Colour Glossary

The official numbering system for various food additives established by the European Union. E numbers (“E” stands for “Europe”) are codes for substances used as food additives for use within the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It is the responsibility of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to assess their safety and approve their usage in foods and beverages.

A common vegetable source of anthocyanins used for food use. The high content of cyanidin anthocyanin makes elderberry an ideal source for the production of colour intensive concentrates. The shade of its red colour depends on the application and pH of the product. See also Anthocyanins.

A mixture of two immiscible liquids. In emulsions, one liquid is dispersed throughout another liquid, known as the continuous phase. Everyday examples of emulsions include: vinaigrettes, milk, and mayonnaise.

See Grape skin extract.

A pink dye which is primarily used for colouring food. Other names: E127, CI Food Red 14, CI 45430, FD&C Red #3.

This document is published by the European Commission and it serves as a guidance for classifying food extracts as colours (food additives) or food with colouring properties, colouring foods. It elaborates on selective and non-selective extraction while proposing a decision tree and a checklist to facilitate classification.

The European Food Safety Authority is the agency of the European Union that provides independent scientific advice and communicates on existing and emerging risks associated with the food chain. For more information: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/

The European Food Safety Authority is the agency of the European Union that provides independent scientific advice and communicates on existing and emerging risks associated with the food chain. For more information: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/

The European Free Trade Association is a regional trade organization and free trade area consisting of four European states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland/ For more information: https://www.efta.int/

Part of the nomenclature for a class of certified colourants in the USA. colourants with this name are generally allowed for use in drugs and cosmetic applications for externally use.

A substance removed from another substance, often a food by another solvent and containing a basic quality or flavour.