Allura Red AC

Chembox new
ImageFile=Allura Red AC.pngIUPACName=disodium 6-hydroxy-5-((2-
methoxy-5-methyl-4-
sulfophenyl)azo)-2-
naphthalene-sulfonate
OtherNames="Allura Red",
"Food Red 17",
"C.I. 16035",
"FD&C Red 40",
"2-naphthalenesulfonic acid", or
"disodium salt".
Section1= Chembox Identifiers
CASNo=025956-17-6
EINECS=
PubChem=
SMILES=
Section2= Chembox Properties
Formula=
MolarMass=
Appearance=dark red powder
Density=
MeltingPt=>300°C
BoilingPt=
Solubility=
Section3= Chembox Hazards
MainHazards=
FlashPt=
Autoignition=

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"cite web
url= http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/col-221.html
title= From Shampoo to Cereal: Seeing to the Safety of Color Additives
accessdate= 2008-06-04
author= Henkel, John
year= 1993
month= December
work= FDA Consumer
publisher= US Food and Drug Administration
quote= "allura Red AC" - the common name for uncertified FD&C Red No. 40] cite web
url= http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/colorfac.html
title= Food Color Facts
accessdate= 2008-06-04
year= 1993
month= January
publisher= US Food and Drug Administration
quote= "Name/Common Name" [:] FD&C Red No.40 [/] Allura Red AC] ", 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 amaranth 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 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 is not 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 should not 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 [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6979976.stm Parents warned of additives link] ]

The study found that increased levels of hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and lower IQ were observed in children. [ [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/07/nfood107.xml Graham Tibbetts. "Artificial colourings as harmful as leaded petrol for children", "Telegraph", 7 April 2008] ] cite web
url = http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2007/sep/foodcolours
title = Agency revises advice on certain artificial colours
publisher = Food Standards Agency
date = 2007-09-11
accessdate = 2008-04-10] 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.

On 10 April 2008, the Foods Standard Agency called for a voluntary removal of the colors (but not sodium benzoate) by 2009. [BBC [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7340426.stm Europe-wide food colour ban call] 10 April 2008] 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. [FSA [http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2008/apr/coloursadvice Board discusses colours advice] 10 April 2008]

Carcinogen

Upon its introduction into the market, there were fears that Allura Red AC was carcinogenic; however, studies have since shown that this is not the case.Fact|date=April 2007 The initial reports of its consumption causing tumors have since been shown to have been caused by the presence of para-cresidine.Fact|date=February 2007 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.Fact|date=April 2008

Other health effects

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.Fact|date=July 2007

In some people, even those with no other known allergies, Allura Red AC can cause severe urticaria, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylaxis (shock).Fact|date=August 2008

Regulation

In Europe, Allura Red AC is not recommended for consumption by children. It is banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Austria. [" [http://www.ukfoodguide.net/e129.htm E129] ", "UK Food Guide", a British food additives website. Last retrieved 20 May, 2007.] The European Union approves Allura Red AC as a food colorant, but EU countries' local laws banning food colorants are preserved. [European Parliament and Council Directive 94/36/EC of 30 June 1994 on colours for use in foodstuffs] 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. [ [http://www.mattilsynet.no/mat/mattrygghet/tilsetningsstoffer/norway_and_food_additives_34434 Norwegian Food Safety Authority] ]

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.

References

External links

* [http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=chem&id=912 National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine]
* [http://www.ukfoodguide.net/e129.htm UK Food Guide on E129]
* [http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v15je02.htm International Programme on Chemical Safety]
* [http://www.standardcon.com/allurared.htm Some more details, other common names]
* [http://www.red40.com/ List of Foods and Drugs containing Red Dye #40]