Food additives Europe numbers: E105
Fast Yellow AB, also known as Disodium 4'-amino-3',4'-azo-benzene disulfonate or simply Yellow 2G (E105), is a synthetic food coloring that has been surrounded by controversy. Here's a breakdown of its properties, applications, and safety considerations:
Function:
Fast Yellow AB's primary function is to add a yellow color to food and beverages. It creates a bright, sunshine yellow hue.
Applications in Food (Limited):
Fast Yellow AB once had wider applications in various food products, including:
- Bakery goods: cakes, icings, pastries
- Candy and confectionery: yellow candies, icings
- Savory snacks: extruded snacks, chips (sometimes)
- Beverages: certain lemonades, sodas
However, due to safety concerns, its use in food has become very limited or banned in many countries.
Safety Concerns and Regulations:
- Studies have raised concerns about potential links between Fast Yellow AB consumption and hyperactivity in children, as well as other potential health risks.
- Regulatory bodies in many countries have restricted or banned its use in food products.
- The FDA currently prohibits its use in the USA.
- The European Union (EU) also does not permit its use as a food additive.
Alternatives:
There are safer alternatives available to achieve yellow coloring in food:
- Natural colors like turmeric, saffron, or beta-carotene
- Other synthetic colors with a better safety profile, like Tartrazine (E102) (although this too has some controversies)
Conclusion:
Fast Yellow AB is no longer a widely recommended food coloring due to safety concerns. Safer alternatives are available to achieve yellow coloring in food products. It's important to check food labels and be aware of the regulations in your area.