Black 7984

Black 7984 is a synthetic black food colouring. It is a mixture of carbon black and other approved colourants, designed to provide a deep, opaque black shade. It is manufactured through chemical synthesis processes.

This colourant is used to impart a black hue to a variety of food products. Its primary function is aesthetic, enhancing the visual appeal of foods like confectionery, baked goods, and savoury items. It is often found in products where a strong black colour is desired, such as certain types of bread, pastries, and processed potato products.

Black 7984 is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated food colourings, including those that may form part of mixtures like this. At typical dietary intakes, it is not associated with adverse health effects according to regulatory bodies. However, as with many synthetic colourings, there have been discussions regarding potential sensitivities in a small number of individuals, though robust evidence linking it to widespread health issues at permitted levels is limited.