Gold
Score impact
0.00
points/product
Description
The food additive E175, known as Gold, is a metallic colorant used mainly for decorative purposes in foods. It consists of pure gold (Au) in the form of sheets, powder, or flakes, applied to the surface of gourmet products to give a luxurious and shiny appearance. Gold is an inert chemical element and non-toxic in its metallic form, as it is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted unchanged. However, the main concern lies in particle size: when used as a very fine powder, nanoparticles may form that could cross biological barriers.
Gold is industrially obtained through rolling and grinding processes of high-purity gold (minimum 23 karats, usually 24 karats). From a physicochemical standpoint, gold is a noble metal, resistant to corrosion, with a melting point of 1064 °C. Its function in food is exclusively aesthetic; it does not contribute flavor or nutritional value. Historically, gold has been used in cooking since ancient times, especially in elite pastry making. In the European Union, E175 was authorized as a food colorant by Directive 94/36/EC and is currently regulated by Regulation (EC) 1333/2008.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated E175 in 2016 (EFSA Journal 2016;14(11):4592), concluding that there are no safety concerns for metallic gold particles of micrometric size, but expressed concern about nanoparticles, recommending that particles below 100 nm should not exceed 1%. No Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) was established because gold is not significantly absorbed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not set an ADI.
Regarding labeling, it must appear as "gold" or "E175" in the ingredient list. The overall safety assessment is that E175 is safe under current conditions of use, provided that the presence of nanoparticles is avoided. However, controversy exists due to the lack of long-term studies on the accumulation of gold nanoparticles in tissues. Some consumers avoid this additive for ethical or preventive health reasons.
E175 is mainly used in the category of decorative and luxury foods. According to Regulation (EC) 1333/2008, it is authorized in the European Union for use on the surface of confectionery products, chocolates, spirits, and in the decoration of cakes and desserts. It has no specific quantitative limit (quantum satis), meaning the amount necessary to achieve the decorative effect is allowed, provided it is not used to mask defects or deceive the consumer.
In the Spanish market, it is found in products such as high-end chocolates (e.g., liquor chocolates coated in gold), gold flakes for cake decoration, and beverages like Goldschläger (liqueur with gold flakes). It is also used in cocktails and in some dishes at high-end restaurants. In comparison with other regions, the FDA in the United States allows gold as a food colorant only for external use (decoration) and not for internal consumption, although in practice it is consumed. In Japan, gold is permitted as a food additive without specific restrictions.
It is important to note that the use of E175 is minor and limited to niche products.
Documented side effects of E175 are virtually non-existent under normal conditions of use. Metallic gold is inert and not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, so it is eliminated unchanged in feces. No allergic reactions to metallic gold in foods have been reported, although dermal contact with gold jewelry can cause allergy in sensitive individuals (not related to ingestion).
The main safety concern is the presence of gold nanoparticles (smaller than 100 nm), which could cross the intestinal barrier and accumulate in organs such as the liver or spleen. EFSA in its 2016 evaluation noted that there are insufficient data on the toxicokinetics of gold nanoparticles, so it recommended that the nanoparticle content in the additive should not exceed 1% of total particles.
No interactions with medications have been established. Sensitive populations are not identified, but as a precaution, consumption is recommended to be avoided in pregnant women and young children due to the lack of studies. The conclusion of EFSA and WHO is that E175 is safe under current conditions of use, provided particle size is controlled. No ADI has been set because it is not considered necessary.
In summary, the risk is very low for the general consumer, but the controversy over nanoparticles keeps the debate open.
- Gold
- Metallic gold
- CI 77480
- Pigment Metal 3
- Aurum
- Gold leaf
- Gold powder
- Aurum metallicum
- Natural gold colorant
- Fine gold
Classification:
Statistics
17
total views
Something wrong?
If you notice incorrect or incomplete information, help us improve the platform.