Tablet

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a tablet that can suppress light-induced fading and discoloration of printed images. A tablet according to the present embodiment has printed thereon an edible ink that contains at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 and packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor permeability of not more than 1.0 g / m2 · d.

Description

tablet

[0001] The present invention relates to tablets.

[0002] Some dye inks, which contain dyes, are edible by using food dyes such as tar-based pigments as colorants. Conventional dye inks suffer from discoloration, where the color (tone) of printed text or images changes due to dye degradation, or from fading due to a decrease in dye saturation. For example, if a dye ink lacks lightfastness, light can decompose the dye (photolysis), resulting in discoloration (photofading). This discoloration is perceived as a decrease in the visibility of printed text, images, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "printed images"). Technologies have been developed to prevent such discoloration of printed images, and various methods for preventing discoloration have been proposed (e.g., Patent Document 1). However, some conventional methods are unable to sufficiently prevent light-induced discoloration of printed images.

[0003] Patent No. 6389506

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide a tablet capable of suppressing light-induced discoloration of printed images.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, a tablet according to one aspect of the present invention has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２ - A tablet printed with edible ink containing at least a coloring material selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less.

[0006] In addition, the tablet according to another aspect of the present invention has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２the edible ink contains at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, wherein the solvent contains water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, and when Blue No. 1 is included as the colorant, the solvent contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 102 is included as the colorant, the solvent contains lactose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 3 is included as the colorant, the solvent contains potassium citrate as the antioxidant, and when Yellow No. 4 is included only as the colorant, the ink does not contain any of reduced isomaltulose, lactose, and potassium citrate, and the content of Blue No. 1 is 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or more of the total mass of the edible ink. % or less, the content of the reduced isomaltulose is within the range of 2.00% by mass or more and 25.00% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of the lactose is within the range of 1.00% by mass or more and 25.00% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of potassium citrate is within the range of 0.50% by mass or more and 30.00% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink.

[0007] In addition, the tablet according to another aspect of the present invention has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２the edible ink contains at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, all packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor barrier property of d or less, wherein the solvent contains water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, lactose is included as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, potassium citrate is included as the antioxidant, the content of Blue No. 1 is within a range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of the reduced isomaltulose is within a range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Yellow No. 4 is within the range of 0.08% by mass to 2.00% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.34% by mass to 1.31% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the lactose content is 3.50% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.07% by mass to 2.41% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of potassium citrate is 5.00% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink.

[0008] In addition, the tablet according to another aspect of the present invention has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２a tablet printed with an edible ink, the tablet comprising at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, the solvent comprising water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 containing reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, lactose is included as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, potassium citrate is included as the antioxidant, the mass ratio of the reduced isomaltulose to Blue No. 1 (reduced isomaltulose / Blue No. 1) is within the range of 7.89 to 20.00, the mass ratio of the lactose to Red No. 102 (lactose / Red No. 102) is 2.67, and the mass ratio of the potassium citrate to Red No. 3 (potassium citrate / Red No. 3) is 2.07.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a tablet can be provided in which light discoloration of a printed image is suppressed.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a tablet (plain tablet) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a tablet (film-coated tablet) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an example of a printed image of a tablet (plain tablet) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an example of a printed image of a tablet (film-coated tablet) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the layered structure of a water vapor barrier packaging material according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the form of a PTP packaging material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] As a result of extensive research, the present inventors have found that humidity contributes to the progression of photodiscoloration of printed images on tablets. As a result, tablets printed with edible ink containing at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 were placed in an edible ink having a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２ It has been found that excellent light resistance can be imparted to the printed image by packaging the tablet in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor barrier strength of d or less. Based on this, the present inventors have invented a tablet with excellent light resistance.

[0012] In other words, the present disclosure proposes and provides a new design concept for improving the lightfastness of printed images on tablets. This point will be explained below. Conventional design concepts have focused on the components of the dye ink used to form the printed image in order to improve the lightfastness of the printed image, adjusting, for example, the combination of pigments and the type of antioxidant. For example, to improve lightfastness, measures have been taken such as adding an antioxidant (e.g., reduced isomaltulose, lactose, citric acid, etc.) to the dye ink, or combining multiple pigments to make the color cloudy in advance. Furthermore, many dye inks designed based on conventional design concepts have had difficulty in fine-tuning the color tone.

[0013] In response to this, the inventors focused on the discrepancies in lightfastness test results for printed images and discovered that humidity affects the test results. In other words, they newly discovered that in order to improve the lightfastness of printed images, it is important not only to adjust the components of the dye ink, but also to protect the tablets from oxygen and humidity (especially humidity) after printing them and until they are used to maintain their visibility (suppress light discoloration). Thus, the design concept of the present disclosure is significantly different from conventional design concepts that focus only on adjusting the components of the dye ink. It also focuses on the physical properties of the tablet packaging material and controls (manages) the tablet storage environment to improve the lightfastness of the printed image on the tablet. Furthermore, dye inks designed based on the design concept of the present disclosure facilitate fine-tuning of color tone, and by controlling (managing) the tablet storage environment, the lightfastness of the printed image on the tablet can be improved.

[0014] The tablet according to the present embodiment will be described below. The tablet according to the present embodiment has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２ - A tablet packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, and having a printed portion printed with an edible ink containing at least a coloring material selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3.

[0015] In addition, the tablet according to the embodiment of the present invention has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２- The edible ink contains at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, wherein the solvent contains water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, and when Blue No. 1 is included as the colorant, it contains reduced isomaltulose as an antioxidant, when Red No. 102 is included as the colorant it contains lactose as an antioxidant, when Red No. 3 is included as the colorant it contains potassium citrate as an antioxidant, and when Yellow No. 4 is included only as the colorant it does not contain reduced isomaltulose, lactose, or potassium citrate, and the content of Blue No. 1 is within the range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less of the mass of the entire edible ink. The edible ink may be a tablet printed with an edible ink, wherein the content of reduced isomaltulose is within the range of 2.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, and the content of lactose is within the range of 1.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, and the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, and the content of potassium citrate is within the range of 0.50% by mass to 30.00% by mass, and the content of edible ink is within the range of 0.50% by mass to 30.00% by mass.

[0016] Furthermore, the tablet according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a tablet printed with edible ink containing all of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 as a coloring material, edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 102, edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 102, edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Yellow No. 4, edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 3, or edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 3.

[0017] In addition, the tablet according to the embodiment of the present invention has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２the edible ink contains at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, all packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, wherein the solvent contains water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, lactose is included as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, potassium citrate is included as the antioxidant, the content of Blue No. 1 is within a range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of the reduced isomaltulose is within a range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink the content of Yellow No. 4 is within the range of 0.08% by mass to 2.00% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink; the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.34% by mass to 1.31% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink; and the content of lactose is 3.50% by mass, both inclusive, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.07% by mass to 2.41% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink; and the content of potassium citrate is 5.00% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink.

[0018] In addition, the tablet according to the embodiment of the present invention has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２and a tablet printed with an edible ink, the tablet comprising at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, wherein the solvent includes water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, lactose is included as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, potassium citrate is included as the antioxidant, the mass ratio of the reduced isomaltulose to Blue No. 1 (reduced isomaltulose / Blue No. 1) is within the range of 7.89 to 20.00, the mass ratio of the lactose to Red No. 102 (lactose / Red No. 102) is 2.67, and the mass ratio of the potassium citrate to Red No. 3 (potassium citrate / Red No. 3) is 2.07. The configuration of the tablet according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0019] [Configuration of Edible Ink] The edible ink according to this embodiment contains at least one coloring material selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3. Each component constituting the edible ink according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0020] (Coloring Material) As described above, the edible ink according to this embodiment contains as a coloring material at least one of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3. Blue No. 1 (FDA Name: FD&C Blue No. 1, Color Index Name: Food Blue 2, CAS Number: 3844-45-9) is a food dye, specifically an edible tar-based dye, and is also known as Brilliant Blue FCF. Yellow No. 4 (FDA Name: FD&C Yellow No. 5, Color Index Name: Acid Yellow 23, CAS Number: 1934-21-0) is a food dye, specifically a food tar-based dye, also known as tartrazine.

[0021] Red No. 102 (Color Index Name: Acid Red 18, CAS Number: 2611-82-7) is a food dye, specifically a food tar-based dye, also known as New Coccine. Red No. 3 (FDA Name: FD&C Red No. 3, Color Index Name: Acid Red 51, CAS Number: 16423-68-0) is a food dye, specifically a food tar-based dye, also known as erythrosine.

[0022] In the edible ink according to this embodiment, the blending ratio of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, i.e., the total content of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, is preferably in the range of 0.01% to 10% by mass, more preferably 0.5% to 10% by mass, based on the total mass of the ink. Furthermore, the total content of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 may be in the range of 0.01% to 0.09% by mass, based on the total mass of the ink. This configuration provides good visibility to the printed image and prevents residual colorant from remaining during the production of the edible ink. Here, for example, if residual colorant is not visually observed after a stirring step of the solvent and the colorant during the production of the edible ink (e.g., a step of adding the colorant to a solvent at 25°C and stirring for 60 minutes), the solubility of the colorant in the solvent is considered to be ensured. Furthermore, this configuration facilitates fine adjustment of the color tone.

[0023] On the other hand, if the total content of the coloring materials is less than 0.01% by mass, the overall printed color tends to be lighter, reducing the visibility of the printed image. Furthermore, if the total content exceeds 10% by mass, some of the coloring materials may remain undissolved during the stirring process during production of the edible ink. The edible ink of this embodiment may contain a pigment (coloring material) other than the specific tar-based pigments, i.e., Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3. There are no particular restrictions on the pigments other than Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, as long as they are edible. Pigments that can be added to the edible ink of this embodiment can be appropriately selected from, for example, conventionally known synthetic food pigments and natural food pigments. Furthermore, if the edible ink contains coloring materials other than Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, the total content of the coloring materials may be within the above range (0.01% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less). This makes it possible to impart sufficient visibility to the printed image and to prevent the occurrence of undissolved coloring material in the edible ink.

[0024] Examples of synthetic food dyes include tar-based dyes, natural dye derivatives, and natural synthetic dyes. Examples of tar-based dyes include Food Red No. 2 (Amaranth, FDA Name: FD&C Red No. 2, Color Index Name: Acid Red 27, CAS Number: 915-67-3), Food Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC, FDA Name: FD&C Red No. 40, Color Index Name: Food Red 40, CAS Number: 25956-17-6), and Food Red No. 104 (Phloxine, FDA Name: FD&C Red No. 28, Color Index Name: Acid Red 92, CAS Number: 18472-87-2), Food Red No. 105 (Rose bengal, Color Index Name: Acid Red 94, CAS Number: 632-69-9), Food Red No. 106 (Acid Red, Color Index Name: Acid Red 52, CAS Number: 3520-42-1), Food Yellow No. 5 (Sunset Yellow FCF, FDA Name: FD & C Yellow No. 6, Color Index Name: Food Yellow 3, CAS Number: 2783-94-0), Indigo Carmine, FDA Name: FD & C Blue No. 2, Color Index Name: Acid Blue 74,CAS Number: 860-22-0), Food Red No. 2 Aluminum Lake (FD & C Red No. 2 Aluminum Lake), Food Red No. 3 Aluminum Lake (FD & C Red No. 3 Aluminum Lake), Food Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake (FD & C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake), Food Yellow No. 4 Aluminum Lake (FD & C Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake), Food Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake (FD & C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake), Food Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake (FD & C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake) Examples of natural pigment derivatives include potassium norbixin, and examples of natural synthetic pigments include β-carotene and riboflavin.

[0025] The above-mentioned "Color Index Name" is established by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. The above-mentioned "FDA Name" is established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this embodiment, each usable dye (each substance) is identified using a CAS number, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a dye (substance) having the same substance name as the dye (substance) described in this embodiment but assigned a different CAS number because it is a geometric isomer, a stereoisomer, a substance containing an isotope, or a salt thereof can also be used in this embodiment. Furthermore, when there are no isomers or when usable dyes (substances) are specified (limited), the substance (compound) itself having the CAS number described in this embodiment can be used.

[0026] Examples of natural food dyes include anthocyanin dyes, carotenoid dyes, quinone dyes, chlorophyll dyes, flavonoid dyes, betaine dyes, monascus dyes, and other dyes derived from natural sources. Examples of anthocyanin dyes include red radish dye, red cabbage dye, red rice dye, elderberry dye, cowberry dye, gooseberry dye, cranberry dye, salmonberry dye, perilla dye, sweet blueberry dye, strawberry dye, dark sweet cherry dye, cherry dye, hibiscus dye, huckleberry dye, grape juice dye, grape skin dye, blackcurrant dye, blackberry dye, blueberry dye, plum dye, watermelon dye, boysenberry dye, mulberry dye, purple sweet potato dye, purple corn dye, purple yam dye, raspberry dye, redcurrant dye, loganberry dye, and other anthocyanin dyes. Examples of carotenoid pigments include annatto pigment, gardenia yellow, and other carotenoid pigments. Examples of quinone pigments include cochineal pigment, lithospermum root pigment, lac pigment, and other quinone pigments. Examples of flavonoid pigments include safflower yellow, sorghum pigment, onion pigment, and other flavonoid pigments. Examples of betaine pigments include beet red pigment. Examples of monascus pigments include monascus pigment and monascus yellow pigment. Examples of pigments derived from other natural products include turmeric pigment, Clerodendron japonicum pigment, gardenia red pigment, and spirulina blue pigment.

[0027] (Antioxidant) The edible ink according to this embodiment may contain reduced isomaltulose, lactose, or potassium citrate as an antioxidant (reducing agent). For example, reduced isomaltulose functions as a discoloration inhibitor for Blue No. 1 and has the effect of inhibiting photodecomposition of Blue No. 1. Therefore, when the edible ink according to this embodiment contains Blue No. 1 as a coloring material, the edible ink preferably contains reduced isomaltulose as an antioxidant. Furthermore, lactose functions as a discoloration inhibitor for Red No. 102 and has the effect of inhibiting photodecomposition of Red No. 102. Therefore, when the edible ink according to this embodiment contains Red No. 102 as a coloring material, the edible ink preferably contains lactose as an antioxidant.

[0028] Furthermore, potassium citric acid functions as a discoloration inhibitor for Red No. 3, suppressing photodecomposition of Red No. 3. Therefore, when the edible ink according to this embodiment contains Red No. 3 as a colorant, the edible ink preferably contains potassium citric acid as an antioxidant. Note that when the edible ink according to this embodiment contains only Yellow No. 4 as a colorant, the edible ink does not need to contain an antioxidant. By adding the above antioxidant, the edible ink according to this embodiment containing Blue No. 1, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 can maintain the initial printed color (color immediately after printing) while sufficiently suppressing photodiscoloration and photofading of the printed image, thereby improving lightfastness.

[0029] Furthermore, the edible ink containing Yellow No. 4 according to this embodiment can sufficiently suppress photodiscoloration and photofading of the printed image while maintaining the initial print color (color immediately after printing) without adding an antioxidant, thereby improving lightfastness. Note that when the edible ink according to this embodiment contains all of Blue No. 1, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 as colorants, it may also contain all of reduced isomaltulose, lactose, and potassium citrate.

[0030] The blending ratio of the antioxidants (reduced isomaltulose, lactose, and potassium citrate) in the edible ink according to this embodiment, i.e., the total content of the antioxidants, is preferably in the range of 0.01% by mass to 30% by mass, and more preferably in the range of 0.5% by mass to 30% by mass, relative to the total mass of the ink. This configuration ensures that the antioxidants exert their effect as discoloration inhibitors, reliably improving the lightfastness of the edible ink according to this embodiment and preventing deterioration of the ink's ejection properties due to increased viscosity. This configuration also makes it easy to fine-tune the color tone.

[0031] For example, in the edible ink according to this embodiment, if the content of Blue No. 1 is within the range of 0.01% to 0.90% by mass of the total edible ink, the content of reduced isomaltulose may be within the range of 2.00% to 25.00% by mass of the total edible ink; if the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.01% to 0.90% by mass of the total edible ink, the content of lactose may be within the range of 1.00% to 25.00% by mass of the total edible ink; and if the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.01% to 0.90% by mass of the total edible ink, the content of potassium citrate may be within the range of 0.50% to 30.00% by mass of the total edible ink. This configuration facilitates fine adjustment of the color tone.

[0032] Furthermore, in the edible ink according to this embodiment, when the content of Blue No. 1 is within the range of 0.08% by mass to 0.94% by mass of the total edible ink, the content of reduced isomaltulose may be within the range of 0.72% by mass to 10.00% by mass of the total edible ink; when the content of Yellow No. 4 is within the range of 0.08% by mass to 2.00% by mass of the total edible ink; when the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.34% by mass to 1.31% by mass of the total edible ink, the content of lactose may be 3.50% by mass of the total edible ink; and when the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.07% by mass to 2.41% by mass of the total edible ink, the content of potassium citrate may be 5.00% by mass of the total edible ink. This configuration facilitates fine adjustment of the color tone.

[0033] Furthermore, the edible ink according to this embodiment may have a mass ratio of reduced isomaltulose to Blue No. 1 (reduced isomaltulose / Blue No. 1) ranging from 7.89 to 20.00, a mass ratio of lactose to Red No. 102 (lactose / Red No. 102) of 2.67, and a mass ratio of potassium citric acid to Red No. 3 (potassium citric acid / Red No. 3) of 2.07. This configuration facilitates fine-tuning of the color tone. On the other hand, if the antioxidant content is less than 0.01% by mass, the antioxidant's effect as an ink discoloration inhibitor may be reduced. Furthermore, if the antioxidant content exceeds 30% by mass, the ink viscosity may increase, resulting in poor jetting performance.

[0034] (Solvent) The edible ink according to this embodiment may contain a solvent (dispersion medium) to dissolve (disperse) the specific tar-based pigments (Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, Red No. 3) and the antioxidants (reduced isomaltulose, lactose, potassium citrate) contained as discoloration inhibitors. The edible ink according to this embodiment preferably contains at least one of water (e.g., purified water), ethanol, and propylene glycol as a solvent. Propylene glycol functions as a humectant, preventing the ink from drying in inkjet nozzles, for example, and providing the ink with sufficient intermittent reusability. Furthermore, ethanol, being highly volatile, can improve the transfer resistance (drying property) of the edible ink. Adding these components to the solvent in addition to water can provide the edible ink with performance corresponding to each component.

[0035] Furthermore, the blending ratio of each component of the above solvent in the edible ink according to this embodiment is not limited. However, when propylene glycol is contained in the solvent, the blending ratio of the propylene glycol, i.e., the amount of propylene glycol added, may be in the range of 0.01% by mass to 40% by mass relative to the total mass of the ink. This configuration can impart sufficient intermittent resumability to the ink. Furthermore, when ethanol is contained in the solvent, the blending ratio of the ethanol, i.e., the amount of ethanol added, may be in the range of 1% by mass to 60% by mass relative to the total mass of the ink. This configuration can improve the transfer resistance (drying property) of the edible ink.

[0036] The edible ink according to this embodiment may contain solvents other than those mentioned above. Examples of solvents that can be added to the edible ink according to this embodiment include glycerin, polyethylene glycol 300 (average molecular weight 300), 1-propanol, 2-propanol, and ethyl lactate. While there are no particular limitations on the blending ratio, the ink may contain glycerin or polyethylene glycol 300 in an amount ranging from 1% by mass to 40% by mass to prevent the ink from drying out at the nozzles.

[0037] (Lightfastness) The lightfastness of the tablet according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. For the tablet according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the color difference ΔE according to JIS Z 8781 before and after a lightfastness test of the printed image is within 20, and more preferably within 10. Here, the lightfastness test is, for example, a test in which the color difference ΔE (based on JIS Z 8781) indicating the amount of change in chromaticity and optical color density before and after irradiation with visible light for a printed image printed using the edible ink according to this embodiment is compared. Specifically, the color difference ΔE is measured before and after irradiation with visible light of a cumulative 1.2 million lux (illuminance 4 klx x 300 hours) on the printed image, and the values ​​are compared. For example, a xenon weather meter (D65 light source: Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Ci4000) is used for visible light irradiation. In this embodiment, the visible light irradiation is performed under an environment with an average temperature of 27.2°C and an average humidity of 49.9%, and a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２ The light resistance test is performed on tablets packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material (light transmittance 90%) with a light resistance of d or less. The printed image in the light resistance test is, for example, a solid print on a tablet (e.g., a film-coated tablet) that is the printing target.

[0038] The lightfastness required for forming a printed image on a medical tablet or the like (lightfastness required for practical use of a medical tablet or the like) often refers to a color difference ΔE of 15 or less between a printed image before and after irradiation with visible light in a lightfastness test using 1.2 million lux of visible light. The inventors arrived at the idea of ​​using a color difference ΔE of 15 or less as the criterion for practical lightfastness based on the results of an opinion test conducted by the inventors with the participation of various medical professionals. However, in the edible ink according to this embodiment, the color tone is clear due to the use of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 as colorants, so a color difference ΔE of 20 or less was deemed to have sufficient lightfastness and passed this evaluation.

[0039] The edible ink according to this embodiment contains Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 as coloring materials, and the tablet having an image printed with the edible ink is coated with an edible ink having a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２By packaging the tablets in a water vapor barrier packaging material with a water vapor barrier property of d or less, photodecomposition of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 on the tablet surface is suppressed, and photodiscoloration and photofading of the printed image are sufficiently suppressed. As a result, the color difference ΔE before and after visible light irradiation is reduced to less than 20, and the visibility of the printed image is maintained.

[0040] (Internal Resin) The edible ink according to this embodiment may contain an internal resin in addition to the above-mentioned pigments and solvents. The internal resin that can be added to the edible ink according to this embodiment is an edible, water-soluble powder, paste, or flake-like resin-like substance that can form a film on the tablet surface by drying after printing. Examples of the internal resin include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), high molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) such as polyethylene glycol 4000 / polyethylene glycol 1540, shellac resin, methacrylic acid copolymer (product name: Eudragit S100), maltodextrin, erythritol, etc.

[0041] (Leveling Agent) The edible ink according to this embodiment may contain a leveling agent in addition to the above-mentioned pigments, solvents, or internally added resins. The leveling agent that can be added to the edible ink according to this embodiment may be any edible, water-soluble surfactant. Examples of the leveling agent include polyglycerin fatty acid esters (e.g., Decaglycerin Distearate Q-182S and Decaglycerin Monolaurate Q-12S, both manufactured by Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd.), sorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g., NIKKOL SL-10, manufactured by Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.), sucrose fatty acid esters (e.g., DK Ester F-110, manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.), and polysorbates (Emersol S-120 series, manufactured by Kao Corporation).

[0042] [Printing Method] The edible ink according to this embodiment is not particularly limited in terms of printing method, and can be printed using, for example, an inkjet device such as a commercially available inkjet printer. Therefore, the edible ink according to this embodiment has a wide range of applications and is extremely useful. For example, the edible ink according to this embodiment can be printed using a so-called drop-on-demand inkjet device that uses a piezoelectric element (piezoelectric ceramics) as an actuator, or other inkjet devices. Examples of drop-on-demand inkjet devices include devices that employ a thermal inkjet system that ejects ink using the water vapor pressure generated by momentarily heating a microheating element to a high temperature (200-300°C), electrostatic devices that eject ink by electrostatically vibrating an actuator, and ultrasonic devices that utilize the cavitation phenomenon of ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, if the edible ink according to this embodiment has charging properties, it can also be used with a continuous jetting device.

[0043] [Tablets] In this embodiment, the edible ink according to this embodiment may be printed or printed on the surface of a tablet, for example, using the printing method described above. That is, the tablet according to this embodiment may have a printed portion, i.e., a printed image, printed using the edible ink according to this embodiment. The edible ink according to this embodiment can improve the light resistance of a printed image (e.g., printed image 3) applied to the surface of a medical tablet using an inkjet printing method, for example. The configuration of a tablet having a printed image printed with the edible ink according to this embodiment will be described below. The tablet according to this embodiment is, for example, a medical tablet. Here, "medical tablet" includes, for example, plain tablets (plain tablets), sugar-coated tablets, enteric-coated tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and film-coated tablets in which a water-soluble surface layer is formed on the outermost surface of the tablet. Note that the tablet according to this embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a medical tablet (plain tablet) on which printing (printing, image printing) has been performed. FIG. 1 shows a plain tablet print 5 in which a printed image 3 such as letters is printed on the upper surface of a tablet substrate 1 in a cross-sectional view. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a medical tablet (film-coated (FC) tablet) on which printing (printing, image printing) has been performed. FIG. 2 shows a film-coated tablet print 9 in which a printed image 3 such as letters is printed on the upper surface of a tablet substrate 1 on which a film coating layer 7 has been formed in a cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a solid image may be printed as the plain tablet print image 11, or as shown in FIG. 4, a two-dimensional barcode may be printed as the film-coated tablet print image 13.

[0045] The active ingredient contained in the medical tablet is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, substances effective in the prevention and treatment of various diseases (e.g., substances having sleep-inducing activity, tranquilizing activity, antibacterial activity, antihypertensive activity, antianginal activity, analgesic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, tranquilizing activity, antidiabetic activity, diuretic activity, anticholinergic activity, anti-hyperacidic activity, anti-epileptic activity, ACE inhibitory activity, β-receptor antagonist or agonist activity, anesthetic activity, appetite suppressant activity, antiarrhythmic activity, antidepressant activity, anticoagulant activity, antidiarrheal activity, antihistamine activity, antimalarial activity, antitumor activity, immunosuppressant activity, anti-Parkinson's disease activity, antipsychotic activity, antiplatelet activity, antihyperlipidemic activity, etc.), substances having a cleansing effect, fragrances, substances having a deodorizing effect, etc.

[0046] The tablet according to this embodiment can be formulated with an acceptable carrier for the intended use along with the active ingredient, if necessary. For example, a medical tablet can be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, various organic or inorganic carrier substances commonly used as pharmaceutical ingredients can be used, and for example, excipients, lubricants, binders, disintegrants, thickeners, etc. can be formulated in appropriate amounts. In addition, additives such as preservatives, antioxidants, colorants, and sweeteners can also be used as necessary.

[0047] In this embodiment, medical tablets have been described as an example of tablets, but the present invention is not limited to this. There are no particular restrictions on the objects to be printed with the edible ink according to this embodiment, and printing may be performed on the surface of various tablets, such as tablets administered to animals other than humans (pets, livestock, poultry, etc.), feed, fertilizer, cleaning agents, tablet candies such as Ramune candy, and food supplements. Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the size of the objects to be printed with the edible ink according to this embodiment, and the ink can be applied to tablets of various sizes.

[0048] [Packaging Material] In this embodiment, a tablet printed with an edible ink containing at least a coloring material selected from the group consisting of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 is packaged in a packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２ - Packed in a water vapor barrier packaging material with a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m or less. ２ - Barrier PTP (press-through package) packaging materials with a water vapor permeability of 0.5 g / m or less are preferred. ２ d or less, and the oxygen permeability is 3.0 cm ３ / m ２ It is even more preferable that the barrier PTP packaging material has a light transmittance (transparency) of 90% or more of the light from the light source used in the light resistance test.

[0049] In this embodiment, the type of packaging material is not particularly limited as long as it has the above-described properties of light transmittance (transparency) and water vapor permeability. Examples of packaging materials that can be used in this embodiment include the water vapor barrier packaging material using a multilayer sheet described in JP 2022-47772 A. This water vapor barrier packaging material is a film in which a polyglycolic acid (PGA) resin barrier layer is formed on both sides of which polypropylene (PP) resin or LDPE (low-density polyethylene) resin is laminated. More specifically, the packaging material may be a multilayer sheet formed by extruding PGA resin, an adhesive resin, and a PP or LDPE resin using a multilayer extruder. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5 , the packaging material may be a multilayer sheet 20 formed by laminating an oxygen gas barrier substrate 23 made of a PGA film with sealant layers 21, 25 made of a PP or LDPE film via water vapor barrier adhesive layers 22, 24. The multilayer sheet 20 has a water vapor permeability of 0.25 g / m. ２ ・d and the oxygen permeability is 0.66 cm ３ / m ２ Furthermore, the light transmittance of the multilayer sheet 20 is about 90%.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shape of the packaging material is not particularly limited as long as the light transmittance (transparency) and water vapor permeability have the above-mentioned physical properties. The shape of the packaging material may be, for example, a PTP (press-through package) packaging material as shown in FIG. 6. In the PTP packaging material shown in FIG. 6, the tablet according to this embodiment is stored in a storage section 28 located between a sealing member 26 and a base material 27. The water vapor permeability specified in this embodiment is a value measured in accordance with JIS Z0208. The oxygen permeability specified in this embodiment is a value measured in accordance with JIS K7126. The light transmittance specified in this embodiment is a value measured in accordance with JIS K7361-1.

[0051] [Tablet Storage Method (Preservation Method)] In this embodiment, a tablet having a print portion printed with an edible ink containing at least a coloring material selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 is stored in a container having a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m２ More specifically, the edible ink may be stored (preserved) after being packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor barrier property of d or less. More specifically, the edible ink contains at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, the solvent containing water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, and when Blue No. 1 is included as the colorant, it contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 102 is included as the colorant it contains lactose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 3 is included as the colorant it contains potassium citrate as the antioxidant, and when Yellow No. 4 is included only as the colorant it does not contain any of reduced isomaltulose, lactose, and potassium citrate, the content of Blue No. 1 is within a range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less with respect to the mass of the entire edible ink, and the content of reduced isomaltulose is within a range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less with respect to the mass of the entire edible ink. The content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 2.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, the content of lactose is within the range of 1.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, and the content of potassium citrate is within the range of 0.50% by mass to 30.00% by mass, ２ - It may be stored (preserved) by packaging it in a water vapor barrier packaging material with a water vapor barrier strength of d or less.

[0052] In this embodiment, a tablet having a printed portion printed with edible ink containing all of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 as coloring materials, edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 102, edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 102, edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Yellow No. 4, edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 3, or edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 3, is used. The tablet has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m. ２ - It may be stored (preserved) by packaging it in a water vapor barrier packaging material with a water vapor barrier strength of d or less.

[0053] In this embodiment, the edible ink contains at least Blue No. 1, a colorant selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, the solvent containing water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, reduced isomaltulose as an antioxidant for Blue No. 1, and when Red No. 102 is included as a colorant, lactose is included as an antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as a colorant, potassium citrate is included as an antioxidant, the content of Blue No. 1 is within a range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of reduced isomaltulose is 0.72% by mass or more with respect to the total mass of the edible ink. and the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.34% by mass to 1.31% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the lactose content is 3.50% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.07% by mass to 2.41% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of potassium citrate is 5.00% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the tablet is printed with an edible ink having a water vapor transmission rate of 1.0 g / m ２ - It may be stored (preserved) by packaging it in a water vapor barrier packaging material with a water vapor barrier strength of d or less.

[0054] In this embodiment, a tablet printed with an edible ink containing at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, the solvent containing water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant for Blue No. 1, lactose as the antioxidant when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, and potassium citrate as the antioxidant when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, the mass ratio of reduced isomaltulose to Blue No. 1 (reduced isomaltulose / Blue No. 1) being within the range of 7.89 to 20.00, the mass ratio of lactose to Red No. 102 (lactose / Red No. 102) being 2.67, and the mass ratio of potassium citrate to Red No. 3 (potassium citrate / Red No. 3) being 2.07, is produced. The tablet has a water vapor transmission rate of 1.0 g / m. ２The product may be stored (preserved) in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m or less. ２ - Barrier PTP (press-through package) packaging materials with a water vapor permeability of 0.5 g / m or less are preferred. ２ d or less, and the oxygen permeability is 3.0 cm ３ / m ２ It is even more preferable if the barrier PTP packaging material has a hardness of d or less.

[0055] (Effects of this embodiment) (1) The tablet according to this embodiment has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２ - A tablet printed with edible ink containing at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less. With this configuration, exposure to water vapor can be reduced compared to conventional technology, and photodiscoloration and photofading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0056] (2) The edible ink used to form the printed image on the tablet according to this embodiment preferably further contains an antioxidant, and when Blue No. 1 is included as a coloring material, it preferably contains reduced isomaltulose as an antioxidant, when Red No. 102 is included as a coloring material, it preferably contains lactose as an antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as a coloring material, it preferably contains potassium citrate as an antioxidant. With this configuration, oxidation of the coloring material can be suppressed compared to conventional techniques, and light discoloration and fading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0057] (3) The edible ink used to form the printed image on the tablet according to this embodiment has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２- The edible ink contains at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor barrier property of d or less, the solvent containing water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, and when Blue No. 1 is included as the colorant, it contains reduced isomaltulose as an antioxidant, when Red No. 102 is included as the colorant it contains lactose as an antioxidant, when Red No. 3 is included as the colorant it contains potassium citrate as an antioxidant, and when Yellow No. 4 is included only as the colorant it does not contain reduced isomaltulose, lactose, or potassium citrate, and the content of Blue No. 1 is 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass of the total mass of the edible ink. the content of reduced isomaltulose is within the range of 2.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, the content of lactose is within the range of 1.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, and the content of potassium citrate is within the range of 0.50% by mass to 30.00% by mass, compared to the prior art. With this configuration, oxidation of the colorant can be suppressed, and photodiscoloration and photofading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed, compared to conventional techniques.

[0058] (4) The edible ink used to form the printed image of the tablet according to this embodiment may be an edible ink containing all of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 as colorants, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 102, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 102, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Yellow No. 4, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 3, or an edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 3. With this configuration, oxidation of the colorant can be suppressed compared to conventional techniques, and photodiscoloration and photofading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0059] (5) The edible ink used to form the printed image on the tablet according to this embodiment has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m２ - The edible ink contains at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, all packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor barrier property of d or less, the solvent containing water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 containing reduced isomaltulose as an antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as a coloring material, lactose is included as an antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as a coloring material, potassium citrate is included as an antioxidant, the content of Blue No. 1 being within the range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of reduced isomaltulose being within the range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink. The edible ink may have a lactose content of 3.50% by mass, a red No. 3 content of 0.07% by mass or more and 2.41% by mass or less, and a potassium citrate content of 5.00% by mass. This configuration can suppress oxidation of the colorant compared to conventional techniques, and can sufficiently suppress photodiscoloration and photofading of printed images.

[0060] (6) The edible ink used to form the printed image on the tablet according to this embodiment has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２The packaging material includes at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, all packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, wherein the solvent includes water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, and the coloring material Blue No. 1 contains reduced isomaltulose as an antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as a coloring material, lactose is included as an antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as a coloring material, potassium citrate is included as an antioxidant, and the mass ratio of the reduced isomaltulose to Blue No. 1 (reduced isomaltulose / Blue No. 1) is within the range of 7.89 to 20.00, the mass ratio of lactose to Red No. 102 (lactose / Red No. 102) is 2.67, and the mass ratio of potassium citrate to Red No. 3 (potassium citrate / Red No. 3) may be 2.07. With this configuration, oxidation of the coloring material can be suppressed compared to the prior art, and photodiscoloration and photofading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0061] (7) Furthermore, the tablet according to this embodiment has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２ It is preferable that the tablets are packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a hardness of d or less. With this configuration, compared with the prior art, exposure to water vapor can be reduced, photodiscoloration and photofading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed, and the packaged tablets can be easily removed.

[0062] (8) Furthermore, the tablet according to this embodiment has a water vapor permeability of 0.5 g / m ２ d or less, and the oxygen permeability is 3.0 cm ３ / m ２ It is preferable that the printed image is packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a barrier strength of d or less. With this configuration, compared to conventional techniques, exposure to water vapor can be further reduced, and exposure to oxygen can also be reduced, so that photodiscoloration and photofading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0063] (9) Furthermore, it is preferable that the tablet according to this embodiment has a color difference ΔE of 20 or less in accordance with JIS Z 8781 before and after a light resistance test of the printed image. With this configuration, light discoloration and light fading of the printed image are reliably suppressed compared to conventional techniques.

[0064] (10) Furthermore, the storage method (preservation method) of the tablet according to this embodiment is to store a tablet having a print part printed with an edible ink containing at least a coloring material selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 in a container having a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２ - A method of packaging and storing the printed image in a water vapor barrier packaging material with a water vapor barrier property of d or less. With this configuration, exposure to water vapor can be reduced compared to conventional techniques, and light discoloration and fading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0065] (11) Furthermore, the storage method (preservation method) for the tablet according to this embodiment includes at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, the solvent including water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, and when Blue No. 1 is included as the colorant, it includes reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 102 is included as the colorant, it includes lactose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 3 is included as the colorant, it includes potassium citrate as the antioxidant, and when Yellow No. 4 is included only as the colorant, it does not include reduced isomaltulose, lactose, or potassium citrate, and the content of Blue No. 1 is within a range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less with respect to the mass of the entire edible ink, and The content of reduced isomaltulose is within the range of 2.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, the content of lactose is within the range of 1.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, and the content of potassium citrate is within the range of 0.50% by mass to 30.00% by mass, and the water vapor permeability of the tablet is 1.0 g / m ２ - A method of packaging and storing the printed image in a barrier packaging material with a barrier property of d or less. With this configuration, exposure to water vapor can be reduced compared to conventional techniques, and light discoloration and fading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0066] (12) Furthermore, the storage method (preservation method) of the tablet according to this embodiment includes at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, the solvent includes water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 includes reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, lactose is included as the antioxidant, when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, potassium citrate is included as the antioxidant, the content of Blue No. 1 is within a range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of the reduced isomaltulose is within a range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink. a tablet printed with an edible ink having a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m, wherein the content of Yellow No. 4 is within the range of 0.08% by mass to 2.00% by mass, the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.34% by mass to 1.31% by mass, and the content of lactose is 3.50% by mass, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.07% by mass to 2.41% by mass, and the content of potassium citrate is 5.00% by mass, relative to the total mass of the edible ink. ２ - A method of packaging and storing the printed image in a barrier packaging material with a barrier property of d or less. With this configuration, exposure to water vapor can be reduced compared to conventional techniques, and light discoloration and fading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0067] (13) Furthermore, the storage method (preservation method) of the tablet according to this embodiment includes at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, the solvent including water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 including reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, lactose is included as the antioxidant, and Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material. When the tablet contains Red No. 102, the mass ratio of the reduced isomaltulose to the Blue No. 1 (reduced isomaltulose / Blue No. 1) is within the range of 7.89 to 20.00, the mass ratio of the lactose to the Red No. 102 (lactose / Red No. 102) is 2.67, and the mass ratio of the potassium citrate to the Red No. 3 (potassium citrate / Red No. 3) is 2.07. ２ - A method of packaging and storing the printed image in a barrier packaging material with a barrier property of d or less. With this configuration, exposure to water vapor can be reduced compared to conventional techniques, and light discoloration and fading of the printed image can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0068] EXAMPLES The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way.

[0069] (First Example) <Example 1-1> The procedure for preparing edible ink according to Example 1-1 will be described below. (Production of Edible Ink) First, printing ink was prepared. Edible ink contains at least the components of a pigment (colorant) and a solvent. The preparation procedure was as follows: first, water, propylene glycol, and ethanol were mixed to obtain a mixed solvent. Next, the colorant was added to the mixed solvent at 25°C, and the mixture was stirred for a certain period of time (for example, 60 minutes). In this way, the ink according to this example was prepared. The various components will be described in detail below.

[0070] In this example, the food dye Blue No. 1 was added as a colorant to the solvent and stirred for about 1 hour to obtain the edible ink of Example 1-1. The blending ratio of the colorant Blue No. 1 to the entire edible ink of Example 1-1 was 1.5% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water among the solvents was 64.00% by mass, the blending ratio of propylene glycol was 28.0% by mass, and the blending ratio of ethanol was 6.5% by mass.

[0071] Next, the edible ink of Example 1-1 was passed through a membrane filter to remove solid foreign matter from the liquid. Specifically, the ink was passed through a membrane filter (cellulose acetate membrane) with a diameter of 5.0 μm once, and then through a membrane filter (cellulose acetate membrane) with a diameter of 0.8 μm once to obtain purified ink. Tablets with images printed with the edible ink (purified ink) thus obtained were then passed through a filter with a water vapor transmission rate of 0.25 g / m. ２ d and an oxygen permeability of 0.66 cm ３ / m ２ In this example, the purified edible ink was printed on the tablets in a room temperature and humidity environment, and then hot air at 40°C was blown onto the tablets for 10 seconds using a continuous drying mechanism to obtain a printed image.

[0072] Example 1-2 The edible ink of Example 1-2 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-1, except that Yellow No. 4, a food dye, was added as a coloring material. Furthermore, tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-1. Example 1-3 The edible ink of Example 1-3 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-1, except that Red No. 102, a food dye, was added as a coloring material. Furthermore, tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-1.

[0073] Example 1-4 The edible ink of Example 1-4 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1-1, except that Red No. 3, a food dye, was added as a coloring material. Furthermore, tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-1. Example 1-5 The tablets having an image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-1 were packaged in a PTP packaging material with a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0074] <Example 1-6> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-2 were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-5. <Example 1-7> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-3 were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-5. <Example 1-8> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-4 were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-5.

[0075] Examples 1-9 The edible ink according to the present invention contains the following components: pigment (coloring material), solvent, and antioxidant (reducing agent). The preparation procedure was as follows: first, reduced isomaltulose, an antioxidant, was added to the solvent to obtain a transparent base liquid. Next, food dye was added to the transparent base liquid. Thus, the ink according to the present invention was prepared. The various components are described in detail below. In this example, Blue No. 1, a food dye, was added as a coloring material to the transparent base liquid and stirred for approximately one hour to obtain the edible ink of Example 1-9. The blending ratio of Blue No. 1, a coloring material, to the entire edible ink of Example 1-9 was 1.5% by mass, and the blending ratio of purified water, propylene glycol, and ethanol, among the solvents, was 52.50% by mass, 28.0% by mass, and 6.5% by mass, respectively. The blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose, an antioxidant, was 11.5% by mass. The tablets thus obtained, having the image printed with the edible ink, were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-1.

[0076] Example 1-10 The edible ink of Example 1-10 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-9, except that the food dye Red No. 102 was added as the colorant and lactose was added as the antioxidant. In this example, the blending ratio of purified water was 60.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 3.50% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-1. Example 1-11 The edible ink of Example 1-11 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-9, except that the food dye Red No. 3 was added as the colorant and potassium citrate was added as the antioxidant. In this example, the blending ratio of purified water was 62.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 1.50% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-1.

[0077] <Example 1-12> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-9 were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-5. <Example 1-13> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-10 were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-5. <Example 1-14> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-11 were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 1-5.

[0078] Example 1-15 The edible ink of Example 1-15 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-9, except that the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 0.50% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 63.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 2.00% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-16 The edible ink of Example 1-16 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-15, except that the blending ratio of purified water was 40.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 25.00% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0079] Example 1-17 The edible ink of Example 1-17 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-15, except that the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 1.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 56.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 8.00% by mass. Tablets bearing an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-18 The edible ink of Example 1-18 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-15, except that the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 1.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 49.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 15.00% by mass. Tablets bearing an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0080] Example 1-19 The edible ink of Example 1-19 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-15, except that the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 5.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 52.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 8.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-20 The edible ink of Example 1-20 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-15, except that the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 5.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 45.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 15.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0081] Example 1-21 The edible ink of Example 1-21 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-15, except that the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 10.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 53.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 2.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-22 The edible ink of Example 1-22 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-15, except that the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 10.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 30.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 25.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0082] Example 1-23 The edible ink of Example 1-23 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-6, except that the blending ratio of Yellow No. 4 was 0.50% by mass and the blending ratio of purified water was 65.00% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-24 The edible ink of Example 1-24 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-6, except that the blending ratio of Yellow No. 4 was 1.00% by mass and the blending ratio of purified water was 64.50% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0083] Example 1-25 The edible ink of Example 1-25 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-6, except that the blending ratio of Yellow No. 4 was 5.00% by mass and the blending ratio of purified water was 60.50% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-26 The edible ink of Example 1-26 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-6, except that the blending ratio of Yellow No. 4 was 10.00% by mass and the blending ratio of purified water was 55.50% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0084] Example 1-27 The edible ink of Example 1-27 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 0.50% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 64.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 1.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-28 The edible ink of Example 1-28 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 0.50% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 40.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 25.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0085] Example 1-29 The edible ink of Example 1-29 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 1.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 62.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 2.00% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-30 The edible ink of Example 1-30 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 1.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 54.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 10.00% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0086] Example 1-31 The edible ink of Example 1-31 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 5.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 58.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 2.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-32 The edible ink of Example 1-32 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 5.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 50.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 10.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0087] Example 1-33 The edible ink of Example 1-33 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 10.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 54.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 1.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-34 The edible ink of Example 1-34 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 10.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 30.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 25.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0088] Example 1-35 The edible ink of Example 1-35 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-11, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 0.50% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 64.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 0.50% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-36 The edible ink of Example 1-36 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-11, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 0.50% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 35.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 30.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0089] Example 1-37 The edible ink of Example 1-37 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-11, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 1.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 63.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 1.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-38 The edible ink of Example 1-38 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-11, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 1.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 54.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 10.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0090] Example 1-39 The edible ink of Example 1-39 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-11, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 5.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 60.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 0.50% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-40 The edible ink of Example 1-40 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-11, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 5.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 50.50% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 10.00% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0091] Example 1-41 The edible ink of Example 1-41 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-11, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 10.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 55.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 0.50% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5. Example 1-42 The edible ink of Example 1-42 was obtained in the same manner as Example 1-11, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 10.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 45.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 10.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 1-5.

[0092] Comparative Example 1-1 A tablet having an image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-1 was placed in a container having a water vapor permeability of 4.6 g / m ２- The tablets were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material of d ("VINYFOIL Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). <Comparative Example 1-2> The tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-2 were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Comparative Example 1-1. <Comparative Example 1-3> The tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-3 were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Comparative Example 1-1. <Comparative Example 1-4> The tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-4 were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Comparative Example 1-1.

[0093] <Comparative Example 1-5> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-1 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 1-6> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-2 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 1-7> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-3 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 1-8> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 1-4 were not packaged.

[0094] <Evaluation> The print density and lightfastness of the images printed with the inks of each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples were evaluated by the following methods. The intermittent resumability of the inks of each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples was also evaluated by the following method. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 1 to 4.

[0095] (Print Density and Lightfastness Test) Using a piezoelectric ceramic-driven drop-on-demand inkjet head with a printing resolution of 600 dpi in the main scanning direction, 600 dpi in the sub-scanning direction (direction of transport of recording media such as tablets), and a total number of 2,656 nozzles, the purified inks of Examples 1-1 to 1-42 and Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-8 were printed on the following tablets at a print drop volume of 6 pl per drop. The tablets to be printed were test plain tablets (base: adjusted starch, diameter: 6.5 mm) and test film-coated tablets (base: adjusted starch, coating agent: a mixture of 70% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 30% titanium oxide, diameter: 6.5 mm). The printed image was a circular solid image (diameter 4.0 mm). This resulted in plain tablet prints and film-coated tablet prints.

[0096] The plain tablet prints and film-coated tablet prints of each Example and Comparative Example, for which chromaticity and optical color density (print density) had been measured, were packaged in packaging and irradiated with a cumulative 1.2 million lux of visible light using a xenon weather meter (Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Ci4000). The chromaticity and optical color density of the plain tablet prints and film-coated tablet prints irradiated with visible light were measured using a spectrophotometer, and the color difference ΔE (based on JIS Z 8781), which indicates the change in chromaticity and optical color density before and after visible light irradiation, was compared. The results of the comparison are shown in Tables 1 to 4. As described above, with regard to the change in color before and after visible light irradiation, the inventors determined that if the color difference ΔE according to JIS Z 8781 was 20 or less (ΔE≦20), the edible ink had sufficient lightfastness for practical use and was deemed to have passed this evaluation. Specific lightfastness evaluation criteria are as follows:

[0097] ◎: ΔE is 10 or less (ΔE≦10) ◯: ΔE is 20 or less (ΔE≦20) △: ΔE is 30 or less (ΔE≦30) ×: ΔE is more than 30 (ΔE>30) In this evaluation, the result of the lower evaluation of the plain tablet print and the film-coated tablet print was listed in the table as the overall judgment result. Regarding optical color density (print density), if the measured value was 0.15 or more, the edible ink was deemed to have sufficient visibility for practical use and was therefore rated as passed in this evaluation. The specific evaluation criteria for optical color density (print density) are as follows:

[0098] ◎: 0.50 or more 〇: 0.15 or more ×: Less than 0.15 Note that "C", "M", and "Y" in the print density column mean "cyan", "magenta", and "yellow", respectively. In this evaluation, the result of the lower evaluation of the plain tablet print and the film-coated tablet print was listed in the table as the overall evaluation result.

[0099] (Intermittent Restartability Test) A piezoelectric ceramic-driven drop-on-demand inkjet head with a printing resolution of 600 dpi in the main scanning direction and 600 dpi in the sub-scanning direction (direction of conveyance of recording media such as tablets), and a total of 2,656 nozzles was used. After leaving the head for a specified time (15 to 60 minutes) without flushing, a test pattern was printed with a print drop volume of 6 pl per drop, and it was confirmed that all nozzles were ejecting ink without any non-ejection. In Tables 1 to 4 below, the time during which the ink could be left to eject was measured as an evaluation result of intermittent restartability. If the leaveable time was 30 minutes or longer, the edible ink was deemed to have sufficient intermittent restartability for practical use and was rated as passing in this evaluation. The evaluation results are as follows.

[0100] ◎: 60 minutes or more but less than 120 minutes 〇: 30 minutes or more but less than 60 minutes △: 15 minutes or more but less than 30 minutes ×: Less than 15 minutes

[0101] The composition and evaluation results of the edible ink of each example are shown in Tables 1, 3, and 4. The composition and evaluation results of the edible ink of each comparative example are shown in Table 2. In Tables 1 to 4, "-" indicates that the substance in question was not used. In Tables 1 to 4, film-coated tablets are abbreviated as "FC tablets."

[0102]

[0103]

[0104]

[0105]

[0106] As shown in Tables 1, 3, and 4, in the uncoated tablet prints and film-coated tablet prints of Examples 1-1 to 1-42, as a result of the light resistance test, the color difference ΔE before and after irradiation with visible light was all 20 or less (ΔE≦20). In other words, it was found that the tablet forms of Examples 1-1 to 1-42 sufficiently suppressed light discoloration and light fading of the printed image, and provided excellent light resistance. In contrast, as shown in Table 2, in the tablet forms of Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-8, as a result of the light resistance test, the color difference ΔE before and after irradiation with visible light was all greater than 20 (ΔE>20). In other words, it was found that the tablet forms of Comparative Examples 1-1 to 1-8 could not sufficiently suppress light discoloration and light fading of the printed image, and light resistance was insufficient.

[0107] From the results of the light resistance test, the water vapor permeability was 1.0 g / m ２ It was found that tablets printed with edible ink containing at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material with a viscosity of d or less, sufficiently suppress light discoloration and fading, and have improved light resistance.

[0108] Furthermore, the following was discovered regarding the formulation of the edible ink. Increasing the amount of antioxidant (reducing agent), which is solid at room temperature, tends to increase the viscosity of the edible ink. Therefore, exceeding the amount of antioxidant added described in Examples 1-1 to 1-42 may result in poor intermittent restartability. Furthermore, although even a small amount of antioxidant exerts a fading-inhibiting effect, if the amount of antioxidant added is too small compared to the amount of colorant added, this effect may be difficult to achieve.

[0109] Furthermore, although a large amount of colorant added results in high print density and improved visibility, too much added colorant may increase the viscosity of the edible ink. As a result, intermittent restartability may be impaired. Furthermore, if the amount of colorant added exceeds a certain amount, the increase in print density may become gradual. Furthermore, if the amount of colorant added is small, print density may be low and visibility may be reduced. Therefore, if the amount of colorant added is less than the amount described in Examples 1-1 to 1-42, visibility may be impaired.

[0110] (Second Example) <Example 2-1> The procedure for preparing edible ink according to Example 2-1 will be described below. (Production of Edible Ink) First, printing ink was prepared. Edible ink contains the following components: pigment (coloring material), solvent, and antioxidant (reducing agent). The preparation procedure was as follows: first, water, propylene glycol, and ethanol were mixed to obtain a mixed solvent. Next, reduced isomaltulose, which serves as an antioxidant, was added to the mixed solvent. Next, the coloring material was added to the mixed solvent at 25°C, and the mixture was stirred for a certain period of time (e.g., 60 minutes). In this way, the ink according to this example was prepared. The various components will be described in detail below.

[0111] In this example, the food dye Blue No. 1 was added as a colorant to the aforementioned solvent, and the mixture was stirred for about 1 hour to obtain the edible ink of Example 2-1. The blending ratio of the colorant Blue No. 1 to the entire edible ink of Example 2-1 was 0.01% by mass, and the blending ratio of purified water, propylene glycol, and ethanol in the solvent was 65.39% by mass, 28.00% by mass, and 6.5% by mass, respectively. The blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose as an antioxidant was 0.10% by mass.

[0112] Next, the edible ink of Example 2-1 was passed through a membrane filter to remove solid foreign matter from the liquid. Specifically, the ink was passed through a membrane filter (cellulose acetate membrane) with a diameter of 5.0 μm once, and then through a membrane filter (cellulose acetate membrane) with a diameter of 0.8 μm once to obtain purified ink. Tablets with images printed with the edible ink (purified ink) thus obtained were then passed through a filter with a water vapor transmission rate of 0.25 g / m. ２ d and an oxygen permeability of 0.66 cm ３ / m ２ In this example, the purified edible ink was printed on the tablets in a room temperature and humidity environment, and then hot air at 40°C was blown onto the tablets for 10 seconds using a continuous drying mechanism to obtain a printed image.

[0113] Example 2-2 The edible ink of Example 2-2 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 0.10% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 64.40% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 1.00% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. Example 2-3 The edible ink of Example 2-3 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 0.70% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 57.80% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 7.00% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1.

[0114] Example 2-4 The edible ink of Example 2-4 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that the food dye Yellow No. 4 was added as a colorant and no antioxidant was added. In this example, the blending ratio of Yellow No. 4 was 0.01% by mass, and the blending ratio of purified water was 65.49% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. Example 2-5 The edible ink of Example 2-5 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-4, except that the blending ratio of Yellow No. 4 was 0.10% by mass, and the blending ratio of purified water was 65.40% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1.

[0115] Example 2-6 The edible ink of Example 2-6 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-4, except that the blending ratio of Yellow No. 4 was 0.70% by mass and the blending ratio of purified water was 64.80% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. Example 2-7 The edible ink of Example 2-7 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that the food dye Red No. 102 was added as a colorant and lactose was added as an antioxidant. In this example, the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 0.01% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 65.46% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 0.03% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1.

[0116] Example 2-8 The edible ink of Example 2-8 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-7, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 0.10% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 65.10% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 0.30% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. Example 2-9 The edible ink of Example 2-9 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-7, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 0.70% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 62.70% by mass, and the blending ratio of lactose was 2.10% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1.

[0117] Example 2-10 The edible ink of Example 2-10 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that the food dye Red No. 3 was added as a colorant and potassium citrate was added as an antioxidant. In this example, the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 0.01% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 65.48% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 0.01% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. Example 2-11 The edible ink of Example 2-11 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 0.10% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 65.30% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 0.10% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. Example 2-12 The edible ink of Example 2-12 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 2-10, except that the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 0.70% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 64.10% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 0.70% by mass. Tablets having an image printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as in Example 2-1.

[0118] Example 2-13 The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-1 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-2 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0119] Example 2-15: The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-3 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-4 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0120] Example 2-17 The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-5 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-6 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0121] Example 2-19 The tablet having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-7 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-8 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0122] Example 2-21 The tablet having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-9 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-10 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0123] Example 2-23 The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-11 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-12 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0124] Example 2-25 The edible ink of Example 2-25 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that food dyes Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 were added as colorants. In this example, the blending ratios of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 were 0.52% by mass, 0.26% by mass, 0.91% by mass, 0.07% by mass, 55.80% by mass, and 7.94% by mass of reduced isomaltulose. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. The edible ink of Example 2-25 was an ink with a finely adjusted color tone that exhibited a gray color.

[0125] Example 2-26 The edible ink of Example 2-26 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that food dyes Blue No. 1 and Red No. 102 were added as colorants. In this example, the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 0.94% by mass, the blending ratio of Red No. 102 was 0.34% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 56.80% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 7.42% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. The edible ink of Example 2-26 was an ink with a finely adjusted color tone that exhibited a blue color.

[0126] Example 2-27 The edible ink of Example 2-27 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that food dyes Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 102 were added as colorants. In this example, the blending ratios of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 102 were 0.61% by mass, 0.87% by mass, 0.78% by mass, 56.05% by mass, and 7.20% by mass of reduced isomaltulose. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. The edible ink of Example 2-27 was a green ink with a finely adjusted color tone.

[0127] Example 2-28 The edible ink of Example 2-28 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that the food dyes Blue No. 1 and Yellow No. 4 were added as colorants. In this example, the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 0.50% by mass, the blending ratio of Yellow No. 4 was 2.00% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 55.00% by mass, and the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 10.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. The edible ink of Example 2-28 was an ink with a finely adjusted color tone that exhibited a yellow-green color.

[0128] Example 2-29 The edible ink of Example 2-29 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that food dyes Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 102 were added as colorants, and lactose was added as an antioxidant. In this example, the blending ratios of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 102 were 0.08% by mass, 0.08% by mass, 1.31% by mass, 60.53% by mass of purified water, and 3.50% by mass of lactose. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. The edible ink of Example 2-29 was an ink with a finely adjusted color tone and exhibiting a reddish-brown color.

[0129] Example 2-30 The edible ink of Example 2-30 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that food dyes Blue No. 1 and Red No. 3 were added as colorants, and reduced isomaltulose and potassium citrate were added as antioxidants. In this example, the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 0.09% by mass, the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 2.41% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 59.69% by mass, the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 0.72% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 5.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. The edible ink of Example 2-30 was an ink with a finely adjusted color tone that exhibited a pink color.

[0130] Example 2-31 The edible ink of Example 2-31 was obtained in the same manner as Example 2-1, except that food dyes Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 3 were added as colorants, and reduced isomaltulose and potassium citrate were added as antioxidants. In this example, the blending ratio of Blue No. 1 was 0.09% by mass, the blending ratio of Yellow No. 4 was 0.09% by mass, the blending ratio of Red No. 3 was 2.25% by mass, the blending ratio of purified water was 59.69% by mass, the blending ratio of reduced isomaltulose was 0.72% by mass, and the blending ratio of potassium citrate was 5.00% by mass. Tablets bearing images printed with the edible ink thus obtained were packaged in the same barrier PTP packaging material as Example 2-1. The edible ink of Example 2-31 was an ink with a finely adjusted color tone that exhibited a dull pink color.

[0131] Example 2-32 The tablet having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-25 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-26 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0132] Example 2-34 The tablet having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-27 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-28 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0133] Example 2-36 The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-29 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-30 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-31 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 0.55 g / m ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - The product was packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material ("Super Foil CPP Sheet: EG030NA" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).

[0134] Comparative Example 2-1: A tablet having an image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-1 was placed in a container having a water vapor permeability of 4.6 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-2 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 4.6 g / m2 ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - Packed in a barrier PTP packaging material (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, "Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471").

[0135] Comparative Example 2-3: A tablet having an image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-3 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-4 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 4.6 g / m ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - Packed in a barrier PTP packaging material (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, "Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471").

[0136] Comparative Example 2-5: The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-5 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-6 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 4.6 g / m2 ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - Packed in a barrier PTP packaging material (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, "Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471").

[0137] Comparative Example 2-7 The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-7 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-8 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m2 ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - Packed in a barrier PTP packaging material (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, "Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471").

[0138] Comparative Example 2-9 The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-9 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-10 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 4.6 g / m2 ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２- Packed in a barrier PTP packaging material (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, "Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471").

[0139] Comparative Example 2-11 The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-11 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-12 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - Packed in a barrier PTP packaging material (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, "Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471").

[0140] <Comparative Example 2-13> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-1 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-14> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-2 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-15> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-3 were not packaged.

[0141] <Comparative Example 2-16> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-4 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-17> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-5 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-18> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-6 were not packaged.

[0142] <Comparative Example 2-19> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-7 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-20> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-8 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-21> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-9 were not packaged.

[0143] <Comparative Example 2-22> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-10 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-23> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-11 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-24> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-12 were not packaged.

[0144] Comparative Example 2-25 The tablet having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-25 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-26 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 4.6 g / m2 ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - Packed in a barrier PTP packaging material (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, "Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471").

[0145] Comparative Example 2-27 The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-27 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-28 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - Packed in a barrier PTP packaging material (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, "Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471").

[0146] Comparative Example 2-29 The tablet having the image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-29 was placed in a container having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m ２ The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-30 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 4.6 g / m2 ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-31 were packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 4.6 g / m2 ("Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation). ２ - Packed in a barrier PTP packaging material (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, "Vinifoil Hard PVC Sheet: C-0471").

[0147] <Comparative Example 2-32> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-25 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-33> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-26 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-34> The tablets having the printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-27 were not packaged.

[0148] <Comparative Example 2-35> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-28 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-36> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-29 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-37> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-30 were not packaged. <Comparative Example 2-38> Tablets having a printed image printed with the edible ink of Example 2-31 were not packaged.

[0149] <Evaluation> The print density and lightfastness of the images printed with the inks of each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples were evaluated by the following methods. The intermittent resumability of the inks of each of the above Examples and Comparative Examples was also evaluated by the following method. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 5 to 10.

[0150] (Print Density and Lightfastness Test) Using a piezoelectric ceramic-driven drop-on-demand inkjet head with a printing resolution of 600 dpi in the main scanning direction, 600 dpi in the sub-scanning direction (direction of conveyance of recording media such as tablets), and a total number of 2,656 nozzles, the purified inks of Examples 2-1 to 2-38 and Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-38 were printed on the following tablets at a print drop volume of 6 pl per drop. The tablets to be printed were test plain tablets (base: adjusted starch, diameter: 6.5 mm) and test film-coated tablets (base: adjusted starch, coating agent: a mixture of 70% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 30% titanium oxide, diameter: 6.5 mm). The printed image was a circular solid image (diameter 4.0 mm). This resulted in plain tablet prints and film-coated tablet prints.

[0151] The plain tablet prints and film-coated tablet prints of each Example and Comparative Example, for which chromaticity and optical color density (print density) were measured, were packaged in packaging and irradiated with a cumulative 1.2 million lux of visible light using a xenon weather meter (Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Ci4000). The chromaticity and optical color density of the plain tablet prints and film-coated tablet prints irradiated with visible light were measured using a spectrophotometer, and the color difference ΔE (based on JIS Z 8781), which indicates the change in chromaticity and optical color density before and after visible light irradiation, was compared. The results of the comparison are shown in Tables 5 to 10. As described above, with regard to the change in color before and after visible light irradiation, the inventors determined that if the color difference ΔE according to JIS Z 8781 was 20 or less (ΔE≦20), the edible ink had sufficient lightfastness for practical use and was deemed to have passed this evaluation. Specific lightfastness evaluation criteria are as follows:

[0152] ◎: ΔE is 10 or less (ΔE≦10) ◯: ΔE is 20 or less (ΔE≦20) △: ΔE is 30 or less (ΔE≦30) ×: ΔE is more than 30 (ΔE>30) In this evaluation, the result of the lower evaluation of the plain tablet print and the film-coated tablet print was listed in the table as the overall judgment result. Regarding optical color density (print density), if the measured value was 0.15 or more, the edible ink was deemed to have sufficient visibility for practical use and was therefore rated as passed in this evaluation. The specific evaluation criteria for optical color density (print density) are as follows:

[0153] ◎: 0.50 or more 〇: 0.15 or more ×: Less than 0.15 Note that "C", "M", and "Y" in the print density column mean "cyan", "magenta", and "yellow", respectively. In this evaluation, the result of the lower evaluation of the plain tablet print and the film-coated tablet print was listed in the table as the overall evaluation result.

[0154] (Intermittent Restartability Test) A piezoelectric ceramic-driven drop-on-demand inkjet head with a printing resolution of 600 dpi in the main scanning direction and 600 dpi in the sub-scanning direction (direction of conveyance of recording media such as tablets), and a total of 2,656 nozzles was used. After leaving the head for a specified time (15 to 60 minutes) without flushing, a test pattern was printed with a print drop volume of 6 pl per drop, and it was confirmed that all nozzles were ejecting ink without any non-ejection. In Tables 5 to 10 below, the time during which the ink could be left to eject was measured as an evaluation result of intermittent restartability. If the leaveable time was 30 minutes or longer, the edible ink was deemed to have sufficient intermittent restartability for practical use and was rated as passing in this evaluation. The evaluation results are as follows.

[0155] ◎: 60 minutes or more but less than 120 minutes 〇: 30 minutes or more but less than 60 minutes △: 15 minutes or more but less than 30 minutes ×: Less than 15 minutes

[0156] The composition and evaluation results of the edible ink of each example are shown in Tables 5 to 7. The composition and evaluation results of the edible ink of each comparative example are shown in Tables 8 to 10. In Tables 5 to 10, "-" indicates that the corresponding substance was not used. In Tables 5 to 10, film-coated tablets are abbreviated as "FC tablets."

[0157]

[0158]

[0159]

[0160]

[0161]

[0162]

[0163] As shown in Tables 5 to 7, in the uncoated tablet prints and film-coated tablet prints of Examples 2-1 to 2-38, the color difference ΔE before and after irradiation with visible light was 20 or less (ΔE≦20) as a result of the light resistance test. In other words, it was found that the tablet forms of Examples 2-1 to 2-38 sufficiently suppressed light discoloration and light fading of the printed image, imparting excellent light resistance. In contrast, as shown in Tables 8 to 10, in the tablet forms of Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-38, the color difference ΔE before and after irradiation with visible light was greater than 20 (ΔE>20) as a result of the light resistance test. In other words, it was found that the tablet forms of Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-38 could not sufficiently suppress light discoloration and light fading of the printed image, and therefore lacked light resistance. From the results of the above light resistance test, it was found that the water vapor permeability was 1.0 g / m ２ It was found that tablets printed with edible ink containing at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material with a viscosity of d or less, sufficiently suppress light discoloration and fading, and have improved light resistance.

[0164] Furthermore, the following was found regarding the formulation of edible ink. Compared to the prior art, the technology disclosed herein allows for fine adjustment of color tone. Many prior art mixed-color inks incorporate the addition of antioxidants to each pigment, but such mixed-color inks tend to increase ink viscosity and deteriorate ejection performance. For such high-viscosity inks, as shown in Examples 2-25 to 2-38, adding an antioxidant with anti-fading properties to pigments with high color development or pigments added in large amounts resulted in excellent anti-fading effects and suppressed color tone changes. In these examples, the pigment with the highest color development was Blue No. 1, followed by Red No. 3, Red No. 102, and Yellow No. 4, in that order.

[0165] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but includes all embodiments that achieve equivalent effects to the object of the present invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the combination of inventive features defined by the claims, but can be defined by any desired combination of specific features from among all the respective disclosed features.

[0166] For example, this embodiment can have the following configuration: (1) A water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２ - A tablet printed with edible ink containing at least a coloring material selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor barrier coefficient of d or less. (2) The edible ink further contains an antioxidant, and when Blue No. 1 is included as the coloring material, the edible ink contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, the ink contains lactose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, the ink contains potassium citrate as the antioxidant. (3) The tablet according to (1) above, characterized in that the water vapor permeability is 1.0 g / m ２the edible ink contains at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, wherein the solvent includes water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, and when Blue No. 1 is included as the colorant, the solvent includes reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 102 is included as the colorant, the solvent includes lactose as the antioxidant, when Red No. 3 is included as the colorant, the solvent includes potassium citrate as the antioxidant, and when Yellow No. 4 is included as the colorant only, the edible ink does not contain any of the reduced isomaltulose, the lactose, and the potassium citrate, the content of Blue No. 1 is within a range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of the reduced isomaltulose is within a range of 2.00% by mass or more and 25.00% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, A tablet printed with edible ink, wherein the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of lactose is within the range of 1.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink; the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of potassium citrate is within the range of 0.50% by mass to 30.00% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink. (4) The tablet according to (3) above, printed with an edible ink containing all of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3 as the coloring material, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 102, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 102, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Yellow No. 4, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 3, or an edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 3. (5) A tablet having a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２the edible ink contains at least Blue No. 1, a colorant selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, all packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, wherein the solvent includes water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the Blue No. 1 colorant contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as the colorant, the ink contains lactose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as the colorant, the ink contains potassium citrate as the antioxidant, the content of Blue No. 1 is within the range of 0.08% by mass to 0.94% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of reduced isomaltulose is within the range of 0.72% by mass to 10.00% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of Yellow No. 4 is within the range of 0.08% by mass to 2.00% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, (6) A tablet printed with edible ink, wherein the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.34% by mass to 1.31% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of lactose is 3.50% by mass, both inclusive, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.07% by mass to 2.41% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of potassium citrate is 5.00% by mass, both inclusive, relative to the total mass of the edible ink. ２a tablet printed with an edible ink, the tablet comprising at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less, wherein the solvent comprises water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, lactose is included as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, potassium citrate is included as the antioxidant, the mass ratio of the reduced isomaltulose to Blue No. 1 (reduced isomaltulose / Blue No. 1) is within the range of 7.89 to 20.00, the mass ratio of the lactose to Red No. 102 (lactose / Red No. 102) is 2.67, and the mass ratio of the potassium citrate to Red No. 3 (potassium citrate / Red No. 3) is 2.07. (7) Water vapor permeability is 1.0 g / m ２ (8) The tablet according to any one of (1) to (6) above, characterized in that it is packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 0.5 g / m or less. ２ d or less, and the oxygen permeability is 3.0 cm ３ / m ２ (9) The tablet according to any one of (1) to (6) above, characterized in that it is packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor transmission rate of 1.0 g / m or less. (10) The tablet according to any one of (1) to (8) above, characterized in that the color difference (ΔE) before and after a light resistance test is 20 or less. (11) The tablet according to any one of (1) to (8) above, characterized in that the color difference (ΔE) before and after a light resistance test is 20 or less. (12) The tablet according to any one of (1) to (6) above, characterized in that the color difference (ΔE) before and after a light resistance test is 20 or less. (13) The tablet according to any one of (1) to (6) above, characterized in that the color difference (ΔE) before and after a light resistance test is 20 or less. (14) The tablet according to any one of (1) to (6) above, characterized in that the color difference (ΔE) before and after a light resistance test is 20 or less. (15) The tablet according to any one of (1) to (6) above, characterized in that the color difference (ΔE) before and after a light resistance test is 20 or less. ２A method for storing tablets, characterized in that the tablets are packaged and stored in a barrier packaging material having a barrier property of d or less. (11) An edible ink comprising at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, wherein the solvent comprises water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, wherein when Blue No. 1 is included as the colorant, the antioxidant is reduced isomaltulose, when Red No. 102 is included as the colorant, the antioxidant is lactose, when Red No. 3 is included as the colorant, the antioxidant is potassium citrate, and when Yellow No. 4 is included as the colorant only, the edible ink does not contain any of the reduced isomaltulose, the lactose, and the potassium citrate, wherein the content of Blue No. 1 is within a range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of the reduced isomaltulose is within a range of 2.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, The content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, and the content of lactose is within the range of 1.00% by mass to 25.00% by mass, and the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.01% by mass to 0.90% by mass, and the content of potassium citrate is within the range of 0.50% by mass to 30.00% by mass, respectively, and the tablet has a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m ２(12) A method for storing tablets, characterized by packaging and storing them in a barrier packaging material having a barrier property of d or less. (13) An edible ink comprising at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, wherein the solvent comprises water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, wherein the Blue No. 1 coloring material contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, wherein when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, lactose is included as the antioxidant, and wherein when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, potassium citrate is included as the antioxidant, wherein the content of Blue No. 1 is within the range of 0.08% by mass to 0.94% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of the reduced isomaltulose is within the range of 0.72% by mass to 10.00% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and wherein the content of Yellow No. 4 is within the range of 0.08% by mass to 2.00% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, The content of Red No. 102 is in the range of 0.34% by mass or more and 1.31% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of lactose is 3.50% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Red No. 3 is in the range of 0.07% by mass or more and 2.41% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of potassium citrate is 5.00% by mass with respect to the total mass of the edible ink. ２A method for storing tablets, characterized in that the tablets are packaged and stored in a barrier packaging material having a barrier property of d or less. (13) A tablet printed with an edible ink containing at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, wherein the solvent contains water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the Blue No. 1 coloring material contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, lactose is included as the antioxidant, and when Red No. 3 is included as the coloring material, potassium citrate is included as the antioxidant, wherein the mass ratio of the reduced isomaltulose to the Blue No. 1 (reduced isomaltulose / Blue No. 1) is within a range of 7.89 to 20.00, the mass ratio of the lactose to the Red No. 102 (lactose / Red No. 102) is 2.67, and the mass ratio of the potassium citrate to the Red No. 3 (potassium citrate / Red No. 3) is 2.07, is used to prepare a tablet having a water vapor transmission rate of 1.0 g / m ２ (14) A method for storing tablets, characterized in that the tablets are packaged in a barrier packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 1.0 g / m or less. ２ (15) A method for storing the tablet according to any one of (10) to (13) above, characterized in that the tablet is packaged and stored in a barrier PTP packaging material having a water vapor permeability of 0.5 g / m or less. ２ d or less, and the oxygen permeability is 3.0 cm ３ / m ２ - A method for storing tablets according to any one of (10) to (13) above, characterized in that the tablets are packaged and stored in a barrier PTP packaging material having a viscosity of d or less.

[0167] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tablet substrate 3 Printed image 5 Uncoated tablet printed matter 7 Film coating layer 9 Film-coated tablet printed matter 11 Uncoated tablet printed image (solid image) 13 Film-coated tablet printed image (two-dimensional barcode) 20 Multilayer sheet 21 Sealant layer 22 Water vapor barrier adhesive layer 23 Oxygen gas barrier substrate 24 Water vapor barrier adhesive layer 25 Sealant layer 26 Sealing member 27 Base material 28 Storage section

Claims

1. Water vapor permeability is 1.0g / m ２ A tablet printed with edible ink containing at least a coloring material selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a viscosity of d or less.

2. The tablet according to claim 1, characterized in that the edible ink further contains an antioxidant, and when the coloring material contains Blue No. 1, the antioxidant is reduced isomaltulose, when the coloring material contains Red No. 102, the antioxidant is lactose, and when the coloring material contains Red No. 3, the antioxidant is potassium citrate.

3. Water vapor permeability is 1.0g / m ２ The tablet according to claim 1, characterized in that it is packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a molecular weight of d or less.

4. Water vapor permeability is 0.5g / m ２ d or less, and the oxygen permeability is 3.0 cm ３ / m ２ The tablet according to claim 1, characterized in that it is packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a molecular weight of d or less.

5. The tablet according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the color difference (ΔE) before and after a light resistance test is 20 or less.

6. Water vapor permeability is 1.0g / m ２ the edible ink contains at least a colorant selected from Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor barrier property of d or less, the solvent contains water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, when the colorant contains Blue No. 1, the solvent contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, when the colorant contains Red No. 102, the solvent contains lactose as the antioxidant, when the colorant contains Red No. 3, the solvent contains potassium citrate as the antioxidant, when the colorant contains only Yellow No. 4, the edible ink does not contain any of the reduced isomaltulose, the lactose, and the potassium citrate, the content of Blue No. 1 is within the range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of the reduced isomaltulose is within the range of 2.00% by mass or more and 25.00% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, A tablet printed with edible ink, wherein the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of lactose is within the range of 1.00% by mass or more and 25.00% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.01% by mass or more and 0.90% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of potassium citrate is within the range of 0.50% by mass or more and 30.00% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink.

7. The tablet according to claim 6, printed with an edible ink containing all of Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 102, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 102, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Yellow No. 4, an edible ink containing Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 4, and Red No. 3, or an edible ink containing Blue No. 1 and Red No. 3, as the coloring material.

8. Water vapor permeability is 1.0g / m ２ the edible ink contains at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, all packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a water vapor barrier property of d or less, the solvent contains water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 contains reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, when the coloring material contains Red No. 102, the antioxidant is lactose, and when the coloring material contains Red No. 3, the antioxidant is potassium citrate, the content of Blue No. 1 is within the range of 0.08% by mass or more and 0.94% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of the reduced isomaltulose is within the range of 0.72% by mass or more and 10.00% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Yellow No. 4 is within the range of 0.08% by mass or more and 2.00% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the edible ink, A tablet printed with edible ink, wherein the content of Red No. 102 is within the range of 0.34% by mass or more and 1.31% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of lactose is 3.50% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink, the content of Red No. 3 is within the range of 0.07% by mass or more and 2.41% by mass or less relative to the total mass of the edible ink, and the content of potassium citrate is 5.00% by mass relative to the total mass of the edible ink.

9. Water vapor permeability is 1.0 g / m ２ a tablet printed with an edible ink, the tablet comprising at least Blue No. 1, a coloring material selected from Yellow No. 4, Red No. 102, and Red No. 3, a solvent, and an antioxidant, the tablet being packaged in a water vapor barrier packaging material having a moisture vapor barrier property of d or less, the solvent comprising water, ethanol, and propylene glycol, the coloring material Blue No. 1 comprising reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant, the coloring material containing Red No. 1 comprising reduced isomaltulose as the antioxidant when Red No. 102 is included as the coloring material, the coloring material containing lactose as the antioxidant, and the coloring material containing Red No. 3 comprising Red No. 3 comprising the coloring material containing potassium citrate as the antioxidant, the mass ratio of the reduced isomaltulose to Blue No. 1 (reduced isomaltulose / Blue No. 1) being within a range of 7.89 or more and 20.00 or less, the mass ratio of the lactose to Red No. 102 (lactose / Red No. 102) being 2.67, and the mass ratio of the potassium citrate to Red No. 3 (potassium citrate / Red No. 3) being 2.

07.

10. Water vapor permeability is 0.5g / m ２ d or less, and the oxygen permeability is 3.0 cm ３ / m ２ The tablet according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that it is packaged in a barrier PTP packaging material having a molecular weight of d or less.

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