Origin
E 180 is not a dye in the true sense, but rather a pigment. Litholrubin is synthetically produced through a chemical process. After this process, the blue-red azo pigment is transformed into its calcium lake. E 180 is not particularly heat and light stable. Additionally, E 180 is soluble in hot water.
Usage
Litholrubin is only permitted for one food category. It is only allowed to be added to the edible rind of cheese as E 180. Furthermore, E 180 is often mixed into lipsticks as a color pigment. E 180, also known as Lysozyme, is a natural enzyme that occurs in some foods, particularly in dairy products and eggs. It has an antibacterial effect and can contribute to inhibiting bacterial growth in food, thereby extending its shelf life.
In the food industry, Lysozyme is often used as a preservative. It can also be used as a thickener and stabilizer in some foods such as cheese, yogurt, wine, and beer. Generally, Lysozyme is not directly used by consumers since it is mainly employed in the food industry. When present in foods, it is considered safe for consumption and has no known health concerns.
It is important to note that some people may be allergic to Lysozyme. If you have an allergic reaction to dairy products or eggs, you might want to avoid foods containing Lysozyme. Overall, E 180 is used in the food industry to improve the shelf life and quality of foods but it is typically not directly used by consumers.
Risks
However, some people may be allergic to Lysozyme, especially if they are already allergic to dairy products or eggs. If you have an allergic reaction to Lysozyme, you might want to avoid foods containing it.
In rare cases, excessive exposure to Lysozyme through dietary supplements or overconsumption of Lysozyme-containing foods can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, Lysozyme may also cause hypersensitivity to certain bacterial strains in some individuals.
It is important to emphasize that generally, Lysozyme is only used in small amounts in the food industry and the risk for adverse effects or allergies is low as long as it is consumed within recommended levels. Overall, Lysozyme is considered a safe food additive that can contribute to improving the shelf life and quality of foods.