Under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Sarmed H. Kathem Alkhateeb, the Continuing Education Unit at the University of Baghdad/College of Pharmacy held an in-person workshop entitled “Chemistry of Colorants Used in the Food Industry” delivered by Lecturer Dr. Hiba Hayder Kathum, a faculty member at the Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department and Head of the Scientific Affairs Division.
The workshop aimed to introduce the chemical aspects of food colorants used in the food industry, highlighting their sources, types, and properties, while explaining their potential benefits and health risks, and enhancing awareness of safe use and handling methods in accordance with international standards and regulations.
The workshop included several topics, including an introduction to colorants used in the food industry, which are added to foods and beverages to improve their appearance or to compensate for color loss during manufacturing and storage processes. It also addressed the sources of these colorants, whether they are natural, extracted from plants, or synthetic, prepared through chemical methods. In addition, the workshop reviewed the types of these materials, their chemical properties, and the factors affecting their stability and quality, as well as their role in improving the appearance of food products and beverages and increasing consumer acceptance. Furthermore, the workshop discussed the health aspects associated with the use of colorants by explaining their benefits and potential health risks when used excessively or when the permitted limits are not followed. It also addressed the methods of using and handling them safely according to the approved international standards and regulations in the field of food safety.
The workshop concluded by highlighting the importance of understanding the chemistry of colorants used in the food industry and their role in improving the characteristics of food products. It also emphasized the necessity of adhering to safe usage practices for these materials to ensure product quality and consumer safety in accordance with internationally recognized standards.
