_ -._ . -.-.

The color stability of water-soluble colorants is significantly lower in alcoholcontaining products than in water. In many cases, attempts are made to improve color stability with UV light absorbing material (protective filters). Our own research has

Figure 3 shows the color stability of three synthetic water-soluble colorants (Azorubin E 122, Amaranth E 123 and Ponceau 4R E 124), of a natural colorant (Cochineal Carmine E 120) and of a coloring food product (Red beet) in water as a function of time. These tests were performed in May 1986 behind a southerly window with moderate sunshine.