The stability of synthetic food dyes tartrazine and yellow sunset

Abstract

The stability of synthetic food dyes tartrazine and yellow sunset was studied in relation to the intensity of radiation in the ultraviolet and visible spectra, as well as the influence of the pH and others additives normally presents in some products. Periodic scanning of the absorption spectrum was accomplished in the wavelengths between 700 nm and 190 nm to verify alterations in this dyes. In the case of soft drinks in PET packing, the relation was verified between incident light and light transmitted by the packing, establishing its function as filter to radiation. The data obtained with the dyes in the samples of soft drinks were compared with standard dyes solutions. In acid media, citrate and ascorbate presence, a major degradation process occurs. In benzoate presence, the dye degradation is lower