Allura Red AC

The examples and perspective in this Allura Red AC deal primarily with Europe and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page.

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Allura Red AC
IUPAC name	disodium 6-hydroxy-5-((2- methoxy-5-methyl-4- sulfophenyl)azo)-2- naphthalene-sulfonate
Other names	Allura Red, Food Red 17, C.I. 16035, FD&C Red 40, E129, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid disodium salt
Identifiers
CAS number	25956-17-6 Y
PubChem	6093299
SMILES	[Na+].[Na+].COc3cc(c(C)cc3/N=N/c1c2ccc(cc2ccc1O)S([O-])(=O)=O)S([O-])(=O)=O
InChI	1/C18H16N2O8S2.2Na/c1-10-7-14(16(28-2)9-17(10)30(25,26)27)19-20-18-13-5-4-12(29(22,23)24)8-11(13)3-6-15(18)21;;/h3-9,21H,1-2H3,(H,22,23,24)(H,25,26,27);;/q;2*+1/p-2/b20-19+;;
InChI key	CEZCCHQBSQPRMU-JGGVBICHBN
ChemSpider ID	11588224
Properties
Molecular formula	C18H14N2Na2O8S2
Molar mass	496.42 g mol−1
Appearance	dark red powder
Melting point	>300 °C
Y (what is this?)  (verify) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Allura Red AC is a red azo dye that goes by several names including: Allura Red, Food Red 17, C.I. 16035, FD&C Red 40^[1][2], 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-, disodium salt, and disodium 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-2-naphthalene-sulfonate. It is used as a food dye and has the E number E129. Allura Red AC was originally introduced in the United States as a replacement for the use of amaranth as a food coloring.^{[citation needed]}

It has the appearance of a dark red powder. It usually comes as a sodium salt but can also be used as both calcium and potassium salts. It is soluble in water. In water solution, its maximum absorbance lies at about 504 nm. Its melting point is at >300 degrees Celsius.

Allura Red AC is one of many High Production Volume Chemicals. Some manufacturers of Allura Red AC include: Asim Products, Sanchi Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., and Warner-Jenkinson Europe Ltd.

Red AC was originally manufactured from coal tar but is now mostly made from petroleum. Despite the popular misconception, Allura Red AC is not derived from any insect, unlike the food colouring carmine which is derived from the female cochineal insect.

Related dyes include Sunset Yellow FCF, Scarlet GN, tartrazine, and Orange B.

Health effects

Allura Red AC in sweets

Allura Red AC in strawberry soft drink

Allura Red AC has fewer health risks associated with it in comparison to other azo dyes. However, some studies have found some adverse health effects that may be associated with the dye.

Potential behavioral effects

On 6 September 2007, the British Food Standards Agency revised advice on certain artificial food additives, including E129.

Professor Jim Stevenson from Southampton University, and author of the report, said: "This has been a major study investigating an important area of research. The results suggest that consumption of certain mixtures of artificial food colours and sodium benzoate preservative are associated with increases in hyperactive behaviour in children.

"However, parents should not think that simply taking these additives out of food will prevent hyperactive disorders. We know that many other influences are at work but this at least is one a child can avoid."

The following additives were tested in the research:

• Sunset yellow (E110) (FD&C Yellow #6) - Coloring found in squashes
• Carmoisine (E122) - Red coloring in jellies
• Tartrazine (E102) (FD&C Yellow #5) - Yellow coloring
• Ponceau 4R (E124) - Red coloring
• Sodium benzoate (E211) - Preservative
• Quinoline yellow (E104) - Food coloring
• Allura red AC (E129) (FD&C Red #40) - Orange / red food dye^[3]

The study found that increased levels of hyperactivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and lower IQs were observed in children.^[4][5] Based on the study, the UK agency advises that cutting certain artificial colors (Sunset Yellow, Quinoline Yellow WS, Carmoisine, Allura Red, Tartrazine, and Ponceau 4R) from hyperactive children's diets might have some beneficial effects.^[5]

On 10 April 2008, the Foods Standard Agency called for a voluntary removal of the colors (but not sodium benzoate) by 2009.^[6] In addition, it recommended that there should be action to phase them out in food and drink in the European Union (EU) over a specified period.^[7] The European Food Safety Authority was requested by the UK FSA to review the study, however, and concluded that the study provided only limited evidence for a small, statistically significant effect.^{[citation needed]} On the basis of this, EFSA concluded that the acceptable daily intake of the colors analyzed in the Southampton study did not need to be altered.^{[citation needed]}

UK ministers have agreed that the six colorings will be phased out by 2009.^[8]

Regulation

In Europe, Allura Red AC is not recommended for consumption by children. It is banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Sweden.^[9] The European Union approves Allura Red AC as a food colorant, but EU countries' local laws banning food colorants are preserved.^[10] In Norway, it was banned between 1978 and 2001, a period in which azo dyes were only legally used in alcoholic beverages and some fish products.^[11]

In the United States, Allura Red AC is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetics, drugs, and food. It is used in some tattoo inks and is used in many products, such as soft drinks, children's medications, and cotton candy.

References

External links

• Record in the Household Products Database of NLM
• UK Food Guide on E129
• International Programme on Chemical Safety
• Some more details, other common names
• List of Foods and Drugs containing Red Dye #40