EVENT OVERVIEW
An insightful presentation entitled “chemistry behind coloring agents” was presented by B.Divya Sree from B.Sc., Biotechnology I Semester. The session witnessed the proactive attendance of approximately 55 students from the disciplines of Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Bioinformatics. The presentation emphasized on the fascinating world of colorants, their types, applications, effects on human health, and the regulatory framework governing their use.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PRESENTATION: – The session comprised of a detailed discussion on the following points:
- What Are Colourants?
- Colourants are substances used to change or enhance the colour of materials or surfaces.
- They find applications in food, medicine, cosmetics, printing, and painting
- Types of Colourants:
- Natural Colourants: Extracted from herbs, plants, and spices.
Examples: Beetroot (red), turmeric (yellow), and spinach (green).
- Synthetic Colourants: Derived from petroleum and coal tar.
Widely used in the food industry but have potential health risks.
- Health Effects of Synthetic Colourants:
- Diarrhea
- Allergic rhinitis
- Itchy skin and hives
- Other severe reactions.
- Regulatory Aspects:
- Regulatory bodies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) implement guidelines to ensure public safety.
- Several synthetic colorants are banned due to harmful effects, including Rhodamine B (Purplish red/bright red), Metanil Yellow (Yellow), Bromo Cresol Purple (Purple), Sudan 1, 2, 3, & 4 (Various shades of red and yellow).
IMPACT:
Participants gained a deeper understanding of the role of colorants in daily life and were inspired to make informed decisions regarding their usage in various fields.
