What is Indigo Carmine (Indigotin) (E 132)?
Indigo Carmine (Indigotin) is a synthetic food colorant used to give or restore blue color to foods. It is defined in the Turkish Food Codex with code E 132 and Color Index (CI) 73015.
Where is Indigo Carmine (Indigotin) 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, the pharmaceutical compliance of the product is verified against 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 Indigo Carmine (Indigotin) Used? — Legal Limits (Turkish Food Codex)
E 132 is a Group III colorant; the combined maximum (mostly 150 mg/kg) established for the group applies in many food categories.
| Food category | Maximum amount | Footnote |
|---|---|---|
| Foods within Group III (e.g., flavored creams) | 150 mg/kg | — |
Note: "quantum satis" means use 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 132 · Color Index: CI 73015 · Color: blue
- CAS No: 860-22-0 · Chemical Formula: C16H8N2Na2O8S2
- 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 pharmacopeia (USP/NF/Ph.Eur) compliance information, as well as supply conditions for Indigo Carmine (Indigotin) (E 132).