Learn Glossary colorant

Carbon Black

Level 5High concernIn Winter's Dictionary

Carbon Black is a colorant — Black coloring in confectionery (historically)

What it does

Black coloring in confectionery (historically)

Where you'll see it

Previously licorice, jelly beans, drugs, cosmetics

What the research says

Tests found it contained a cancer-causing by-product released during dye manufacture.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: BAN
  • Notes: Banned 1976; channel (gas) black also banned

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): found in tests to contain a cancer-causing by-product that was released during dye manufacture