UV-Vis Spectroscopic Detection of Illicit Rhodamine B Dye in Local Shrimp Paste

Abstract

Rhodamine B is a synthetic xanthene dye prohibited for use in food due to its genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Despite regulations, it is still illegally used to enhance the appearance of products like shrimp paste, posing serious health risks. There is limited research on the prevalence of Rhodamine B in Malaysian shrimp paste. Current analytical methods offer excellent sensitivity and accuracy; however, they are expensive and are not suitable for routine or on-site testing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the presence of Rhodamine B in locally available shrimp paste and to propose a more accessible and cost-effective analytical method by combining chemical test, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry and thin-layer chromatography (TLC).