Allura Red AC is a naphthalene sulfonic acid.
Allura Red AC is a red azo color additive used in gelatin, puddings, custards, beverages, sauces, toppings, fruits, dairy products, bakery products, jams, jellies, condiments, meat and poultry. dye .
Allura Red has several names, including: Allura Red, Food Red 17, CI 16035, FD&C Red 40, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4- Sulfophenyl)azo)-, disodium salt and 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-2-naphthalenesulfonate .
It is used as a food dye and its E number is E129.
Allura Red AC was originally launched in the United States as an alternative to amaranth food coloring.
Allura Red AC is one of many high-yield chemicals. Some of the manufacturers of Allura Red AC include: Asim Products, Sanchi Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. and Warner-Jenkinson Europe Ltd., there were concerns that Allura Red AC could cause cancer; however, later studies showed this was not the case. Initial reports of tumors caused by its consumption have been shown to be caused by the presence of p-cresolamine. Although p-cresolamine is an important reactant in the manufacture of Allura Red AC and is a known carcinogen, further research conducted since then found no traces of p-cresolamine in food-grade Allura Red AC.
EU food additive definitions
Allura Red AC is mainly composed of 2-hydroxy-1-(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfo-phenylazo)naphthalene-6-sulfonate disodium and auxiliary colorants as well as the main uncolored of sodium chloride and/or sodium sulfate. Allura Red AC is formed by coupling diazotized 5-amino-4-methoxy-2-toluenesulfonic acid with 6-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid; Allura Red AC is described as the sodium salt. Calcium and potassium salts are also allowed.
Assessment by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives - JECFA
JECFA concluded that the new data did not provide a reason to modify the ADI and confirmed the ADI to be 0-7 mg/kg body weight (bw). JECFA noted that the estimated range of dietary exposure to Allura Red AC in children based on reported or industry use data is below the upper ADI limit and concluded that dietary exposure to Allura Red AC in children and all other age groups does not present a health concern.
What is Red No. 40?
Allura Red AC is a red azo dye known by several names, including FD&C red 40.
Red No. 40 is a synthetic dye used in a variety of food products. It is one of nine synthetic dyes approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption. It is also currently approved by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA).
The full name of this dye is FD and C Red No. 1. 40. It is considered a color additive. It describes any substance that adds color to foods, cosmetics, and drugs.
What is Red 40 made of?
Red No. 40 is composed of a compound called Allura Red AC. This is naphthalene sulfonic acid.
Allura Red AC usually comes in the form of a dark red powder or small granules. You can dissolve it in water, 50% alcohol solution, glycerin and propylene glycol.
When it is heated to extreme temperatures—to the point where molecules break down—it releases toxic fumes composed of nitrogen and sulfur oxides. Fortunately, such extreme temperatures are never reached when using this substance in food production.
How is Red 40 made?
Red No. 40 is a synthetic food coloring. This means that it does not occur anywhere in nature and needs to be created through man-made processes.
Specifically, it is the product of a chemical reaction involving two different types of sulfonic acids. This reaction couples one type of toluenesulfonic acid to another type of naphthalenesulfonic acid.
There are many products derived from this reaction. Allura Red AC is related to the production of sodium salts. Calcium and potassium salts are also produced and are considered safe components of the reaction.
There are also non-colored components in dyes. These are usually sodium chloride and sodium sulfate.
What is the use of red 40?
The purpose of Red No. 40, as well as all synthetic dyes, is to create unique, uniform colors in consumer products. They're perfect for making fun, eye-catching treats like cake mixes, frostings and soft drinks. They are often added by large food manufacturers but can also be used in home cooking.
Color additives can also help consumers identify the taste of consumer products. For example, purple often suggests a grape flavor and yellow usually suggests a lemon flavor. Using the red number 40 could mean some kind of cherry, strawberry or raspberry flavor. Synthetic dyes can be easily mixed together to achieve a variety of shades.
Each type of dye must be approved by the FDA for use in consumer products. Every new use of synthetic dyes requires an approval process. The FDA clearly regulates how dyes can be used and the amounts allowed.
Red No. 40 is approved to add color to a variety of foods. These include:
- gelatin
- pudding
- Beverages – alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- dairy
- frosting
- fruit
- baked goods
- jam
- condiment
- meat and poultry
Allura red AC can also be used to color arts and crafts supplies such as crayons, pens, and markers.