Synthetic dye E-131, also called patent blue V in the industry, is a food additive. This chemical compound is a granular powder that is highly soluble in water. Additive E-131 has a color from bright blue to purple with a bluish tint, and when combined with other chemical dyes, it can give black, green or brown shades. The food synthetic additive E-131 is coal tar, since it is synthesized from coal tar, and is classified by experts as hazardous and prohibited chemicals. The molecular formula of E-131 is as follows – C54H62CaN4O14S4.
Areas of use
The chemical substance E-131, although it is called a food additive, is not widely used in food production today, but it is still possible to meet it in some types of meat products (for example, in minced meat, sausage).
As a dye, Patent Blue V is used to make certain types of drinks.
After a detailed study of the impact of the synthetic additive E-131 on human health, experts did not establish the daily allowable intake rate. It is allowed to be used in strictly established norms in the production of certain foods, for example, in the EU countries. In Russia, this food coloring is used to color ice cream, desserts, fruit ice in a volume that does not exceed 150 milligrams per 1 kilogram of human body weight per day.
If this dye is used to preserve fruits or vegetables, as well as in the alcohol industry and bakery production, then its maximum allowable rate per day should not exceed 200 milligrams per 1 kilogram of body, in the manufacture of sauces and seasonings – up to 500 milligrams, in in the production of processed cheese and soft drinks – up to 100 milligrams, and in fish caviar and mustard – no more than 300 milligrams.
Among other industries for the use of dye E-131, the cosmetic industry, the medical industry and the textile industry should be mentioned.
At the same time, this chemical is used to color pharmaceuticals, toothpastes, shampoos, liquid and lump soaps, shower and bath gels and foams, and alcohol-based perfumes. E-131 is perfectly capable of dyeing woolen products.
Harm to the human body
Food chemical coloring is allowed for use in Russia and Ukraine.
E-131 is a prohibited food ingredient in many countries of the European Union, America, Australia, and the Netherlands.
Among the possible reactions of a negative nature that affect the state of human health, experts call such diseases as:
- bronchial asthma;
- disorders of the stomach and intestines;
- anaphylaxis;
- allergic reactions, urticaria;
- hyperactivity.
It is strictly forbidden to eat foods with the food additive E-131 for those who cannot tolerate aspirin, as well as for young children.
Given the synthetic nature of the origin of the dye E-131 or blue patented V, we can conclude that this substance is not characteristic of a living organism and, therefore, that there are no beneficial properties for humans.