Carmoazine, Azorubin (E122)

The synthetic substance azorubine can be found on product labels under various names: carmoisine, food red, E122 or acid red (although in the latter version it is usually indicated in medicines). A synthetic substance has no analogues in nature and is synthesized in the process of chemical reactions. Despite the fact that today there is more unequivocal information about the presence of harm from the ingress of dye into the human body than data on its safety, many food products contain this substance of dubious usefulness.

Obtaining food additive E122, its chemical properties

Azo dye carmoisine is a substance with nitrogenous compounds in the composition, which belongs to the dyes of the naphthalene series. It is produced by the distillation of coal tar and does not occur naturally. A natural analogue obtained from natural raw materials is cochineal dye.

In appearance, food additive E122 is a powder or granules that have a bright red or maroon color. For industry, it is supplied in the form of a disodium salt or a derivative with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

The substance has no smell and taste, it dissolves well in water. It is popular among manufacturers, as it has low light sensitivity and resistance to heat treatment.

The main property is coloring. The additive may improve the natural color of the product or restore it if it has been lost after thermal or other processing. It is also able to color food in shades from pink to purple, and in combination with other dyes gives orange, brown or purple hues.

Substance storage requirements

According to international standards, carmoisine must be stored and transported in corrugated cardboard boxes or grocery bags – fabric or paper. After filling, they are sealed or tied with twine made from natural fibers.

There must be a polyethylene lining inside the container, and the corresponding marking on the container itself.

Human Use of a Dietary Supplement

In Japan, Canada, USA, Norway, Austria, Great Britain and Sweden, the use of E122 dye is strictly prohibited. Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand and some European countries still add it to food and medicine.

Azorubin is designed to restore the natural color of food if it has been lost as a result of long-term storage or heat treatment.

In this way, manufacturers increase the attractiveness of food for the buyer, as well as imitate the content of natural red fruits and berries.

The additive under the code E122 is found in such products:

• processed cheese;
• preserves and jams;
• berry and fruit yoghurts;
• products from red fish, caviar, minced meat and smoked meats;
• confectionery: cakes, rolls, pastries, marmalade;
• alcohol and carbonated drinks;
• ice cream;
• pasta;
• juices;
• natural sausage casings.

The powder is commercially available, it can be purchased at stores and pharmacies. It is added to baked goods and used to color Easter eggs.

The cosmetics industry uses azorubine to color cosmetics and body care products such as:

• lipstick;
• blush;
• Hair Dye;
• eye shadow;
• personal hygiene products: shampoos, shower gels, soaps.

For the manufacture of toilet water and perfumes, the substance E122 is also used.

In the field of medicines and biological additives, the dye helps to give the appropriate color to the shells of drugs.

Impact on human health

Given the fact that in many civilized countries the substance was banned for use, there is every reason to believe that it poses a real danger to humans.

According to the World Health Organization, eating food with the addition of E122 in the composition does not cause significant harm to humans, if you do not exceed the established daily intake: 4 mg per 1 kilogram of adult weight. However, there are other data about this.

The harm of the substance lies in the fact that in the human body it can decompose into amines. The latter can, when released into the bloodstream, provoke shortness of breath, increased heart rate, damage to the liver and central nervous system.

The additive has certain contraindications: people with diseases of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not encounter it.

Allergy sufferers and asthmatics are also at risk – for them, products with azorubine become a provoking factor that can cause bouts of urticaria, suffocation, and Quincke’s edema.

Who else should not eat food and use products containing carmoisine is children. Studies conducted by the UK showed that the substance causes attacks of aggression, hyperactivity, absent-mindedness, and causes various behavioral disorders.

India, Germany, Italy and the UK are countries where a significant amount of food additive E122 is produced for the world market. At the same time, a number of countries, including the UK, have banned its use for consumer goods. The reason for this is a whole list of contraindications and prohibitions, as well as side effects and harmful effects that carmoisine can cause in the human body: allergies, disorders in the functioning of internal organs, and nervous disorders in children.

Many products on the store shelves attract the buyer with a rich red or purple color: yoghurts, sweets, sausages, pastries. It is known that color can affect the human psyche. Red is considered a shade that, on a subconscious level, can increase appetite and attract attention. This is what food manufacturers use to increase sales. Therefore, when choosing strawberry yogurt or biscuit rolls with filling for yourself or your child, you should pay attention to the composition, and, if possible, refuse to purchase those products on the label of which “E122” appears.

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