Food additives Europe numbers: E537
Ferrous hexacyanomanganate (also known as ferric ferrocyanide or Prussian Blue) is an interesting case when it comes to food additives. Here's what you need to know:
Not a Common Food Additive:
- Ferrous hexacyanomanganate is not a generally recognized food additive (GRAS) and its use in food is not approved by the FDA in the United States.
- There are no established applications for it as a food additive.
Historical Use and Current Applications:
- Ferrous hexacyanomanganate has a long history but not as a food additive. It's a pigment with a striking blue color and has been used in various applications:
- Blueprinting (where it gets its name Prussian Blue)
- Paints
- Coloring agent in some inks
Safety Concerns:
- While its use as a pigment might not raise safety concerns, consuming it could be harmful.
- Potential safety issues include the release of cyanide or iron overload in the body.
Regulations:
- Regulatory bodies like the FDA do not approve its use in food due to safety concerns.
Alternatives for Food Coloring:
There are numerous approved and safe alternatives for coloring food products:
- Natural colors: beet juice concentrate, turmeric, paprika
- Synthetic colors with established safety profiles: FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)