E131 - The Color Chameleon In Food - Sometimes Blue, Sometimes Orange

Author: Ivan Red Jr. Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

E131 - The Color Chameleon In Food - Sometimes Blue, Sometimes Orange

E131 is a permitted supplement in Europe, but carries a risk of anaphylactic shock in children.

E131 is one of the most interesting food supplements. Behind this code is the substance designated as sulfone blue or patented blue V (five). Controversy over how safe it is to use E131 as a food additive fully corresponds to the controversial nature of the substance itself. It is no coincidence that it is also referred to as the chameleon among food colors.

Like all additives in the food industry, denoted by E and first digit 1, E131 is used as a dye or colorant. A very interesting feature of the patented blue V is the inconsistency of its color. It is highly dependent on the pH of the medium in which it is used. Thus, in an alkaline environment, E131 gives a deep blue color to food, and in an acidic environment, its color is yellow-orange.

E131 is freely used in Europe, but is banned for use in the food industry in the United States and Australia. The reason for the ban is the suspicion that the patented blue V acts as a strong allergen in higher doses. Eating foods containing E131 is associated with a risk of an allergic reaction with itching, rash, nausea and even a risk of anaphylactic shock in children. Higher doses of food coloring can also lead to a sharp drop in blood pressure.

Most often E131 can be found on the labels of beverages, sausages, jellies, candies and other confectionery products with a bright blue or yellow color. Its main advantage over other colorants in the food industry is the very saturated color it gives, even in low concentrations. The disadvantage is the rapid fading of the color with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Apart from being a paint in the food industry, the patented blue V is also used for medical and dental purposes. In medicine it is used as a dye to visualize blood vessels in certain types of imaging and biopsies. Dentists use it to stain dental plaque to make it easier to remove.

Controversy over the safety of E131 has led experts to recommend avoiding foods that contain this supplement. This is true in full force for children, due to the unclear effect of the patented blue V on health in the long run.

E131 - The Color Chameleon In Food - Sometimes Blue, Sometimes Orange

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