E162 BEET RED or BETANINE
Beetroot red is a red-violet color of natural origin extracted from red beets (Beta vulgaris) by squeezing or extracting with water from the cut roots, and subsequent enrichment in the active ingredient.
The dye is made up of different pigments belonging to the class of betalaines.
The dye is mainly composed of:
betaciani (red) of which betanine represents 75-95%;
betaxanthin (yellow);
degradation products of betalaines (light brown in color).
The squeezing liquid includes sugars, salts and / or proteins, as well as colored pigments; the latter are compounds naturally present in red beets which can be eliminated by concentrating the solution.
The "additive" red beet or betanin "can be present in various confectionery products, fruit jellies, chewing gum, sauces and dressings, packaged ice creams and popsicles.
Beetroot red is harmless to human health.
ADI DOSE: /