Contents
Food additive E126 (crimson 6R) – belongs to the category of red food dyes, which, depending on the concentration, can vary from pale to saturated. According to the chemical structure, the compound belongs to azo dyes and in properties resembles the popular amaranth dye.
Additive E126 is highly soluble in water and poorly in ethyl alcohol.
Has the chemical formula C20Н10N2Na4O14S4.
Crimson 6R refers to synthetic azo dyes containing nitrogen (E941), it is obtained from coal tar.
In appearance, crimson 6R is a red powder, but sometimes it can also be with a brown tint. The color scheme may change when combined with other dyes.
E126 is used to color foodstuffs red.
Some countries have abandoned the use of such food additives. It continues to be used in Russia, Ukraine, EU countries, the United States of America, Australia and other countries.
Ponceau 6R is also used as a stain in histology (a branch of biology that studies the structure, life and development of tissues of living organisms).
Why are some countries opposed to this food additive?
There is only one reason – the additive refers to toxic substances that can have a significant effect on the human body. Experimental studies on laboratory animals have shown that when Ponceau 6R was added to the feed of experimental animals, serious disorders were noted in the liver, kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Prolonged use led to a decrease in body weight, manifestations of an allergic reaction.
Scope
The use of Ponceau 6R (E126) is similar to the dietary supplement E125. It is used by manufacturers in the manufacture of sausage and fish products. Alizarin is also added to improve the palatability of seafood, canned berries, fruits, vegetables, confectionery and bakery products.
Often, a food additive is used in the production of soft drinks and carbonated drinks to provide them with a rich color.
According to all sources, this component is considered prohibited. But due to the fact that it is present in the chemical classification in the E line, it is possible that it is he who is used by manufacturers to color their products.
Therefore, if you monitor your health, then before using any products, carefully study their composition. This way you can protect yourself and your loved ones. This is especially true for those products that you buy for your children.
| Name | Crimson SX (Ponceau), Ponceau |
|---|---|
| A type | Food supplement |
| Category | Food coloring |
| Description | Additives with codes (E100 – E199) are classified as dyes and are intended for coloring and restoring the color of products that have undergone heat treatment. |
In other sources, you can find such names:
- FD&C Red No.4;
- crimson SX;
- Food Red 2;
- Culvert SX;
- Scarlet GN;
- Scarlet GN;
- poncho;
- E 126.
Effects on the body
Ponceau 6R dye (E126) is classified as a substance with carcinogenic potential. Excessive use of it can significantly reduce the protective barrier of the immune system and provoke the development of malignant neoplasms.
Aromatic amines may be formed during the dye production process. It is these components that have a negative impact on the work of all organs and systems in the human body.
If you do not follow all the rules and do not adhere to the desired dosage, then it will significantly harm the vital organs. A fatal outcome is also possible.
The stomach and intestines fall under the harmful influence of the components that make up the dye, and kidney and liver dysfunction may also develop, followed by general metabolic disorders in the body.
According to scientific experimental studies, findings have been published showing that the consumption of foods containing food coloring contributes to the development of Addison’s disease, an endocrine system disease characterized by chronic adrenal insufficiency.
Ponceau 6R (E126) influence on the children’s body is manifested in increased excitability and, as a result, fatigue. In addition, the so-called syndrome of insufficient influence can develop.
It is strictly forbidden to use such products for pregnant women, as well as during breastfeeding. The food additive is classified as a mutagenic compound capable of penetrating the fetal body and causing abnormalities in its development.
To date, Russia and other European countries are trying to minimize the use of this dye, it is banned for use in the production of cosmetics and pharmacological products. Although at the same time, some countries are actively using it in the manufacture of medicines.
Is food additive E126 (Crimson 6R) prohibited or permitted?
This representative of food additives has long ceased to be used in the food industry. Since 1978, it has been completely banned from use in European countries. It is also banned in the Russian Federation, the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand and several other countries.
But, unfortunately, not all manufacturers are responsible for food production technology, and this dye is often used. Therefore, if you doubt the naturalness of the color of any product, then carefully study what is included in its composition. Remember that excessive use of this supplement can lead to the development of serious pathological processes that can have serious health consequences.
- Sources of
- Bolotov, V.M. Food dyes: classification, properties, analysis, application / V.M. Bolotov, A.P. Nechaev, L.A. Sarafanov. – St. Petersburg: Giord, 2008. – 240 p.: ill.