The levels of trace metals in food colors extracted by solvent and SC-CO2 extractions were compared with the permissible limits of the same and it was found that the concentration of these metals in the colors were well below the approved PFA and SCF critical toxic levels in foods.
The order of concentration of these metals in the extracts were Cu > Pb > Cd > Hg > As.
The color extracted by SC-CO2 extraction contains significantly less amount (p = 0.0396) of these trace metals compared to the solvent extract.
This justifies increased suitability of the supercritical extract in food applications.