The primary safety concern involves types E150c and E150d, which are produced using ammonia. During the manufacturing process, a compound called 4-MEI (4-methylimidazole) can form. In some studies, high doses of 4-MEI have been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. However, the levels typically found in foods and beverages are much lower than those used in the studies.
Some consumers are concerned about the presence of synthetic dyes like Red 40 in caramel color. Caramel color itself does not contain any synthetic dyes. It’s purely derived from heated sugars and, in some cases, the addition of acids, alkalis, or salts.
