color INS 180

Lithol Rubine BK E180

azo dye — Primarily synthetic.

🇪🇺 EU: Approved

🇺🇸 USA: Banned

🇯🇵 Japan: Banned

🇦🇺 AU/NZ: Restricted

🇨🇦 Canada: Banned

Scientific Name

Calcium 3-hydroxy-4-[(4-methyl-2-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthoate

CAS: 5160-02-1

Data verified: 2026-04-04

Factual Regulatory Reference

This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

What Is Lithol Rubine BK?

Lithol Rubine BK (E180) is a synthetic azo dye producing a carmine-red color, used primarily in the EU as a surface colorant specifically for the external wax coating of certain hard cheeses. Its authorization in the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 is restricted to the external surface and inedible rind of hard cheese only — it is not permitted for use in other foods. Lithol Rubine BK is not approved as a food additive in the United States, Japan, or most other countries. EFSA re-evaluated Lithol Rubine BK and established an ADI of 2.5 mg/kg body weight per day, though given its restricted use application exclusively to cheese rind, actual dietary exposure is minimal.

? Did You Know?

Lithol Rubine BK isn't just a food additive — it's also used in industrial applications.

Regulatory opinions differ: Lithol Rubine BK is approved in EU but banned in USA, JAPAN, CANADA. This reflects different risk assessment philosophies between regions.

In the EU, Lithol Rubine BK has a "quantum satis" authorization — Latin for "as much as needed." This means there's no specific maximum limit; manufacturers use only what's technologically necessary.

Detailed Regulatory Assessment

🇪🇺

European Union (EFSA)

approved Max: quantum satis mg/kg

ONLY permitted for edible cheese rind - no other food use allowed

🇺🇸

United States (FDA)

banned Not approved

Not permitted in US foods

🇯🇵

Japan (MHLW)

banned

Not permitted

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

International Standard (JECFA)

Not evaluated

mg/kg body weight per day

European Standard (EFSA)

Not established

Everyday Perspective

For a 60kg adult, this limit is roughly equivalent to consuming:

Natural Occurrence

This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.

Manufacturing

Method: chemical synthesis

Synthesized through azo coupling reactions to produce a red pigment specifically for cheese rind coating.

Applications Beyond Food

Industrial

Used as a pigment in inks and paints

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lithol Rubine BK (E180)?

Lithol Rubine BK (E180) is a color used in food products. It is azo dye and synthetic. A synthetic red azo dye used EXCLUSIVELY for coloring the rind of hard cheeses. It is not permitted in any other food application.

Is Lithol Rubine BK banned in any country?

Lithol Rubine BK is banned in USA, Japan, Canada. Regulatory status varies by country. Always check with your local food regulatory authority for current information.

What is the ADI for Lithol Rubine BK?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Lithol Rubine BK is Not evaluated as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Lithol Rubine BK?

Lithol Rubine BK is used in various food categories including Edible cheese rind. It is used as a color in these products.

Is Lithol Rubine BK the same as Pigment Rubine?

Yes, Lithol Rubine BK is also known as Pigment Rubine, CI Pigment Red 57. These are different names for the same substance.

Primary Research & Evidence