Red 2G

Red 2G is a synthetic dye used in the food industry to give products a red or pink color. It is also known as E128 in the European Union's system of food additive codes.

History

Red 2G was first synthesized in the early 20th century and has been used in food production for many decades. It is one of many synthetic dyes developed during the Industrial Revolution to replace natural colorants, which were often expensive and inconsistent in quality.

Use in Food Industry

Red 2G is used in a variety of food products, including processed meats, maraschino cherries, and certain types of confectionery. It is particularly popular in the production of sausages and other processed meat products, where it gives the food a more appealing color.

Health Concerns

There have been some health concerns associated with Red 2G. In 2007, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted a review of the safety of Red 2G and concluded that it could potentially be harmful to human health. This led to a ban on the use of Red 2G in the European Union.

Current Status

Despite the ban in the European Union, Red 2G is still used in some countries. However, many food manufacturers have moved away from synthetic dyes in response to consumer demand for more natural ingredients.

See Also

• Food coloring
• Food safety
• Food industry
• E number