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E173 is a natural metal food additive approved by the
European Union (EU).
It is sometimes used as a colouring agent in food and drink
products.
The common name for E173 is Aluminium.
E173 is a silver/grey metal that tends to be used
as a metallic surface coating.
Aluminium is also used in many other food-related applications, such
as for food-wrap foils, and even in part of water purification processes
(incl. e.g. to assist in removing contaminants
and other harmful
micro-organisms
from a raw water
source.). To produce E173 commercially,
bauxite is extracted and purified and electrolysis to take place in molten
cryolite.
Although aluminium can form part of a healthy
diet, large amounts or accumulations have been linked to skeletal
deformations,
Alzheimer's Disease, and osteoporosis. (It is not yet clear
whether aluminium accumulation
in the brain is the cause or result of Alzheimer's.) Aluminium
is generally considered harmful if inhaled or ingested on its own.
Examples of food/drink products that may include E173:
Tablets, sugar-coated flour confectionery and cake decorations.
Note(1) that the list of Food
Additives (E Numbers) included in this section and listed on the left
is subject to change as chemicals are added and/or removed by the EU
Regulatory Authorities. IvyRose cannot guarantee that this list complete.
Note(2) These numbers are also used in Australia and
New Zealand but without the E.
Government
approvals and other regulatory details are subject to change.
This entry was added in good faith on 31 July 2008. For current
details check with relevant authorities.
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