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E129: Allura Red

Food Red 17, CI 16035

Origin:
Synthetic azo dye. See here for a background on azo dyes.

Function & characteristics:
Red food colour. Very soluble in water.

Products:
Restricted use in confectionery and meat products.

Daily intake:
Up to 7 mg/kg body weight.

Side effects:
Since it is an azo dye, it may elicit intolerance in people intolerant to salicylates. Additionally, it is a histamine liberator, and may intensify symptoms of asthma. In combination with benzoates, it is also implicated in hyperactivity in children. One of its degradation products causes bladder cancer in animals when present in high concentrations.

Dietary restrictions:
None; E129 can be consumed by all religious groups, vegans and vegetarians.