Erythrosine (E127)

This is one of the substances that are used as food colorings to give products an unusual shade, bright color and increase their consumer demand. Compounds are widely used in industry, providing a range of products with a presentable and appetizing appearance. Therefore, sometimes even at the state level it is not easy to prohibit the use of such compounds.

Name

The code E127 denotes the dye erythrosin, a complex compound, which is natural for all synthetic compounds.

On the international market, it is found as E127, erythrosin. The connection is prohibited in Russia, but allowed for use in the European Union.

Classification

The compound is classified as food coloring, which gives the product a special color, restores the natural color lost during processing.

Appearance

It is presented in the form of a reddish powder or granulate, odorless. Regardless of the form, it dissolves in an aqueous medium and alcohol, coloring them reddish, and does not interact with oils and fats. Today, the palette of erythrosin compounds has become quite extensive – from dirty pink to bluish.

Methods of obtaining

Erythrosine is the sodium salt of 1,3,6,8-tetraiodine fluorescein, obtained by the action of iodine on fluorescein in the presence of a catalyst. As a result, the dye E127 is synthesized with impurities of chloride and sodium sulfate.

Natural sources of the compound are a number of algae, some fungi, lichens and reddish plants.

physical characteristics

A compound with a low odor is phenol, the proportion of coloring elements is up to 85%, its density is 2,93 g / cm3. The substance in an acidic environment quickly precipitates, turning into insoluble erythrosic acid.

packaging Features

The dye is produced in ordinary containers of 5 and 25 g. For wholesale deliveries, there is its own packaging – a sealed package of 1 kg.

Main producers

Erythrosine is produced by the largest corporations AlfaChem LLC and UZPH JSC.

Scope

The compound is mainly used in the food industry. The substance provides the natural color of fruit products. E127 is not added to juices, since in an acidic environment the dye precipitates, which leads to turbidity of the product. The additive is widely used in the production of cookies and biscuits, where it is used alone or in combination with other compounds.

Regulations govern the permissible concentrations of the dye. The daily intake is 0,6 mg / kg of body weight. There are a number of products for which higher allowable concentrations of erythrosin have been approved. For example, in the preparation of canned apples, pears, in the manufacture of jelly and jam products, the standard is 200 mg / kg, for canned strawberries up to 300 mg / kg of the element can be used, and up to 30 mg / kg of dye is added to shrimp. In the EU, the compound can only be used to color processed cherries. It is practically not added to other products or the content of the substance is strictly limited.

In addition to the production of food products, the additive is used in the pharmacological and cosmetic industries. It is used for coloring decorative cosmetics and household chemicals. There is a water-soluble dye E127, which is used for dyeing fabrics and wool. For the chemical industry, when painting various structural elements and parts, an aluminum derivative of the compound is produced.

Effect on the human body

Today, the dye remains insufficiently studied, its adverse effect on humans with regular abuse has been shown, while insignificant concentrations and occasional intake into the body do not cause visible harm to health.

The first studies of the compound of the element began in the middle of the 20th century and continue to this day. During this time, it was found that the constant addition of the dye to the food of laboratory animals led to an increase in the yield of experimental tumors, which indicates a possible carcinogenic effect, but its genotoxic effect has not been proven.

Some studies have demonstrated the negative effect of the compound on the liver, gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, heart and reproductive system with excessive consumption of the dye. Therefore, episodic ingestion of erythrosin does not have a harmful effect on the body, since it is completely neutralized by defense mechanisms without any consequences.

Benefit and harm

With increased use, a person may experience:

• hyperexcitability;
• children’s hyperactivity;
• asthmatic phenomena;
• damage to the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs;
• reproductive problems.

Application in products

E127 is used for dyeing the natural casing of sausages, frankfurters. The additive is included in the production of dry biscuits, biscuits, canned products, compotes. Contained in semi-finished products, yoghurts, jelly products, ice cream with fruit fillings and pistachio products.

In the Russian Federation, erythrosin is prohibited in the registration and production of medicines. Due to the risk to health in a number of states, its gradual abolition is practiced. So, in Russia, the dye is prohibited for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In many states in Europe and America, such restrictions still do not exist.

Food and drug regulators have not yet restricted such widespread use of synthetic color in production. Food additive E127 is widely used in food products and daily consumption products. To maintain health, you should follow the recommended rate.

Transportation

The substance is transported by any transport, but only in closed containers, the element is not classified as toxic and dangerous for transportation. Store in closed packages and keep away from moisture. Warranty period of storage – 1 year. The expiration date is not limited.

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