Orange GGN, alpha naphthol orange (E111)

Food additives with codes E110-E119 refer to synthetic azo dyes of yellow and orange colors. One of them is orange GGN, which is also called alpha-naphthol orange, and in foods can be represented by the code E111. The substance has a pronounced coloring effect, giving the products and goods that come into contact with it, the corresponding yellow-ocher to orange-brown color. However, despite the properties of coloring and giving food an attractive appearance, the use of the E111 additive is prohibited in many states, therefore, we will further consider what orange alpha-naphthol is and how safe it is for humans.

Characteristics of the substance, method of its preparation

The dye E111 is a derivative of naphthene and belongs to the naphthalene series, it represents the “family” of azo dyes due to the peculiarities of the chemical structure. A powdered dietary supplement with a slight phenol odor may be either colorless or have a yellowish tint. It has a high solubility in water, and the higher the temperature, the faster the dissolution process. Also soluble in organic solvents such as ethyl alcohol, benzene, acetone, chloroform, diethyl ether.

According to its chemical structure, it is an organic compound chemically synthesized from petroleum products: alpha-naphthylamine, tetralin, naphthalene, 5-aminonaphthalene-alpha-sulfonic acid. As a result, the final substance may contain impurities of nickel and sodium compounds.

For industrial purposes, the additive can be used both in powder form and in the form of an aqueous solution.

There is another dye that is very close in composition and characteristics to orange GGN – this is E110, or “sunset”. Visually, it is almost impossible to detect differences, as well as using an examination in ultraviolet light. They can be distinguished from each other using the capabilities of infrared spectroscopy.

The use of alpha-naphthol orange allows you to give the goods a range of shades from yellow-orange to orange-brown, as well as enhance the natural color of the product or restore it if it was lost during processing.

How is the E111 dye used?

A substance that is capable of imparting a stable, stable and bright color has certainly not gone unnoticed by food manufacturers. Before its use in food was banned, GGN orange could be found in the following foods and drinks:

• smoked meats;
• instant soups;
• seasonings;
• ice cream;
• confectionery;
• crackers;
• canned fish;
• marmalades;
• carbonated sweet drinks.

With its help, unscrupulous manufacturers could not only make food products more attractive in the eyes of the consumer due to the bright attractive color, but also hide the low quality of the raw materials used to prepare the products.

To date, the addition of E111 dye to products is prohibited in almost all developed countries, but it is still used in the cosmetic industry. The additive can be included as a component of decorative cosmetics: nail polishes, lipsticks, blush, eye shadows, as well as cleansers and skin care products (shampoos, balms, sprays, creams, shower gels, bath foams). As part of household chemicals, alpha-naphthol acts as a coloring pigment in various detergents. In the perfume industry, the substance also found its place – some manufacturers tint their fragrant products with it.

How orange GGN affects human health

Numerous studies performed by the World Health Organization using laboratory animals have shown that GGN orange azo dye has a pronounced toxic effect. In case of an overdose of this dietary supplement, symptoms similar to those of intoxication are noted: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, weakness and apathy.

The toxic compounds of nickel and sodium in the composition of the E111 additive cause disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system, affect the tissues and cells of the body, disrupting their natural metabolic processes, negatively affect the composition and blood clotting, weaken the liver, which takes on the main burden of filtering and neutralizing poisonous elements in the human body.

The substance has a depressing effect on the state of the immune system and, thereby, reduces the body’s resistance to various diseases. But the most dangerous effect of alpha-naphthol orange may be associated with its carcinogenic properties, when, as a result of metabolic transformations, it causes bladder cancer.

Russia, Ukraine, the countries of the European Union, the USA and Canada have banned the use of the food additive E111 for food at the legislative level, so any food produced in violation of this rule and sold freely in supermarkets may be the basis for contacting the competent authorities, which must take action to remove the dangerous goods from sale, and take appropriate action against the violator.

To date, not all industrialists are ready to abandon the extremely dangerous food additive E111, and the reason for this is its cheapness. A similar dye E110 or “sunset”, although not harmless, still poses a lesser danger to humans, but it also costs more. Therefore, bypassing regulatory prohibitions, some manufacturers continue to color their products with alpha-naphthol orange, thereby endangering the health of consumers. Even in small quantities, the substance has a toxic effect on the body, worsens health and negatively affects the functioning of internal organs. Therefore, when choosing bright and appetizing bright orange drinks or food in the supermarket, you must definitely pay attention to their composition. If the E111 dye is indicated there, it is better to refrain from buying.

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