E123 - Amaranth

Amaranth, Azorubin S is a dark red to purple azo dye used as a food dye and to color cosmetics. The name was taken from amaranth grain, a plant distinguished by its red color and edible protein-rich seeds. Amaranth is an anionic dye. It can be applied to natural and synthetic fibers, leather, paper, and phenol-formaldehyde resins. As a food additive it has E number E123. Amaranth usually comes as a trisodium salt. It has the appearance of reddish-brown, dark red to purple water-soluble powder that decomposes at 120 °C without melting. Since 1976 Amaranth has been banned in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a suspected carcinogen. Its use is still legal in some countries, notably in the United Kingdom where it is most commonly used to give Glacé cherries their distinctive color.

Chemical Structure and Name

E123 is associated with asthma and eczema, as well as hyperactivity in children. There have also been some queries about the possibility of E123 being carcinogenic. Individuals with intolerance to salicylates may find that they are intolerant to E123, due to the colouring being an azo dye. E123 is banned in many countries including Austria, Russia, and Norway.

Food and drinks that may include E123:

• cake mixes
• jelly crystals
• tinned fruit
• gravy granules
• soups
• desserts
• wines
• spirits

Source: Wikipedia

Disclaimer:

Side effects, traditional and medicinal uses are stated in different web resources. | The list of Food Additives/Preservatives/Ingredients included in this section and listed is subject to change as chemicals are added or removed by the Regulatory Authorities. FoodChem or Nyro Research Foundation cannot guarantee that this list is complete. | Government approvals and other regulatory details are subject to change. | This entry was added in good faith for public awareness. For current updated details please check with relevant authorities. | This blog is intended to be of general interest and public awareness which may or may not compliment studies from various sources. | In case of any health concerns please consult appropriate professionals and experts.| The content provided on this web site is for informational purposes only. | This information should not be considered complete or up to date and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation or advice of a legal, medical or any other professional. | The data has been compiled from many sources including traditional hearsay. | Some of it is ancestral. Some of it has not been tested in any laboratory.

E122 - Azorubine, Carmoisine

Azorubine, carmoisine, Food Red 3, Azorubin S is a synthetic red food dye from the azo dye group. It usually comes as a disodium salt. It is a red to maroon powder. It is used for the purposes where the food is heat-treated after fermentation. It has E number E122. Azorubine has shown no evidence of mutagenic or carcinogenic properties and an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–4 mg/kg was established in 1983 by the WHO. 

Chemical Structure and Name

E122 is thought by some to worsen asthma and to cause allergic reactions in individuals allergic to aspirin (related info - aspirin in the news). When taken in combination with benzoates, E122 is also suspected of inducing hyperactivity in children. Individuals with intolerance to salicylates may find that they are intolerant to E122, due to the colouring being an azo dye. E122 is banned in the United States, Sweden, Norway, and Austria.

There is no evidence to support broad claims that food coloring causes food intolerance and ADHD-like behavior in children. It is possible that certain food coloring may act as a trigger in those who are genetically predisposed, but the evidence is weak.

In 1970s, the well-publicized advocacy of Benjamin Feingold, there has been public concern that food colorings may cause ADHD-like behavior in children. These concerns have led the FDA and other food safety authorities to regularly review the scientific literature, and led the UK FSA to commission a study by researchers at Southampton University of the effect of a mixture of six food dyes (Tartrazine, Allura Red, Ponceau 4R, Quinoline Yellow WS, Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine (dubbed the "Southampton 6")) and sodium benzoate (a preservative) on children in the general population, who consumed them in beverages; the study published in 2007. The study found "a possible link between the consumption of these artificial colors and a sodium benzoate preservative and increased hyperactivity" in the children.

Food and drinks that may include E122:

• marzipan
• sweets
• jams
• sauces
• soups

Source: Wikipedia and other blogs

Disclaimer:

Side effects, traditional and medicinal uses are stated in different web resources. | The list of Food Additives/Preservatives/Ingredients included in this section and listed is subject to change as chemicals are added or removed by the Regulatory Authorities. FoodChem or Nyro Research Foundation cannot guarantee that this list is complete. | Government approvals and other regulatory details are subject to change. | This entry was added in good faith for public awareness. For current updated details please check with relevant authorities. | This blog is intended to be of general interest and public awareness which may or may not compliment studies from various sources. | In case of any health concerns please consult appropriate professionals and experts.| The content provided on this web site is for informational purposes only. | This information should not be considered complete or up to date and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation or advice of a legal, medical or any other professional. | The data has been compiled from many sources including traditional hearsay. | Some of it is ancestral. Some of it has not been tested in any laboratory.

E121 - Citrus Red 2

Citrus Red 2, Citrus Red No. 2 is an artificial dye. As a food dye, it has been permitted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1956 to color the skin of oranges. Citrus Red 2 is listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a group 2B carcinogen, a substance "possibly carcinogenic to humans". E121.

Citrus Red 2 is an orange to yellow solid or a dark red powder with a melting point of 156°C. It is not soluble in water, but is readily soluble in many organic solvents. Citrus Red 2 is used to color early-season, ripe fruit that haven't been exposed to cold enough weather to produce the characteristic orange skin. Used to color skins of Florida oranges.

Chemical Structure and Name

Source: Wikipedia

May cause cancer and chromosomal damage. FDA has recommended a ban.

Disclaimer:

Side effects, traditional and medicinal uses are stated in different web resources. | The list of Food Additives/Preservatives/Ingredients included in this section and listed is subject to change as chemicals are added or removed by the Regulatory Authorities. FoodChem or Nyro Research Foundation cannot guarantee that this list is complete. | Government approvals and other regulatory details are subject to change. | This entry was added in good faith for public awareness. For current updated details please check with relevant authorities. | This blog is intended to be of general interest and public awareness which may or may not compliment studies from various sources. | In case of any health concerns please consult appropriate professionals and experts.| The content provided on this web site is for informational purposes only. | This information should not be considered complete or up to date and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation or advice of a legal, medical or any other professional. | The data has been compiled from many sources including traditional hearsay. | Some of it is ancestral. Some of it has not been tested in any laboratory.