Allura Red AC Totally Explained

Everything about Allura Red Ac totally explained

|Section2= |Section3= }} Allura Red AC is a red azo dye that goes by several names including: Allura Red, Food Red 17, C.I. 16035, FD&C Red 40, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-, disodium salt, and disodium 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-2-naphthalene-sulfonate. It is used as a food dye and has the E number E129. Allura Red AC was originally introduced in the United States as a replacement for the use of E123 as a food coloring. Its CAS registry number is 025956-17-6.
   It has the appearance of a dark red powder. It usually comes as a sodium salt, but can be also be used as both calcium and potassium salts. It is soluble in water. In water solution, its maximum absorbance lies at about 504 nm. Its melting point is at >300 degrees Celsius.
   Allura Red AC is one of many High Production Volume Chemicals. Some manufacturers of Allura Red AC include: Asim Products, Sanchi Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., and Warner-Jenkinson Europe Ltd.
   Despite the popular misconception, Allura Red AC isn't derived from the cochineal insect. Red AC is derived from coal tar. However, the red coloring carmine is derived from the female Dactylopius coccus, a South and Central American beetle.
   Related dyes include Sunset Yellow FCF, Scarlet GN, tartrazine, and Orange B.

Health effects

Allura Red AC has fewer health risks associated with it in comparison to other azo dyes. However, some studies have found some adverse health effects that may be associated with the dye.

Behavioral and neurological effects

On 6 September 2007, the British Food Standards Agency revised advice on certain artificial food additives, including E129.
   Professor Jim Stevenson from Southampton University, and author of the report, said: "This has been a major study investigating an important area of research. The results suggest that consumption of certain mixtures of artificial food colours and sodium benzoate preservative are associated with increases in hyperactive behaviour in children.
   "However, parents shouldn't think that simply taking these additives out of food will prevent hyperactive disorders. We know that many other influences are at work but this at least is one a child can avoid."
   The following additives were tested in the research:

Sunset yellow (E110) - Coloring found in squashes
Carmoisine (E122) - Red coloring in jellies
Tartrazine (E102) - New coloring in lollies, fizzy drinks
Ponceau 4R (E124) - Red coloring
Sodium benzoate (E211) - Preservative
Quinoline yellow (E104) - Food coloring
Allura red AC (E129) - Orange / red food dye

The study found that increased levels of hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and lower IQ were observed in children. Based on the study, the UK agency advises that cutting certain artificial colors (Sunset Yellow, Quinoline Yellow, Carmoisine, Allura Red, Tartrazine, and Ponceau 4R) from hyperactive children's diets might have some beneficial effects. In addition, it recommended that there should be action to phase them out in food and drink in the European Union (EU) over a specified period.

Carcinogen

Upon its introduction into the market, there were fears that Allura Red AC was carcinogenic; however, studies have since shown that this isn't the case. The initial reports of its consumption causing tumors have since been shown to have been caused by the presence of para-cresidine. Although para-cresidine is an important reactant in the manufacture of Allura Red AC and is a known carcinogen, further studies conducted since have found no trace of para-cresidine to be present in food-grade Allura Red AC.

Other health effects

Taken orally, it has induced a positive reaction for hypersensitivity in 15% of human subjects in an experiment conducted on 52 people.
Allura Red AC may cause an adverse reaction in the small number of people with an aspirin intolerance or allergy, manifesting itself as a skin rash (urticaria) and/or nausea.

Regulation

In Europe, Allura Red AC isn't recommended for consumption by children. It is banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Austria. The European Union approves Allura Red AC as a food colorant, but EU countries' local laws banning food colorants are preserved. In Norway it was banned between 1978 and 2001, a period in which azo dyes were only legally used in alcoholic beverages and some fish products.
In the United States, Allura Red AC is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetics, drugs, and food. It is used in some tattoo inks and is used in many products, such as soft drinks, children's medications, and cotton candy.

Further Information

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