Litholrubine BK
Score impact
-0.50
points/product
Description
The food additive E180, also known as Litholrubine BK, is a synthetic red colorant belonging to the group of azoic lakes. It is obtained industrially by the diazotization reaction of 2-amino-5-methylbenzenesulfonic acid with calcium 3-hydroxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]naphthalene-2,7-disulfonate, forming an insoluble complex stabilized with calcium or aluminum salts.
It is a dark red powder, practically insoluble in water, but soluble in ethanol and oils. Its main function is to provide an intense red color to foods, especially in products requiring stability to light and heat.
Historically, it was approved in the European Union as a food colorant in the 1970s, although its use has been restricted to certain food categories. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated its safety on several occasions, establishing an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.15 mg/kg body weight. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also evaluated it, confirming the ADI.
Regarding food safety, E180 is considered safe at authorized levels, although there are controversies about possible adverse effects in sensitive populations. On labeling, it must appear as 'colorant: litholrubine BK' or 'E180'.
E180 is authorized in the EU for use in certain food categories according to Regulation EC 1333/2008. It is mainly used on the surface of ripened cheeses (such as Edam or Gouda) to give a characteristic red color to the rind, and in some meat products like sausages and pâtés. It is also used in alcoholic beverages, potato-based snacks, and some confectionery products.
In the Spanish market, it can be found in cheeses such as 'Queso Rojo' or 'Queso de bola', and in some sausages. Authorized limits vary by product: for example, in ripened cheeses the limit is 100 mg/kg, while in alcoholic beverages it is 200 mg/L. Comparatively, the FDA does not approve E180 for use in foods in the United States, although it is permitted in Japan with restrictions similar to European ones.
Toxicological studies have shown that litholrubine BK has low acute toxicity. However, some animal studies have suggested possible effects on the immune system and reproduction at high doses. EFSA, in its 2010 re-evaluation, concluded that dietary exposure to E180 does not exceed the ADI in the general population, but noted that young children might be exposed to levels near the limit.
No significant adverse effects in humans have been documented at authorized doses. The biological mechanism of possible effects could be related to the release of aromatic amines during digestion, although evidence is limited. Sensitive populations include people with allergies to azoic colorants, although litholrubine BK is not classified as a common allergen. No interactions with medications are known.
In conclusion, EFSA and WHO consider E180 safe under authorized conditions of use, although they recommend keeping exposure within the ADI.
- Pigment Red 57:1
- C.I. 15850:1
- D&C Red No. 7
- Lake Red C
- Rubine Toner
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