Material Safety Data Sheet for Caramel Powder

Identification

Product Name: Caramel Powder
Other Names: Burnt sugar powder, E150, Caramel coloring
Recommended Use: Food coloring, flavor enhancer for beverages, baked goods, sauces, and confections
Manufacturer: [Manufacturer Info]
Emergency Contact Number: [Insert emergency number]
CAS Number: 8028-89-5
UN Number: Not classified under UN numbers for hazardous materials

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Fine, brown to dark brown powder
Hazard Class: Non-hazardous under normal conditions
Main Hazards: Dust may cause mild respiratory irritation or eye discomfort
Pictograms: None required by GHS standards
Signal Word: None assigned
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact
Health Effects: Prolonged inhalation could dry out nasal passages or throat
Precautionary Statements: Avoid excessive dust generation, ensure good ventilation, prevent contact with eyes

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Caramelized sugar (solids derived from the controlled heat treatment of carbohydrates) 99%+
Impurities: Traces of moisture, negligible mineral salts
Additives: None typically used in food-grade product unless specified by supplier
Chemical Formula: Complex mixture, contains glucose, fructose degradation products and caramelans, caramelens, caramelins

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air, rinse mouth, drink water if coughing persists. Seek medical attention for continued discomfort.
Skin Contact: Wash off with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. Irritation is rare.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue flushing. Seek medical care if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water. Non-toxic for humans at normal food use levels. Provide medical care for unusual reactions.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Unsuitable Media: Direct water stream in large fires may disperse dust clouds.
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, possible small amounts of organic acids.
Protective Equipment: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus if large amounts of smoke produced.
Fire and Explosion Hazards: Powdered caramel can form combustible dust-air mixtures. Avoid dust buildup and ignition sources.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use personal protective equipment to avoid dust inhalation. Ventilate area. Avoid contact with eyes.
Environmental Precautions: Large spills should not enter waterways in concentrated form.
Clean-up Methods: Sweep or vacuum up spilled powder gently to minimize dust. Place in appropriate container for disposal. Clean finished area to prevent residues, using water if necessary.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid creating dust. Ensure good local ventilation in large-scale use. Wear suitable eye protection during dusty operations.
Storage Conditions: Store in airtight containers. Keep in dry, cool, and well-ventilated areas. Protect from moisture, heat, and strong odors, as powder is hygroscopic and readily absorbs moisture from air.
Incompatibilities: Avoid strong oxidizing agents. Store away from sources of ignition and direct sunlight.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limits: No established limits for caramel powder; treat dust as nuisance particulate (ACGIH TLV 10 mg/m³ total dust).
Engineering Controls: Provide general or local exhaust ventilation for bulk handling.
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Respiratory Protection: Approved dust masks during handling or spill cleanup.
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles to prevent dust contact.
- Skin Protection: Standard clean work clothing; gloves for sensitive individuals.
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands after use, remove dust from skin and clothes before breaks.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Fine to granular, deep brown powder
Odor: Sweet, caramel-like aroma
pH (aqueous solution): Generally between 3.5 – 5.0 at 10% solution
Melting Point: Not applicable (decomposes, caramelizes above 100°C as a dry solid)
Solubility: Readily soluble in water, forms a dark brown solution
Moisture Content: Typically less than 5%
Bulk Density: 0.5–0.8 g/cm³
Flash Point: Not flammable as solution; dust may form combustive mixtures in air
Partition Coefficient: Not available
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Stable under normal conditions of storage and use
Reactivity: Non-reactive to most chemicals under normal conditions
Hazardous Decomposition: Heating to decomposition releases carbon oxides and trace acrid compounds
Polymerization: Does not occur
Conditions to Avoid: High humidity, excessive heat, open flame, incompatible chemicals
Incompatibility: Strong oxidizers, acids, sources of ignition if dust clouds present

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Not expected to be toxic in normal food use concentrations
Chronic Effects: No evidence for carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity when consumed as intended
Inhalation: High dust levels may irritate respiratory tract but not cause systemic toxicity
Skin Contact: Non-sensitizing, non-irritating for most people
Eye Contact: May cause temporary irritation or discomfort if in direct contact
Ingestion: Large amounts could cause gastrointestinal upset, not anticipated at food doses
Sensitization: Sensitization is very rare and not typically associated with caramel powder
LD50 (Oral, Rat): >5000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic)

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: No evidence of environmental hazard under normal conditions and use
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable; breaks down naturally in soil and water
Bioaccumulation Potential: Not expected to accumulate in organisms
Mobility:** Dissolves in water, likely to disperse quickly in aquatic environments at low concentrations
Aquatic Toxicity: No observed negative effects at concentrations used for food or beverage production