Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake is a pigment version of the synthetic dye known as Sunset Yellow FCF (FD&C Yellow No. 6). It is produced by combining the dye with aluminum hydroxide to create an insoluble salt, which is then used as a color additive. This process makes the color stable, resistant to bleeding, and dispersible in various mediums, including oils and fats. Unlike the water-soluble dye form, Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake is suitable for use in fat-based products and applications where color stability is crucial[1][2].
Common Uses in Food and BeveragesYellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake is commonly used in a wide range of food and beverage products to provide a vibrant, stable yellow to orange color. It is often found in boxed macaroni and cheese, sports and energy drinks, candies such as gummy bears and lollipops, canned fruits, jellies and jams, ice creams, popsicles, and sherbets. Additionally, it is used in cake mixes and frostings, flavored potato chips, instant noodle seasoning packets, and various packaged snacks like popcorn and cheese puffs. The lake form of the dye is particularly effective in these applications due to its resistance to bleeding and its ability to maintain color consistency in different product formulations[3][2].
The creation of FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake involves a multi-step process that transforms the water-soluble dye, FD&C Yellow No. 6, into an insoluble pigment. The process begins with the preparation of an alumina hydrate substrate. This is achieved by reacting aluminum chloride solution with sodium bicarbonate in water at a temperature not higher than about 13°C. This reaction produces carbon dioxide and forms a smooth, flocculent precipitate of alumina hydrate. The precipitated alumina hydrate is then stirred for about a half hour to ensure it is well-formed and suitable for dye absorption[1].
The water-soluble FD&C Yellow No. 6 dye is dissolved in water and then stirred into the alumina hydrate slurry. Aluminum chloride solution is added to the mixture in a thin stream while continuously stirring, which converts the dye into an aluminum salt and helps the dye absorb onto the alumina hydrate particles. The stirring continues until the dye is completely absorbed by the hydrate base. The resulting slurry is then filtered to form a filter cake, which is washed with water to reduce the chloride content. Finally, the filter cake is dried at about 50°C to produce a dry cake of agglomerated lake particles, which are then ground into a fine powder suitable for use in various applications such as foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals[1][2].
The safety profile of Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake for human consumption in food and beverages is marked by several concerns. The dye is associated with potential allergic reactions, including hives, facial rashes, swelling, and anaphylactic shock in individuals hypersensitive to food dyes[1]. There are also indications of low to moderate neurotoxicity, with studies suggesting links to attention deficit, hyperactivity, and behavioral issues in children[1]. Additionally, Yellow No. 6 may cause organ toxicity, respiratory tract irritation, skin irritation, and eye damage, particularly when inhaled or used in high amounts[2][1]. The dye is classified as a xenoestrogen, raising concerns about endocrine disruption, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human hormone systems[1].
Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake poses several potential contamination risks. The dye is synthesized from petroleum and coal tar, processes that can sometimes involve the use of harmful substances like formaldehyde, hydroxides, aniline, sulfuric acids, arsenic, lead, or mercury, which can result in contamination of the final product[1]. There is a high risk of contamination from toxic impurities, as highlighted by the Environmental Working Group, which notes that the dye may contain cancer-causing substances like benzidine[1][3]. Furthermore, the production process does not inherently involve heavy pesticide use or pathogen risks, but the presence of heavy metals and other toxic impurities remains a significant concern due to the industrial nature of its synthesis and the potential for inadequate purification[2][1].
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