Other names for the additive (synonyms)
General Information
Amaranth (food additive E123) is a synthetic dye used in the food industry to give products a red or dark cherry color.
Amaranth is a synthetic chemical compound — an azo dye of bluish-red, red-brown, or red-violet color, obtained from coal tar. Despite its name, additive E123 is not related to the Amaranth plant — the dye was named for its similar shade.
Additive E123 was developed in the 20th century when the artificial dye industry was actively growing. Manufacturers sought stable and bright dyes that would not lose color during heating or storage. Later, the safety of this substance became the subject of numerous scientific assessments.
E123 dye is a water-soluble powder.
The chemical formula of food additive E123 is C20H11N2Na3O10S3. It is a red or dark maroon powder, well soluble in water and relatively resistant to light and moderate temperatures typical for food processing. When heated to approximately 120°C, amaranth begins to decompose thermally without melting.
For the food industry, additive E123 is obtained through controlled chemical reactions from petrochemical raw materials. After synthesis, the dye is purified from impurities and tested for compliance with quality standards.
Effects on the Body
Benefits of Additive E123
Food additive E123 is not natural for the human body and performs no biological functions. It has no nutritional value and provides no physiological benefit.
Its role is limited to an aesthetic function — giving products an attractive color. According to EFSA, the dye has no proven positive effect on health.
Risks of Additive E123
After ingestion, food additive E123 is partially metabolized by intestinal microflora and excreted mainly in feces, partly in urine as metabolites.
Consumption of E123 in some cases may cause allergic reactions, including hives or rhinitis in sensitive individuals.
In the 1970s, animal studies showed a possible increase in tumor incidence at high doses, which led to a ban of this dye in the USA. Modern safety assessments, including by EFSA, do not confirm a carcinogenic risk for humans when consumed within established limits.
In 2010, EFSA reassessed safety and established acceptable daily intake (ADI) for E123 at 0.15 mg/kg body weight per day.
It is noted that exceeding the ADI may cause adverse effects, including impacts on the liver and hematopoietic system, observed in animal studies. These data were the basis for strict limits on daily intake.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) also set an ADI for amaranth at 0–0.5 mg/kg body weight per day.
In the USA, the FDA prohibits the use of E123 in general food products. In the EU, its use is limited and strictly regulated.
EFSA also notes that available data do not indicate genotoxicity if consumption stays within established limits, though exposure in some population groups may exceed ADI with excessive intake.
Uses
In the food industry, E123 is used as a colorant. It is applied to give red color to desserts, jellies, confectionery, syrups, and some beverages.
Thanks to its high heat and light stability, the dye maintains color intensity for a long time. However, due to regulatory restrictions, E123 is used far less today than in previous decades.
Legal Status
In the European Union, E123 is permitted with restrictions according to Regulation (EU) No 1333/2008 on food additives. EFSA has set an ADI of 0.15 mg/kg body weight per day.
In Ukraine, E123 is allowed with restrictions harmonized with EU regulations.
In the USA, E123 (amaranth) is banned for use in food products under FDA rules.
In Canada and Japan, its use is also restricted or prohibited depending on the product category. In all countries where it is allowed, its use is controlled by maximum content limits and mandatory adherence to the established ADI.