My diet:

E180 Litholrubine BK

E180ColorsOrigin: Lab-made
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VeganYes

Synthetic; no animal ingredients.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes
Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Litholrubine BK (E180) is a synthetic red pigment allowed in the EU only for cheese rinds. It is not approved in the US, and most people eat very little of it.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE180
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesColors
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledLitholrubine BK, Lithol rubine BK

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDANot evaluated as an additive
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaNot evaluated as an additive
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Not approved as a food color in the US or Canada. The EU permits it only on the rind of some cheeses, with limits. Because it sits on the rind, most eaters take in very little.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

This pigment gives some European cheeses a red or pink rind. It is an azo colorant, like many synthetic dyes, and it sits on the outside of the cheese. A small share of the rind is eaten, so the dose is small.

Where it comes from: A synthetic azo pigment made from petroleum-derived chemicals. It is a red-pink colorant used mainly on the rind of some cheeses.

Why it’s in food

  • Colors cheese rinds red
  • Gives Edam and Gouda a traditional look
  • Used only on the rind

Often found in

Red-rinded cheese (EU)Some Gouda-style cheesesEdam-style cheese

Also listed as: Litholrubine BK, Lithol rubine BK, Rubine BK, Pigment Red 57

Health & gut impact

Azo pigmentUnder study

Azo colorants are studied for possible effects on children and for breakdown in the gut. The EU limits this one to rinds for that reason.

EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

Rind onlyBenefit

Because the pigment sits on the rind, the amount in a typical serving is small.

EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

Cheese and color without synthetic rind pigment

For your pantry
Pantry staple

Unwaxed Gouda

A plain aged cheese with a natural rind.

Shop unwaxed Gouda Opens your country’s Amazon store
Clean substitute

Paprika, smoked

A natural red-orange spice for dusted snacks.

Shop smoked paprika Opens your country’s Amazon store
Clean substitute

Beet powder

A plant-based red for drinks and dough.

Shop beet powder Opens your country’s Amazon store

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes our ratings.

What can I use instead?

Paprika extract

Ratio: To label

Best for: Natural red-orange color

Beetroot red

Ratio: To label

Best for: Red coatings

Related

More colors:

Allura Red AC (Red 40) E129Red 40 (E129) is a petroleum-based dye. It's legal in the US and EU, but European packages must carry a warning about hyperactivity in children, and California is removing it from school food.Best to avoidAluminium E173Aluminium (E173) is a metallic silver-gray powder used on some European sugar decorations and sweets. It is used in tiny amounts, and it is not approved as a food color in the US.Use in moderationAmaranth dye E123Amaranth dye (E123) is a synthetic red that the US banned in 1976. Europe still allows tiny uses. It is not the amaranth seed sold as a gluten-free grain.Best to avoidAmmonia caramel (Caramel III) E150cAmmonia caramel (E150c) is the caramel class made with ammonia and no sulfite, common in beer. It is approved, but like cola caramel it can contain 4-MEI, which California lists under Proposition 65.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is litholrubine BK allowed in the US?

No. It is not approved as a food color in the US or Canada. It appears mostly on European cheese rinds.

Is Litholrubine BK safe?

Use in moderation (55/100). Not approved as a food color in the US or Canada. The EU permits it only on the rind of some cheeses, with limits. Because it sits on the rind, most eaters take in very little.

Is Litholrubine BK vegan?

Yes. Synthetic; no animal ingredients.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E180
  • EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008

INS 180 · CAS 5858-81-1