Allura Red AC

Allura Red AC, also called Allura Red, Food Red 17, C.I. 16035, and FD&C Red 40, is a red azo dye. It is used as a food dye and its E number is E129. Allura Red AC was originally introduced in the United States as a replacement for the use of E123, , as a food colouring. Image File history File links Allura_Red_AC.png Summary Description: Chemical structure of Allura Red AC Author, date of creation: selfmade by Shaddack, 6 November 2005 Source: self-made Copyright: Public Domain (PD) Comments: b/w hires PNG; ChemDraw Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Allura Red... Image File history File links Allura_Red_AC.png Summary Description: Chemical structure of Allura Red AC Author, date of creation: selfmade by Shaddack, 6 November 2005 Source: self-made Copyright: Public Domain (PD) Comments: b/w hires PNG; ChemDraw Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Allura Red... In chemistry, azo compounds generally have a molecular formula of the form R-N=N-R, in which R and R can be either aromatic or aliphatic. ... The color of food is considered important in its enjoyment. ... For the mathematical constant see: E (mathematical constant). ...

It has the appearance of a dark red powder. It usually comes as a sodium salt, but can be 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. In spectroscopy, the absorbance A is defined as , where I is the intensity of light at a specified wavelength λ that has passed through a sample (transmitted light intensity) and is the intensity of the light before it enters the sample (or incident light intensity). ...

Allura Red AC is Food and Drug Administration approved for use in cosmetics. It is used in some tattoo inks. It is used in many products, eg. orange soda. This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Closeup of a womans eye while wearing makeup Cosmetics or makeup are substances to enhance the beauty of the human body, apart from simple cleaning. ... Leopard on shoulder A tattoo is a mark made by inserting pigment into the skin: in technical terms, tattooing is micro-pigment implantation. ... The term orange drink (not to be confused with orange soft drinks; see below) refers to a sweet, sugary drink named for its orange color. ...

Despite the popular misconception, Allura Red AC is not derived from the cochineal insect. The red coloring Carmine is derived from an insect. Binomial name Dactylopius coccus Costa, 1835 Synonyms Coccus cacti Linnaeus, 1758 Pseudococcus cacti Burmeister, 1839 Cochineal is an expensive crimson or carmine dye derived from the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a scale insect in the suborder Homoptera, native to tropical and subtropical South America and Mexico. ... Carminic acid Carmine, also called Cochineal, Natural Red 4, C.I. 75470 or E120, is a pigment of a bright red color obtained from the carminic acid produced by the cochineal insect, and is used as a general term for a particularly deep red color. ...

Allura Red AC has few health risks associated with it in comparison to other azo dyes. Upon its introduction onto the market, there were fears that Allura Red AC was carcinogenic, studies have since shown that this is not the case, the initial reports of its consumption causing tumors have since been shown to have been caused by the presence of para-cresidine.

Para-cresidine is an important reactant in the manufacture of Allura Red AC and is a known carcinogen, further studies have since been conducted and none of them found any trace of para-cresidine to be present in food-grade Allura Red AC.

Allura Red AC may also cause an adverse reaction in the small minority of people with an aspirin intolerance or allergy, manifesting itself as a skin rash (Urticaria). It has also been implicated in cases of hyperactivity in young children.

Related dyes are Sunset Yellow FCF, Scarlet GN, tartrazine, and Orange B. Sunset Yellow FCF (also known as Orange Yellow S, and FD&C Yellow 6) is a colourant that may be added to foods to induce a colour change. ... Scarlet GN Scarlet GN, or C.I. Food Red 2, Ponceau SX, FD&C Red No. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Orange B Orange B is a food dye from the azo dye group. ...

External links

• Red40.org