Italy Reconsiders Activated Charcoal–Colored "Black Bread"

Unfortunately for bakers in Europe looking to cash in on the fad, activated charcoal counts as food coloring — in this case, E153 Carbon Black — the addition of which is banned in baked goods under EU law. The European Food Safety Authority doesn't buy charcoal's alleged bloating-reducing properties, and the Italian Ministry of Health is cracking down on bakeries selling charcoal-infused bread marketed as tummy friendly (our words, not theirs). That's right, amici, until good, solid science backs the benefits of the black stuff, don't try using it to sell more ciabatta. If it contains activated charcoal, it's not real bread.