FD&C Dyes and Aluminum Lakes for Food Coloring
FDA Approved Dyes and Aluminum Lakes for Commercial Food Coloring Applications
FD&C (Food, Drugs and Cosmetics) dyes and aluminum lakes are versatile food colors which can be blended to create nearly any color imaginable. IFC Solutions has thousands of formulations that can be produced on demand. The base for all FD&C food colors are Dyes and Aluminum Lakes. These are produced in a light, dusty powdery format.
FD&C Dyes
A DYE is a distinct chemical that exhibits coloring power when it’s dissolved. Dyes are water soluble and will not mix with oils. Most Dyes can be purchased in a Powder format or a less dusty version called “Granular,” with the exception of Blue 2.
Every batch of FD&C Dye is sent to the FDA for verification that the stringent government standards for quality are met.
| Dye | Shade in Solution | Hue in Powder Form | Comone Name(s) | Color Index # | EU # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FD&C Blue 1 | Sky Blue | Greenish Blue | Brilliant Blue FCF | 42090 | E133 |
| FD&C Blue 2 | Deep Blue | Deep Blue | Indigotine, Indigo | 73015 | E132 |
| FD&C Red 3 | Pink | Bluish Pink | Erythosine | 45430 | E127 |
| FD&C Red 40 | Brownish Red | Yellowish Red | NT Red, Allura Red AC | 16035 | E129 |
| FD&C Yellow 5 | Bright Yellow | Lemon Yellow | Tartrazine | 19140 | E102 |
| FD&C Yellow 6 | Orange | Reddish Yellow | Sunset Yellow FCF | 15985 | E110 |
FD&C Aluminum Lakes
An Aluminum Lake Pigment is an insoluble material that tints by dispersion. Lakes are produced from FD&C Dyes and are oil dispersible (but generally not oil soluble) and thus can be mixed with oils and fats. They can also be dispersed or suspended in other carriers such as propylene glycol, glycerin and sucrose (water and sugar).
Made from FD&C Dyes, FD&C Aluminum Lakes come in a variety of concentrations (Low Dye, Medium Dye, and High Dye). Unlike Dyes, Lakes are fixed in shade. While adding more Dye to a product can shift a shade darker, adding more lake does not have this affect.
It’s important to note that FD&C Red 3 Aluminum Lake is not approved for use in food. However, IFC Solutions offers a unique encapsulated FD&C Red 3 powder that mimics the characteristics of an FD&C Red 3 aluminum lake and can be used in food products.
| Lake | Dye Content | Color Index # | EU # |
|---|---|---|---|
| FD&C Blue 1 Aluminum Lake | Low (11-13%) High (28.31%) |
42090 | E133 |
| FD&C Blue 2 Aluminum Lake | Low (11-14%) High (28.31%) |
73015 | E132 |
| FD&C Red 40 Aluminum Lake | Low (15-17%) High (36-42%) |
16035 | E129 |
| FD&C Yellow 5 Aluminum Lake | Low (15-18%) Medium (25-28%)High (36-42%) |
19140 | E102 |
| FD&C Yellow 6 Aluminum Lake | Low (15-18%) Medium (24-27%)High (36-42%) |
15985 | E110 |
Let our many years of experience and in-house capabilities help you to get simplified, cost-effective food coloring for your food products.
Contact IFC Solutions for Your Food Coloring Needs.
Talk With Us (908) 862-8810 or Toll Free (800) 875-9393
