Contents
E133 is a synthetic type dye, the production of which takes place in the process of organic synthesis of coal tar. Externally, the dye looks like a red powder with a blue tint, which is practically insoluble in water.
From its main characteristics it is worth noting: a wide range of applications, acid resistance, thermal stability and a high level of light resistance.
A variety of digestive manufacturers use E133 in combination with other types of dyes: if mixed with yellow, the result will be green at the input, in combination with red it will turn purple, in combination with purple or brown – black, in a duet with orange you will get brown. A duet of blue brilliant FCF dye with tartrazine (E101) is often found, in this way obtaining the most extensive palette of greens.
Purpose and scope
Brilliant Blue FCF has a wide range of applications. In the food industry, E133 is used to color pasta, baked goods, popsicles, canned vegetables, canned fruits, dairy products, breakfast cereals, alcohol-containing drinks, soft drinks, various sweets, ice cream, desserts, gelatin, etc.
In the cosmetics industry, E133 is used in the production of decorative cosmetics, hair dyes, various creams, shampoos, and deodorants. Most often, Indian manufacturers resort to this additive to obtain brighter and more stable colors. In the textile industry, the dye is mainly used for dyeing silk and woolen fabrics. Brilliant blue FCF dye is used least of all in pharmaceuticals (coloring of capsule and tablet shells) and in the production of household chemicals.
The use of blue shiny FCF in the composition of medicinal products is prohibited.
Possible titles
Manufacturers can often hide E133 under other names, including:
- E-133;
- brilliant blue;
- aniline blue;
- blue #1;
- food blue-2;
- 42090;
- blue brilliant FCF.
Chemical composition and release form
The additive is produced synthetically, and the production usually uses coal tar, which is processed through organic synthesis. The additive has the following chemical formula: C37H34N2Na2O9S3.
It is very difficult to dissolve the additive in ordinary water, resulting in a blue or blue solution.
It is produced in the form of a granular powder without the presence of any odor. The additive is a combustible material and is highly resistant to alkaline media.
E133 can be produced in special woven bags, paper food bags, corrugated boxes. Regardless of the type of packaging, a plastic bag with a thickness of 0,08 millimeters is first placed inside. Each manufacturer has its own type of packaging.
Under no circumstances should other containers (not from the manufacturer) be used for storage.
Impact on the body: harm and benefit
The additive has an average level of danger to the human body.
The E133 dye is poorly absorbed by the body and ninety-five percent of the total absorbed dye is excreted along with food residues. If you use brilliant blue FCF in large quantities and often, then the feces acquire a greenish tint.
Abuse of the dye can provoke allergic reactions, asthma attacks, especially for people with hypersensitivity to aspirin. This dietary supplement has not been fully investigated to this day, therefore, the general range of side effects is not known.
There are currently no data on carcinogenicity and toxicity of the additive.
But, numerous studies (which were conducted on laboratory rats) have shown that this supplement has a positive effect on therapy for spinal cord injuries.
It should be noted that the blue brilliant FCF dye is a rather expensive synthetic agent, therefore, it is not actively used in industry, since it is not profitable.
Daily dosage
To date, a safe daily intake of dye has been developed, and it is twelve and a half milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
It is worth noting that for green peas, the amount of dye should not exceed one hundred milligrams per kilo of product. For canned apple puree, the rate per kilogram should not exceed two hundred milligrams, but for pickled cucumbers, the amount of E133 per kilogram of product should not exceed three hundred milligrams. For pasta and other bread products, the norm is two hundred milligrams per kilo. In sauces, up to five hundred milligrams of dye per kilogram of sauce is allowed. For soft drinks and processed cheeses, the norm is one hundred milligrams per kilo.
Permission to use
Food group dye E-133 is acceptable for use in production in Russia, Ukraine and certain EU countries, but the additive is banned in Norway, Germany, Belgium, Denmark and France.
Main producers
During the purchase period, it is important to choose the right manufacturer. Among the well-known foreign reliable manufacturers are: Sensient Technologies Corporation (America), ROHA and Vidhi Dyestuffs Mfg (India). Among the well-known and proven manufacturers in Russia for years, it is worth noting: Eco Resource and GIORD (St. Petersburg) and Teresa-Inter (Moscow).
It is important to remember that every synthetic additive or dye in any case harms the body (even if the manufacturers do not indicate this), therefore, if possible, products containing E133 should be avoided, especially if there are problems with the respiratory system, there are various chronic diseases, anomalies work of the liver, kidneys and intestines.