What is Allura Red AC (E 129)?

Allura Red AC is a synthetic food colorant used to give or restore red color to foods. It is defined in the Turkish Food Codex with code E 129 and Color Index (CI) 16035.

Where is Allura Red AC Used?

It is used for coloring in food categories permitted by regulations. For permitted categories and maximum amounts, please refer to the table below.

Pharmaceutical / Food Industry Applications

  • Lake (aluminum lake) form is used as a coating colorant in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements (for coating tablets, dragees, capsules, and supplement products).
  • Synthetic food colors can also be used in pharmaceuticals depending on their specification. If the product specification includes USP, NF, or Ph.Eur designations, the product's compliance with pharmaceutical standards is verified according to these standards.
  • There is no ban on use in dietary supplements; it may be used within the limits established for foods.

In Which Foods and at What Levels is Allura Red AC Used? — Legal Limits (Turkish Food Codex)

E 129 is a Group III colorant; the combined maximum limit established for the group (mostly 150 mg/kg) applies in many food categories.

Food categoryMaximum amountFootnote
Foods within Group III (e.g., flavored creams)150 mg/kg
Prepared red fruits200 mg/kg(34)

Note: "quantum satis" means use as much as required by good manufacturing practice without a specific numerical upper limit. In Group III colorants, the total amount must not exceed the combined maximum established for the group.

E-Number, Color, and Technical Properties

  • E code: E 129 · Color Index: CI 16035 · Color: red
  • CAS No: 25956-17-6 · Chemical Formula: C18H14N2Na2O8S2
  • Forms: powder (water-soluble) and aluminum lake

Storage, Shelf Life, and Re-test Period

For our products, the recommended re-test period is 3 years; it may extend up to 5 years with some manufacturers and varies by producer. The CoA / specification document of the relevant batch shall be taken as the basis for the exact re-test date.

Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya

You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA, and pharmaceutical compliance information (USP/NF/Ph.Eur) as well as supply conditions for Allura Red AC (E 129).