CARTHAMUS YELLOW
Prepared at the 51st JECFA (1998), published in FNP 52 Add 6 (1998) superseding specifications prepared at the 49th JECFA (1998), published in
FNP 52 Add 5 (1997). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th JECFA (2002). No ADI allocated at the 29th JECFA in 1985.
SYNONYMS Safflower yellow, CI Natural Yellow 5
DEFINITION Carthamus Yellow, a flavonoid, is obtained by extracting the corolla (petals) of Carthamus tinctorius L. with water or slightly acidified water and drying the extract. The principal colouring matters are safflomin A (hydroxysafflor yellow A) and safflomine B (safflor yellow B). Besides the colour pigments carthamus yellow consists of sugars, salts and/or proteins naturally occurring in the source materials. Food grade materials such as dextrin may be added as carriers for manufacturing dry, powdered items of commerce.
C.A.S number I. 78281-02-4 (Safflomin A)
II. 120478-62-8 (Safflomin B)
Chemical formula I. C27H32O16 (Safflomin A)
II. C48H54O27 (Safflomin B)
Assay Content of colouring matters (calculated as safflomin A) not less than declared
DESCRIPTION Yellow to dark brown crystals, paste, powder or liquid with a faint characteristic odour.
FUNCTIONAL USES Colour
