Ingredient Information

Function

Blue 2 lake, also Indigo carmine, is a synthetic food coloring agent. Synthetic colors come as dyes or lakes. Dyes are water soluble. A "lake" consists of a chemical salt combined with a dye, allowing it to disperse in oil. Lakes are utilized when there is not sufficient water in a product to dissolve a dye, such as in baked goods.

Color is added to food to enhance its appeal. People associate flavors with certain colors, so food manufacturers use color to increase the perceived flavor enjoyment of food. Color additives are generally used for one of four specific reasons – to replace the color lost due to light exposure, storage, or temperature change; to add color to colorless foods; to correct natural color variations; and to enhance natural colors. Food manufacturers often combine several different dyes to arrive at the color desired.

Other Use and Industries

Blue 2 lake is used as a pH indicator- it is blue below pH 11.4 and yellow above pH 13.0. Blue 2 lake is also used in cosmetics, mouthwash, toothpaste, and nylon surgical thread.

Health Effects

Synthetic food coloring agents are still being studied. There is evidence that blue 2 lake has caused cancer in rats, and some believe that it causes negative health effects, which are categorized as allergic reactions. There is evidence of harmful respiratory effects to plant workers in its manufacture. Consumers are advised to avoid blue 2 lake, although it is an approved food additive.

Origins

Blue 2 Lake is chemically synthesized.