Acid Red 18
Wide Range of Applications: Carmine is extensively utilized in a variety of food products such as fruit juices, confectionery, baked goods, and ice cream to provide a vivid red pigmentation.
Regulated Usage: Its application is subject to strict regulatory control, with clearly defined maximum usage levels established to guarantee food safety and prevent improper use.
High Stability: The colorant demonstrates exceptional thermal stability, maintaining its integrity at high temperatures with a melting point exceeding 300°C, ensuring consistent performance in various food processing conditions.
Controlled Residual Limits: Carmine is authorized for specific applications including natural sausage casings, with stringent maximum residue limits enforced to ensure consumer safety.
Carmine, a natural red colorant derived from cochineal insects, is approved for use in various food and beverage products including fruit juice beverages, blended alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, confectionery, baked goods, ice cream, and yogurt. However, its application is explicitly prohibited in dried meat products, processed meats, and aquatic products. This restriction is implemented to prevent the potential misuse of colorants to mask inferior quality or spoiled raw materials, which could mislead consumers regarding the actual freshness and safety of the products.
Parameters
Melting point | >300oC |
density | 1.772[at 20℃] |
vapor pressure | 0Pa at 25℃ |
storage temp. | Inert atmosphere,Room Temperature |
solubility | DMSO (Slightly, Heated, Sonicated), Methanol (Slightly, Heated), Water (Slightly) |
Colour Index | 16255 |
form | |
color | Bordeaux to brown |
Water Solubility | 305.21g/L at 20℃ |
λmax | 350 nm (2nd) |
BRN | 4122340 |
Stability: | Hygroscopic |
InChIKey | MSUZYPTYNUUBFH-ZPZFBZIMSA-N |
SMILES | N(/C1=C(C=CC2=CC(S(O)(=O)=O)=CC(S(O)(=O)=O)=C12)O)=N\C1=CC=C(S(O)(=O)=O)C2=CC=CC=C12.[NaH] |
LogP | -2.267 at 20℃ |
EPA Substance Registry System | C.I. Acid Red 18, trisodium salt (2611-82-7) |
Safety Information
Safety Statements | 22-24/25 |
WGK Germany | 2 |
RTECS | QJ6530000 |
HS Code | 32041200 |
Hazardous Substances Data | 2611-82-7(Hazardous Substances Data) |
Toxicity | LD50 oral in rat: > 8gm/kg |
In accordance with China's "Hygienic Standards for the Use of Food Additives" (GB 2760-1996) and references such as ChemicalBook, the permitted applications and maximum usage levels of carmine are consistent with those established for amaranth. Specific regulations permit its use in candy coatings and soy milk beverages at a maximum level of 0.1 g/kg. For red sausage casings, the maximum usage is limited to 0.025 g/kg, with a residual limit not exceeding 0.01 g/kg. These measures are designed to ensure the safe and controlled application of carmine in food production.
