Number: E123
Name: Amaranth
Other names: Food Red 9, Cl 16185, FD&C Red No.2, Acid Red 27, Azorubin S
Function: Colour
Description: is a dark red to purple colour
Origin: synthetic azo dye
Application:
- cosmetics (lipstick, rouge)
- sometimes we can find it in cakes, jelly powder, breakfast cereals, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, caviar and blackcurrants products
Daily intake: up to 0,5 mg/kg body weight
Side effects:
- it appears to cause allergic or intolerant reactions, particularly amongst those with an aspirin intolerance and asthma sufferers
- it is a histamine liberator and may intensify symptoms of asthma
- in combination with benzoates, it is also implicated in hyperactivity in children
- a connection between tumours and amaranth has been established in rats, but not (un)proven in humans
- many countries have restricted the use pending further tests, and the ADI has been reduced to 0.5 mg/kg
Curiosities:
- can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians
- very soluble in water
