What's the difference between "Sudan Red One" and "Sudan Red Four"?
There are four kinds of Sudan red, I, II, III and IV. Toxicological studies show that Sudan red is mutagenic and carcinogenic. Sudan red (No.1) has the characteristics of possible carcinogenicity in the study of human hepatocytes, and it is forbidden to be used in food in China.
The main structures of "Sudan Red No.4" and "Sudan Red No.1" discovered this time are the same, both of which are carcinogenic, but there are some differences, so they are labeled as No.1 and No.4..
"Sudan Red No.1" pigment is a kind of red dye, an artificial chemical preparation, which is forbidden to be used in food production in most countries around the world. This pigment is often used in industry, such as solvent, engine oil, wax and gasoline, and shoes and floors. Sudan red (1) has the potential carcinogenic properties in the study of human hepatocytes. But at present, it is only found to be carcinogenic in mouse experiments, and its carcinogenicity to human body is not clear.
Is Sudan Red a Food Additive?
China has a strict examination and approval system for food additives. China has never approved the use of Sudan Red dye in food production. This Sudan Red incident is similar to "sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate" and "clenbuterol", both of which are illegal additives added to food by food production enterprises.
What is the difference between "carmine", "sunset yellow" and "Sudan red"?
Although it is difficult for the general public to determine which foods contain Sudan red, there is no need to be afraid of "red" and "spicy". In addition to Sudan red, there are thousands of edible red colorants, such as carmine, magenta, amaranth, etc. These colorants can be added in limited quantities in food. Quality supervision experts said that they are essentially different from "Sudan Red". The first two are food additives listed in the national catalogue and can be used in some foods. However, the state has strict limit regulations and it is strictly forbidden to use them in excess. There is no safety problem when using food additives within the standard range.
Why is "Sudan Red" spicy?
An industry insider analyzed that Sudan red, as a chemical raw material, was added to food, especially used in the processing of pepper products:
First, Sudan red is not easy to fade after use, which can make up for the discoloration of peppers after being placed for a long time and keep the bright color of peppers;
Second, some enterprises dye corn and other plant powders with Sudan red and mix them with Chili powder to reduce costs and gain profits.
What is the harm of "Sudan Red"?
On June 14, 2004, the British Food Standards Authority issued a warning to consumers and trade organizations about Sudan Red 1, which was previously found to contain potential carcinogens in a batch of new foods in supermarkets, and banned Sudan Red 1 from the product catalogue.
In 2002, researchers found that they can cause DNA mutation in human liver cells. After "Sudan Red No.1" enters the organism, it will not cause illness soon. Exposure to substances that can cause cancer does not mean that cancer will definitely occur.
A staff member of Cancer Research UK said that compared with common cancer-causing factors such as smoking, the cancer risk caused by "Sudan Red One" is very small. She said: "Even if people have eaten the food listed on the list, there is no need to panic." However, according to the regulations of the European Union, all dried, crushed or ground peppers entering any European Union country cannot contain "Sudan Red No.1". The relevant goods that cannot produce certificates will be detained for sampling and analysis. Ports and local governments should also randomly take samples for inspection. Once the food is found to contain "Sudan Red No.1", it must be completely destroyed.
Sudan Red is mutagenic and carcinogenic, and Sudan Red (1) has the characteristics of possible carcinogenicity in the study of human hepatocytes. But at present, it is only found to be carcinogenic in mouse experiments, and its carcinogenicity to human body is not clear. Sudan red is a chemical dye, and the amount added to food is very small. As far as dosage is concerned, it may not be enough to cause cancer, so the public need not panic too much. A small amount of food can't cause cancer, even if it is eaten for half a year, there is no clear scientific basis for causing cancer. People don't have to worry about cancer just because they eat a little. .
Experts believe that although "Sudan I" will increase the risk of cancer for consumers, it is impossible to determine a safety level at present.
Regular consumers are advised to check the liver.
Studies have shown that "Sudan Red No.1" is carcinogenic, which will lead to cancer in rats, and it also shows the characteristics of possible carcinogenicity in the study of human hepatocytes. Because this kind of dye, which is regarded as food pigment, will only slowly affect the health of consumers, but will not cause disease quickly, so it is very concealed.
Long-term consumption of food containing "Sudan red" may change the DNA structure of liver and lead to liver diseases.
How to identify Sudan red?
In addition, there is a simple and easy way to exclude "Sudan red". If the public suspects that a certain colorant may be "Sudan red", they can see whether it is soluble in water, soluble in water and soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform. Members of the public can also visit the website of www.aqsiq.gov.cn (AQSIQ) to inquire about relevant methods.