I use the TRS brand of Food colouring as it is readily available down here in the south. The main ingredient for the
red colouring is Ponceau 4R and this is what Wikkipedia say's about it.
Ponceau 4R (also known as C.I. 16255 [1], Cochineal Red A[1], C.I. Acid Red 18[1], Brilliant Scarlet 3R[1], Brilliant Scarlet 4R[1], New Coccine[citation needed]) , SX purple[citation needed]) is a synthetic colourant that may be used as a food colouring. It is denoted by E Number E124[1]. Its chemical name is 1-(4-sulpho-1-napthylazo)- 2-napthol- 6,8-disulphonic acid, trisodium salt.
Ponceau 4R is a red azo dye which can be used in a variety of food products, and is usually synthesized from aromatic hydrocarbons from petroleum.
Health EffectsBecause it is an azo dye, it may elicit intolerance in people allergic to salicylates (aspirin). Additionally, it is a histamine liberator, and may intensify symptoms of asthma.
Ponceau 4R is considered carcinogenic in some countries, including the USA, Norway, and Finland, and it is currently listed as a banned substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). [2] Since 2000, the FDA has seized Chinese-produced haw flakes (a fruit candy) on numerous occasions for containing Ponceau 4R.[1][dead link]
EFSA has decided on 2009-09-23 to lower the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Ponceau 4R from 4 mg/kg to 0.7 mg/kg bodyweight per day. The substance causes increased migration of nuclear DNA in glandular stomach, bladder (≥ 100 mg/kg) and colon tissue (≥ 10 mg/kg). Clastogenic activity was seen in in bone marrow at dosages equivalent to an intake ≥ 80 mg/kg, but no carcinogenic effects were noted. The production process may result in unsulphonated aromatic amines to be present in concentrations of up to 100 mg/kg which may be linked to cancer. Also the EFSA panel noted that the JECFA limit for lead is ≤ 2 mg/kg whereas the EC specification is ≤ 10 mg/kg. The colour additive can also increase the intake of aluminium beyond the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 mg/kg/week. Therefore the limit for aluminum may become adjusted to accommodate for this. [3]
The Deep Orange Version of this brand contains Sunset Yellow FCF E110, which doesn't look as harmful as the Red according to Wikkepdia, again see below.
Sunset Yellow FCF (also known as Orange Yellow S, FD&C Yellow 6 or C.I. 15985) is a synthetic yellow azo dye, manufactured from aromatic hydrocarbons from petroleum. When added to foods, it is denoted by E Number E110.[1] Although there are reports that it can induce an allergic reaction, this is not confirmed by scientific research.[2]
Possible Health EffectsSunset Yellow is a sulfonated version of Sudan I, a possible carcinogen,[citation needed] which is frequently present in it as an impurity. Sunset Yellow itself may be responsible for causing an allergic reaction in people with an aspirin intolerance,[3] resulting in various symptoms including gastric upset, diarrhea, vomiting, nettle rash (urticaria) and swelling of the skin (angioedema).[4] The colouring has also been linked to hyperactivity in young children.[5]
The following additives were tested in the research:[5]
* Sunset yellow (E110) (FD&C Yellow #6) - Colouring found in squashes
* Carmoisine (E122) - Red colouring in jellies
* Tartrazine (E102) (FD&C Yellow #5) - Yellow colouring
* Ponceau 4R (E124) - Red colouring
* Sodium benzoate (E211) - Preservative
* Quinoline yellow (E104) - Food colouring
* Allura red AC (E129) (FD&C Red #40) - Orange/red food dye
The directions on the back of the label on both the red and deep orange jars says to add 9 grams, thats 0.317 ounces, 2 thirds of a tbs and 1 and nine tenths of a teaspoon to 1 litre of water to make a liquid based colouring. It also says, "Use Sparingly".
So my guess is, that if you want coloured food, then it may be better to go for the orange than the red. It's a toss up between Brightly coloured BIR food against possible health risks really. You're choice........
Topic: "Shish Mahal" Tandoori Chicken Marinade (from Haldi) (Read 14580 times)
