E107 – Yellow 2G

Description

A synthetic monoazo dye. Water soluble, disodium salt of 8-amino-1-hydroxy-2-(phenylazo)-3,6-naphthalenedisulfonic acid

Risks

Notes

Yellow 2G is an artificial food coloring created in laboratories through synthetic chemistry processes. It belongs to a family of dyes called monoazo dyes, which means its molecular structure contains one 'azo group' – a specific arrangement of nitrogen atoms that gives the compound its coloring properties. The dye is manufactured by combining various chemical compounds through controlled reactions to produce a stable yellow colorant. This additive functions solely as a food colorant, providing a yellow hue to various processed foods and beverages. You might find Yellow 2G in candies, desserts, soft drinks, and some bakery products where manufacturers want to achieve a specific shade of yellow. It's designed to remain stable under different storage conditions and won't easily fade when exposed to light or heat. Yellow 2G is completely synthetic and suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets since it contains no animal-derived ingredients. However, this particular dye has faced significant safety scrutiny – it's actually banned in many countries including the United States and most European Union nations due to potential health concerns. Where it is still permitted, it typically comes with strict usage limitations and may require warning labels, particularly regarding potential effects on children's behavior and attention.