Lihong 4R is a synthetic colorant that can be used as food coloring. It is represented by E number E124.
Ponceau (17th century French for "poppy") is the common name for a family of azo dyes. Lihong 4R is a strawberry red azo dye that can be used in a variety of foods and is usually synthesized from aromatic hydrocarbons; it is stable to light, heat and acid, but will fade in the presence of ascorbic acid.
It is used in Europe, Asia and Australia but has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for human consumption.
health effects
There is no evidence of carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity or reproductive and developmental toxicity at permitted dietary exposures; European Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is 0.7 mg/kg, WHO/FAO ADI is 4 mg/kg kg.
The manufacturing process may produce unsulfonated aromatic amines at concentrations up to 100 mg/kg, which may be associated with cancer.
The lake pigments in the form of color additives may also increase the intake of aluminum beyond the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1mg/kg/week. Therefore, the aluminum limits can be adjusted to suit this situation.
harm
In some countries such as the United States, Finland, and Norway, E124 is included in the list of banned substances as a carcinogen. Additionally, additive E124 is a potent allergen that can cause anaphylactic shock or choking attacks in asthmatics and people with aspirin intolerance.
E124 food additive is on the list of food colorings that increase ADHD in children.
benefit
Due to its synthetic origin, E124 additive is not characteristic of living organisms. There is currently no scientific evidence that Lihong 4R colorant has any benefit.
usage
E124 additive is widely used in the confectionery industry, beverage production, product coloring of ice cream, pudding, desserts and canned fruits. E124 additive is used in the production of fish and meat products, dairy desserts, cakes and curdled products.
Other uses for E124 (Ponceau 4R) colorant:
- For the production of liquid detergents (shampoo, liquid soap, body wash and shower).
- In the textile industry, it is used as a coloring agent for wool and silk.
- Used in coloring products for cosmetic purposes.
legality
In September 2009, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) adopted a resolution to reduce the permitted daily intake (ADI) of E124 (Ponceau 4R) colorant from 4 mg per day to 0.7 mg per day to 1 kg of body weight .
In Russia, E124 is banned from being used for coloring pharmaceuticals, but is allowed as E124 for food coloring.
E124 food additive is allowed for use in the food industry in Ukraine and Russia because it does not cause harm to humans if the maximum permitted dosage is observed.
