Hong Kong: Hong Kong Confirms Use of Calcium Carbonate as a Coloring Food Additive

Hong Kong’s relevant food regulation contains a positive list of chemicals which are allowed for use as coloring matter. However, this positive list does not explicitly list calcium carbonate as an allowable coloring additive for food use. In this regard, the U.S. food manufacturers, in consultation with Post, wrote to the Hong Kong government to seek clarification on whether calcium carbonate is allowed for use as a food coloring additive. In response, the Hong Kong Center for Food Safety (CFS) confirmed that this chemical is allowed for use as a coloring matter. The CFS’ welcomed decision on the allowable use of this chemical was recently posted on the government’s website.