Allura Red AC is a synthetic red azo dye. It is a powder that typically consists of a dark red sodium salt, but can also appear as calcium-, or potassium salts. It is soluble in water and has E-number 129.
Allura Red AC is allowed as a dye in the foods that it is allowed to color. The allowable amount is 7 mg / kg body weight. In particularly sensitive persons the dye may cause allergy-like symptoms. In children it may have an adverse effect on activity and attention.
Allura Red AC has been safety approved several times by various food safety agencies.
A lake pigment is an organic pigment unlike pigments from minerals which are inorganic. A lake pigment is manufactured by precipitating the dye with an inert (unreactive) 'mordant' - usually a metallic salt.
