Amaranth
Score impact
-1.00
points/product
Description
E123, known as Amaranth, is a synthetic food colorant ranging from dark red to purple, belonging to the azo dye group. Its chemical name is trisodium 3-hydroxy-4-[(4-sulfonato-1-naphthyl)azo]naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate. It is produced industrially by the diazotization reaction of 4-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid with 3-hydroxynaphthalene-2,7-disulfonic acid, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. It is a dark red powder, soluble in water (10 g/100 mL at 20 °C) and slightly soluble in ethanol.
Its main function is to provide an intense red color to foods, often in combination with other colorants to achieve specific shades.
Historically, Amaranth was one of the first synthetic colorants approved for food use, but its safety has been debated. In the European Union, it was initially authorized by the Colorants Directive 94/36/EC and is currently regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has evaluated Amaranth several times, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-0.5 mg/kg body weight (re-evaluation 2010).
WHO, through JECFA, also set an ADI of 0-0.5 mg/kg. However, the US FDA banned its use in foods in 1976 following studies suggesting carcinogenicity in rats. Subsequent studies did not confirm these findings in humans, and EFSA concluded there is no evidence of carcinogenicity or genotoxicity at authorized doses. Nevertheless, controversy persists, and some consumer groups recommend avoiding it.
On labeling, it must appear as "colorant: amaranth" or "E123".
The overall safety assessment is: acceptable within established limits, but with caution in sensitive populations (children, people with allergies).
E123 is mainly used in alcoholic beverages (vermouth, liqueurs), appetizers, gelatin desserts, ice cream, canned fruits, and some pastry products.
In the Spanish market, it is found in certain vermouths and herbal liqueurs, as well as in some brands of strawberry gelatin. The authorized limits under Regulation EC 1333/2008 vary by category: for example, in flavored alcoholic beverages the limit is 200 mg/L, in ice cream 150 mg/kg, and in fruit jellies 100 mg/kg. In comparison, the FDA does not allow it in foods, while in Japan it is authorized with restrictions similar to the EU.
It is important to note that its use has declined in recent years due to the preference for natural colorants.
Documented adverse effects of E123 include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as urticaria, rhinitis, or asthma, although these are rare. Animal studies have shown possible carcinogenic effects at very high doses, but EFSA concluded there is no evidence of carcinogenicity in humans at authorized doses.
The proposed biological mechanism for toxicity is the formation of free aromatic amines by reduction of the azo group in the intestine, but the amount generated is minimal. Sensitive populations include children, as some studies suggest a possible link with hyperactivity (although Amaranth was not included in the 2007 Southampton study linking certain colorants to hyperactivity). No significant interactions with medications are known.
The conclusion of EFSA and WHO is that Amaranth is safe in authorized amounts, but they recommend not exceeding the ADI of 0.5 mg/kg/day.
- Amaranth
- Amaranth Red
- Acid Red 27
- CI 16185
- FD&C Red No. 2
- Amaranth
- Food Red 9
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