Erythrosine

Erythrosine (Tetraiodofluorescein) is a cherry-pink coal-based fluorone food dye. Its maximum absorbance is at 530 nm^[1] in an aqueous solution, and it is subject to photodegradation^{[citation needed]}.

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Visual Balance Check

Safe Weighing Range Ensures Accurate Results

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

Classification

It is listed under the following number systems:

• FD&C Red No. 3
• E number E127 (Food Red 14)
• Color Index no. 45430 (Acid Red 51)
• Indian Standards No. 1697

Uses

It is used as a food dye, in printing inks, as a biological stain, a dental plaque disclosing agent and a radiopaque medium. Although Red #3 has been highly implicated as a carcinogen, it is commonly used in sweets and foods marketed to children such as candies, popsicles, cake frosting,^{[citation needed]} and cake-decorating gel.^[2] It is also used in strawberry Slim-Fast and its generic counterpart.^{[citation needed]} McCormick uses it as well in their "Salad Toppins." Because of the well-known hazards of Red #3, Red #40 is much more commonly used by most food manufacturers.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. ^ http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm:1104/lectures/ecode.html
2. ^ E.g., CakeMate pink, Signature Brands, LLC, Ocala, Florida, USA [Purchased at Harris Teeter grocery, Arlington, Virginia, 4 November 2007]