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Brand owned by ITC Limited (India) · about the brand
Sunfeast Marie Light
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 1.8 ShowHide
Reviewed 5 times · Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This biscuit product contains Caramel (E150d), an ammonia-process caramel colour that produces 4-MEI, which is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen. While the overall risk from dietary intake is considered low by regulatory bodies, individuals seeking to minimize exposure to such additives may wish to avoid this product. It is also high in sugar and refined palm oil, contributing to a high saturated fat content, which is a concern for cardiovascular health.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Minerals
- Vitamins
Contains IARC 2B carcinogen (4-MEI from Caramel E150d), high sugar and saturated fat.
This biscuit contains Caramel (E150d), an additive that produces 4-MEI, classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. It is also high in sugar and refined palm oil, contributing to a significant saturated fat content. Consumers concerned about these ingredients, particularly those with cardiovascular health considerations or who wish to avoid certain food additives, should be aware.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — Refined Palm Oil and Caramel (E150d) are declared.
Declared allergens: Milk, Gluten and Sulphites
Relevant if you have any of these allergies or intolerances.
Based on the declared ingredient list. This is a risk only to people with the allergy, not a general-population safety issue, so it does not lower the safety score.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for food. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Saturated fat 6.3 g · trans fat 0.1 g per 100 g/ml
Infants under 1
AvoidContains added sugar, which is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age.
Toddlers & young children (1–5)
LimitThis product is high in added sugars and saturated fat, which should be limited in the diets of young children to promote healthy eating habits and prevent excessive calorie intake.
Why the score is capped
Contains ammonia caramel colour (E150c/d) — which can generate 4-MEI during manufacture — IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans); this label does not state its concentration
Rule F-CAP-10 · Source: IARC / EFSA classification of the additive
Highly processed (NOVA) and high in sugar
Rule F-CAP-07
What's good
Fortified with essential minerals and vitamins
Watch out for
High sugar content from multiple sources
High saturated fat content from refined palm oil
Presence of artificial flavouring substances
Potential for allergic reactions to sulfites (Sodium Metabisulfite)
Contains gluten (Refined wheat flour), unsuitable for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is very high in saturated fatty acids (~50%), which raise LDL cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk with regular high consumption. Refined palm oil can also carry processing contaminants (glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD esters), which EFSA assessed in 2016.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: WHO; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; EFSA CONTAM opinion (2016)
Palm Oil: regulation, sources and other products →Caramel Colour (Class III & IV) (E150c)
Classes III and IV of caramel colour (INS 150c/150d) are made with ammonia, a process that can generate 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) as a by-product. IARC classifies 4-MEI as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic to humans, and California lists it under Proposition 65 with a warning threshold — though EFSA's own re-evaluation did not reach the same level of concern as IARC's classification. This label does not state the product's 4-MEI concentration, so exposure from this specific product cannot be determined from the ingredient list alone. It is the colour that makes colas and dark sauces brown. Classes I and II are made without ammonia and do not carry this concern.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monograph Vol. 101 (4-MEI); California Proposition 65; EFSA re-evaluation of caramel colours (2011)
Caramel Colour (Class III & IV): regulation, sources and other products →Wheat Flour
Wheat and wheat-derived ingredients contain gluten, which triggers an autoimmune response in people with celiac disease, causing intestinal damage. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or wheat allergy must also avoid this ingredient. Labelled as a major allergen by FSSAI.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: FSSAI Food Labelling Regulations; Celiac Disease Foundation
Wheat Flour: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Caramel (E150d), an ammonia-sulfite caramel colour, which produces 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI). 4-MEI is classified by IARC as a Group 2B possible human carcinogen.
Refined Palm Oil is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. It also carries concerns regarding processing contaminants like glycidyl esters and 3-MCPD esters.
Contains Sodium Metabisulfite, a sulfite preservative that can trigger allergic reactions, especially in individuals with asthma or sulfite sensitivity.
High in added sugars (Sugar, Invert Syrup), which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and various health issues if consumed in large quantities.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
This describes the product’s packaging or its category, not a testable attribute of the food itself — so it’s classified separately rather than flagged as a doubtful claim.
The label does not provide information to verify an 'Improved taste' claim, as taste is subjective and not quantifiable on the label.
The term 'active' is vague and not defined or supported by specific metrics on the label.
The nutrition information lists Iron and 6 different vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12).
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
These are major food allergens named on the ingredient list. They are a risk only to people allergic to them — not a general-population safety issue — so they do not lower the safety score. Anyone with the allergy should avoid this product, and check the pack’s own allergen statement.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
| Energy | 452 kcal |
| Protein | 8.9 g |
| Carbohydrate | 75.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 22.2 g |
| Added Sugars | 22 g |
| Total Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.05 g |
| Sodium | 308.8 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0.1 mg |
| Iron | 3.18 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.33 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.35 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 3.07 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.46 mg |
| Vitamin B9 | 38 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.83 mcg |
Colour shows the per-100g level (green = low, amber = moderate, red = high), from the product's label.
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What are the ingredients in Sunfeast Marie Light?
The label of Sunfeast Marie Light lists 16 ingredients, in label order: Refined wheat flour, Sugar, Refined Palm Oil, Invert Syrup, Milk Solids, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Iodized Salt, Nature identical flavouring substances, Sodium Metabisulfite, Diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol, Artificial flavouring substances (Milk), Artificial flavouring substances (Vanilla), Minerals, Caramel (E150d), Vitamins. Flagged by the analysis: Refined Palm Oil, Caramel (E150d), Sodium Metabisulfite, Artificial flavouring substances (Vanilla).
Is Sunfeast Marie Light safe to eat?
Sunfeast Marie Light scores 1.8/10 on Decode Label (Concerning). This biscuit contains Caramel (E150d), an additive that produces 4-MEI, classified by IARC as a possible human carcinogen. It is also high in sugar and refined palm oil, contributing to a significant saturated fat content. Consumers concerned about these ingredients, particularly those with cardiovascular health considerations or who wish to avoid certain food additives, should be aware.
Why does Sunfeast Marie Light score 1.8/10?
Flagged in the score: High saturated fat content from refined palm oil. Also noted: High sugar content from multiple sources. Presence of artificial flavouring substances.
Who should avoid Sunfeast Marie Light?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Individuals avoiding IARC Group 2B carcinogens; Those with cardiovascular health concerns; People managing sugar intake; Children due to high sugar and saturated fat; Milk allergy / lactose intolerance.
Is Sunfeast Marie Light suitable for babies or young children?
Infants under 1: Avoid. Toddlers & young children (1–5): Limit.
Does Sunfeast Marie Light contain allergens?
Yes — the ingredient list contains milk (Milk Solids and Artificial flavouring substances (Milk)), gluten (Refined wheat flour) and sulphites (Sodium Metabisulfite). Check the allergen statement on the pack too if you have a diagnosed allergy.
Does Sunfeast Marie Light contain milk?
Yes — the ingredient list names Milk Solids and Artificial flavouring substances (Milk). People with milk allergy / lactose intolerance should treat it as containing milk, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Sunfeast Marie Light contain gluten?
Yes — the ingredient list names Refined wheat flour. People with gluten / wheat sensitivity (coeliac disease) should treat it as containing gluten, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
Does Sunfeast Marie Light contain sulphites?
Yes — the ingredient list names Sodium Metabisulfite. People with sulphite sensitivity (asthma) should treat it as containing sulphites, and check the allergen statement on the pack too.
How much sugar is in Sunfeast Marie Light?
22.2 g of total sugar per 100 g. The label declares 22 g of that as added sugar per 100 g.
Are the claims on the Sunfeast Marie Light pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 3 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "Improved taste" — can't be verified from the label. "active" — can't be verified from the label.
Is Sunfeast Marie Light vegetarian?
Sunfeast Marie Light is marked vegetarian.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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