Carcinogenicity and regulation of caramel colorings

Abstract

2- and 4-methylimidazoles are present as contaminants in caramel colorings manufactured with ammonia catalysts. Both contaminants have been shown to induce cancer in animals and may be present in caramel colorings in amounts that exceed federal guidelines. California requires warning notices on products that could lead to consumption of more than 30 micrograms per day. The US Food and Drug Administration should bar the use of excessively contaminated caramel coloring in food.

Keywords:

• Methylimidazoles
• Cancer
• Caramel coloring
• Food additives
• Regulation
• US Food and Drug Administration

Acknowledgements

The author expresses his gratitude to his research assistants; Aspan Dahmubed and Alison Brown, and to the Kresge Foundation for funding.

Disclosure: The author declares no conflict of interest.