fdc red nr 5

FD&C Red No. 5, chemically known as tartrazine's red counterpart or more accurately as Allura Red AC (also called Acid Red 18 or C.I. 16035), is a synthetic azo dye approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use as a food colorant. The chemical compound is derived from coal tar or petroleum and exists as an orange-red powder that dissolves readily in water, producing a bright red to orange-red coloration. It is widely used in food and pharmaceutical applications to achieve consistent, vibrant red hues in products where natural colorants are insufficient or impractical.\n\nAllura Red AC is one of seven FD&C-certified synthetic colorants approved in the United States and is also approved in the European Union (where it is designated E129). It is considered relatively stable under various pH and temperature conditions, though it can fade when exposed to prolonged light or certain chemical interactions. The dye's chemical structure comprises azo groups (nitrogen-nitrogen double bonds) conjugated with aromatic rings, which create its characteristic color properties.

FD&C Red No. 5 is employed in a wide range of food products to impart or enhance red coloration, particularly in beverages, confectionery, baked goods, dairy products, and processed meats. Common applications include red-dyed gelatins, fruit drinks, candies, frosting, maraschino cherries, and cough syrups. The dye is valued in industrial food production for its ability to deliver consistent color throughout the product's shelf life, its solubility in various formulations, and its cost-effectiveness compared to certain natural alternatives.\n\nIn culinary contexts, FD&C Red No. 5 is typically combined with other colorants or used in formulations where precise color replication and stability are critical. Home cooks rarely use it directly; its primary application is in commercial food manufacturing. Some consumers seek to avoid synthetic dyes for health or preference reasons, prompting manufacturers to explore natural alternatives.