This is a synthetic red dye used in a narrow range of products — mainly fish roe, certain alcoholic drinks, and aromatised wines. It gives foods a deep red or purple-red colour. It is one of the most restricted dyes in the EU, banned in the US since the 1970s due to concerns raised in animal studies, though European food safety authorities have not found sufficient evidence of harm at the low levels permitted here. Still, its use is tightly limited for a reason — it is worth being aware of if you prefer to avoid artificial colours.
This additive is authorised to be used in the following 5 food categories:
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