Activated Charcoal in Organic Products

There have been recent queries in regards to the use of activated charcoal (also known as activated carbon, vegetable carbon or carbon black) in organic products.

Only additives listed within regulation (EC) 889/2008 (annex VIII) are permitted for use in organics. E153 Carbon Black is permitted for use under organic standards, but only for use in Ashby goat cheese and Morbier cheese. Therefore, use of this additive in any other organic product, except for the listed cheeses, would not be permitted.

As carbon black is an additive and not an agricultural ingredient, it would not be eligible to be used under derogation.

The use of activated carbon as a processing aid, in preparation of foodstuffs of plant origin, is permitted under the organic regulation.  

For further information, please contact your certification officer.