E-number  · E172

E172 — Iron Oxides and Hydroxides

Mineral pigments (yellow, red, black, brown). Vegan.

The entry Reference notes, kept short.

What it is

E172 covers iron oxides and hydroxides — mineral pigments ranging from yellow (Fe(OH)₃) to red (Fe₂O₃) to black (Fe₃O₄).

Why it matters

Used in olives (to colour black olives uniformly), confectionery, cake decorations, and pharmaceutical tablet coatings.

What to do

Always vegan.

Sources Where the entry is drawn from.
  • Vegan Society additives database