Allura Red AC
Score impact
-0.60
points/product
Description
E129, known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic dark red food color belonging to the azo dye group. It is produced industrially by diazotization of 5-amino-4-hydroxy-3-phenylazo-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonic acid and subsequent coupling with 4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid. Chemically, it is the disodium salt of 6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid. It is soluble in water, stable to light and heat, but may decolorize in the presence of ascorbic acid.
Its main function is to provide an intense red color to foods, improving their appearance. It was approved in the European Union in 1994 and is regulated by Regulation (EC) 1333/2008.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have evaluated its safety. EFSA established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 7 mg/kg body weight in 2009, based on toxicity studies. However, its safety is controversial due to possible adverse effects in children, such as hyperactivity.
Labeling in the EU must include the name or E number, and in some countries a warning is required about possible effects on activity and attention in children.
Overall, it is considered safe within established limits, but moderation is recommended in sensitive populations.
E129 is used in a wide variety of foods. In the European Union, it is authorized in categories such as non-alcoholic beverages (up to 100 mg/L), confectionery products (up to 300 mg/kg), ice cream (up to 150 mg/kg), desserts (up to 150 mg/kg), sauces (up to 500 mg/kg), and processed meat products (up to 100 mg/kg).
Common examples in the Spanish market include orange soft drinks, hard candies, strawberry jellies, fruit yogurts, and Frankfurt-type sausages. Maximum limits are set in Regulation (EC) 1333/2008. In the United States, the FDA allows it in foods and drugs, with similar limits. In Japan, its use is restricted in some products.
Comparatively, the EU has stricter limits for certain foods, such as beverages, where the limit is 100 mg/L compared to 300 mg/L allowed in the US.
Documented adverse effects of E129 include allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, such as urticaria, angioedema, and asthma, although these are rare.
The biological mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed that azo dyes may release aromatic amines after intestinal metabolism, which could act as haptens. The most controversial effect is its possible link to hyperactivity in children. A study from the University of Southampton (2007) suggested that mixtures of colors, including E129, with sodium benzoate increased hyperactivity in children. However, EFSA concluded that the study did not demonstrate direct causality and that the current ADI is safe. WHO also supports safety at established limits. Sensitive populations include children with a predisposition to allergies or ADHD. No drug interactions have been documented.
In conclusion, although considered safe for the general population, caution is recommended in children and allergic individuals.
- Allura Red AC
- Red 40
- FD&C Red No. 40
- Food Red 17
- CI 16035
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