When it comes to food additives and colourants, Amaranth colour often comes up as a synthetic dye used in various products worldwide. But what exactly is Amaranth colour, and how is it viewed and regulated in Australia? This blog post delves into the nature of Amaranth colour, its applications, and its status within Australia’s food and cosmetic industries.
What Is Amaranth Colour?
Amaranth colour, also known as FD&C Red No. 2 or E123, is a synthetic azo dye that produces a deep red to reddish-brown hue. It has been widely used to enhance the appearance of foods, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to its vibrant colour and stability.
Uses of Amaranth Colour
Globally, Amaranth colour has been used in:
- Processed foods like candies, soft drinks, and baked goods.
- Cosmetics such as lipsticks and blushes.
- Pharmaceuticals, including coated tablets and syrups.
Its ability to impart a rich red shade makes it popular in products where visual appeal is important.
Regulatory Status in Australia
In Australia, food additives and colourants are regulated by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). The use of Amaranth colour in food products is not permitted in Australia due to health concerns raised in the past.
- Amaranth colour was banned in the United States in 1976 and many other countries due to studies linking it to potential carcinogenic effects in animal testing.
- Australia aligns with these safety concerns, prohibiting its use in food products to protect consumer health.
- However, Amaranth colour may still be found in some non-food products, such as certain cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, but only under strict regulatory oversight.
Alternatives to Amaranth Colour
With the ban on Amaranth colour in foods, manufacturers in Australia often use natural or approved synthetic red colourants, such as:
- Beetroot extract (natural red pigment).
- Cochineal (carmine), derived from insects, used in some natural products.
- Allura Red AC (E129), an approved synthetic red dye with regulatory limits.
These alternatives provide vibrant colours while meeting safety standards.
Health and Safety Considerations
While Amaranth colour was once popular, studies in the 1970s raised concerns about its safety, leading to bans in many countries. Although some research has been debated, regulatory bodies like FSANZ take a precautionary approach to ensure public safety.
Consumers in Australia can rest assured that food products on the market comply with strict regulations and do not contain Amaranth colour.
Amaranth colour is a synthetic dye known for its rich red shade but is banned in Australia for use in food due to health concerns. While it may still appear in some non-food products under regulation, Australian consumers benefit from stringent safety standards that prioritize health. For those interested in food colouring, natural alternatives and approved synthetic dyes offer safe and vibrant options.