Abstract
Food additives Azo dyes are synthetic compounds added to foods to impart color and improve their properties. Some azo dyes have been banned as food additives due to toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic side ei¬€ects. Long exposure to foods containing azo dye leads to chronic toxicity. Some microorganisms are capable to degrade these dyes and convert them to aromatic amines. In human body, microbiota can play a vital role in biodegradation of azo dyes by producing azo reductase. Aromatic amines are toxic, water-soluble and well absorbed via human intestine. In the current study, the role of microorganisms in biodegradation of six dyes related to azo group was discussed. These dyes are: Tartrazine E102, Sunset Yellow E110, Ponceau E124, Azorubine E122, Amaranth E123, and Allura Red E129 which are classified as the most harmful food additive dyes. Key word: Food additive, azo dyes, microorganisms, azo reductase, aromatic amines.
Highlights
Food additives are synthetic compounds added to food for many proposes such as maintaining the product from deterioration or improving its safety, freshness, taste, texture or appearance (WHO, 2012)
A lot of studies discussed the capacity of these microbes to degrade food additive azo dyes; the aim of this study is to focus on: (i) Chemical structure, properties and safety of different azo dyes that are used as a food additive such as Tartrazine E102, Sunset Yellow E110, Ponceau E124, Azorubine E122, Amaranth E123, and Allura Red E129 classified as the most dangerous additive dyes base on their side effects on human being. (ii) Role of microorganisms in biodegradation of additive food azo dyes
Oranusi and Njoku (2005) discussed the ability of Streptococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli isolated from human intestinal microflora in biotransformation of food dyes (Tartrazine and Quinoline yellow)
Summary
Food additives are synthetic compounds added to food for many proposes such as maintaining the product from deterioration or improving its safety, freshness, taste, texture or appearance (WHO, 2012). In the USA and European countries, some azo dyes have been banned as food additives due to toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic side effects (Chung, 2000).
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