Group: E100–E199 (colours)
There are a series of E150 food additives approved by the European Union (EU). These are used as synthetic colouring agents in food and drink products.
The common names for E150 are:
150(a) - Plain Caramel
150(b) - Caustic Sulphite Caramel
150(c) - Ammonia Caramel
150(d) - Sulphite Ammonia Caramel
The E150s give a dark brown colour to food and are produced by heat treatment of sucrose. These colourings can sometimes add a bitter taste to food products containing them. E150 can also act as an emulsifier in soft drinks.
There have been some reported concerns associating hyperactivity in children with these food colourings, though we couldn't find detailed evidence for this. E150(c) and E150(d) have been known to cause intestinal problems if large quantities are consumed.