from

Produced synthetically rather than mined, because natural iron ores carry heavy-metal impurities the food grade must not contain.

  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian

Compare other additives on the dietary indexes.

How the EU defines it

The legal specification an additive must meet to be sold as this E number in the EU — what it is, how it may be made, and the purity it must reach. From Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.

E 172 Iron oxides and iron hydroxides

Iron oxides and iron hydroxides are produced synthetically and consist essentially of anhydrous and/or hydrated iron oxides. The range of hues includes yellows, reds, browns and blacks. Food quality iron oxides are primarily distinguished from technical grades by the comparatively low levels of contamination by other metals. This is achieved by the selection and control of the source of the iron and/or by the extent of chemical purification during the manufacturing process.

Synonyms: Iron Oxide Yellow: CI Pigment Yellow 42 and 43 Iron Oxide Red: CI Pigment Red 101 and 102 Iron Oxide Black: CI Pigment Black 11

Assay, identification and purity criteria

Description and assay

Colour Index No
Iron Oxide Yellow: 77492
Iron Oxide Red:
77491
Iron Oxide Black:
77499
Einecs
Iron Oxide Yellow: 257-098-5
Iron Oxide Red:
215-168-2
Iron Oxide Black:
235-442-5
Chemical name
Iron Oxide Yellow: hydrated ferric oxide, hydrated iron (III) oxide Iron Oxide Red: anhydrous ferric oxide, anhydrous iron (III) oxide Iron Oxide Black: ferroso ferric oxide, iron (II, III) oxide
Chemical formula
Iron Oxide Yellow: FeO(OH) · H₂O
Iron Oxide Red:
Fe₂O₃
Iron Oxide Black:
FeO.Fe₂O₃
Molecular weight
88,85: FeO(OH)
159,70:
Fe₂O₃
231,55:
FeO.Fe₂O₃
Assay
Yellow not less than 60 %, red and black not less than 68 % total iron, expressed as iron
Description
Powder; yellow, red, brown or black in hue

Identification

Solubility
Insoluble in water and in organic solvents Soluble in concentrated mineral acids

Purity criteria

Water soluble matter
Not more than 1,0 % [image] | By total dissolution
Arsenic
Not more than 3 mg/kg
Cadmium
Not more than 1 mg/kg
Chromium
Not more than 100 mg/kg
Copper
Not more than 50 mg/kg
Lead
Not more than 10 mg/kg
Mercury
Not more than 1 mg/kg
Nickel
Not more than 200 mg/kg
Zinc
Not more than 100 mg/kg

Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, Annex, E 172

Every name it appears under

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

E number

  • E172

As it appears in regulation

  • Iron oxides and hydroxides

Other names

  • E 172
  • Iron oxides and hydroxides

The EU re-evaluation programme

Every additive authorised in the EU before 20 January 2009 was put back through EFSA by Commission Regulation (EU) No 257/2010, and this one is named in it. What the Regulation required is below; whether the opinion has since been published is not something this site records.

  • To be evaluated by 31 December 2015. Named in Annex II, Part I, point 3 as “Iron oxides and hydroxides”, among the additives given priority within its class.

Hazard reference values

Values set by assessing bodies. A body that has not set a value is not listed here.
TypeValuePopulationAssessed byOpinion
ADI0.5 mg/kg bw/day—JECFA1999

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 E 172?
E 172 is Iron oxides and hydroxides. Iron oxides and hydroxides are yellow, red, brown and black colours used in confectionery, fish-roe analogues and decorations. The EU also permits them in tiny amounts as a contrast enhancer when fresh fruit is marked.
What is Iron oxides and hydroxides used for in food?
It is listed as a colour — the role Canada and the EU assign it. This page shows every function each regulator records, with the citation for each.
Where is Iron oxides and hydroxides permitted?
Of the seven regulators this site reads, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the EU and Great Britain 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 oxides and hydroxides vegan?
Yes. Iron oxides and hydroxides is not derived from animals, and is suitable for vegetarians. This page says what it is made from and how.

Sources for this page

  • anz retrieved 2026-10-17
  • ca retrieved 2026-10-17
  • eu retrieved 2026-10-18
  • gb retrieved 2026-10-18
  • euspecs retrieved 2026-10-18

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