Curcumin
What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is a vibrant yellow pigment extracted from the rhizomes (underground stems) of turmeric plants (Curcuma longa). It is the principal curcuminoid found in turmeric and is responsible for its characteristic colour. The extraction process typically involves grinding the rhizomes and then using solvents to isolate the curcuminoids.
Is Curcumin vegan?
Curcumin is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Curcumin a major allergen?
Curcumin is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Curcumin used for?
Curcumin is primarily used as a natural yellow colourant in a wide variety of foods, including confectionery, baked goods, dairy products, and processed meats.
Is Curcumin safe?
Curcumin is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Curcumin is primarily used as a natural yellow colourant in a wide variety of foods, including confectionery, baked goods, dairy products, and processed meats. Its bright hue enhances the visual appeal of products. It is also sometimes used for its flavouring properties, though this is less common than its use as a colour.
Health notes
Curcumin is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. It is assigned the E number E100. EFSA has evaluated curcumin and its status as an authorised food additive indicates it is considered safe for use under specified conditions. Research into the health effects of curcumin is ongoing, with some studies exploring its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but robust conclusions regarding significant health benefits or risks at typical dietary intake levels from food colouring are not established.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.7.5 processed cheese | 100 |
| 2.1 fats and oils essentially free from water (excluding anhydrous milk fat) | No numerical limit listed |
| 2.2.2 Other fat and oil emulsions including spreads as defined by Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and liquid emulsions | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote | 50 |
| 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads | No numerical limit listed |
| 4.2.6 processed potato products | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.2 Meat preparations as defined by Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 | 20 |
| 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat | No numerical limit listed |
| 8.3.1 Non-heat-treated processed meat | 20 |
| 8.3.2 Heat-treated meat products | 20 |
| 8.3.3 Casings and coatings and decorations for meat | No numerical limit listed |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | 100 |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | 250 |
| 14.2.7.1 Aromatised wines | 100 |
| 14.2.7.2 Aromatised wine-based drinks | 100 |
Allergen info
Curcumin is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Curcumin
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