CARTHAMUS RED
Prepared at the 51st JECFA (1998), published in FNP 52 Add 6 (1998) superseding specifications prepared at the 49th JECFA (1997), published in
FNP 52 Add 5 (1997). ADI - not evaluated by JECFA for an ADI. Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th JECFA (2002)
SYNONYMS Safflower red, carthamic acid, CI Natural Red 26 (No. 75140)
DEFINITION Carthamus Red, a flavonoid, is obtained from the dried petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. To obtain carthamus red, carthamus yellow is extracted from the petals with water and the residue treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide or other alkali. Carthamus red is precipitated from the extract by addition of acid, separated by filtration and dried. The principal colouring matter is carthamin.
Food grade materials such as dextrin may be added as carriers for manufacturing dry, powdered items of commerce.
Chemical formula C43H42O22 (carthamin)
Formula weight 910.81 (carthamin)
Assay Content of colouring matters (calculated as carthamin) not less than declared
DESCRIPTION Dark red to red-brown powder with a characteristic slight odour
FUNCTIONAL USES Colour
