Evidence
Health issue
Level of Concern
Source
Unspecified Food Color
Caramel food colorings contain carcinogenic impurities at unsafe levels.
Only in: Food Scores®
Caramel food colorings contain carcinogenic impurities at unsafe levels.
Only in: Food Scores®
some
Michael F. Jacobson. 2012. Carcinogenicity and regulation of caramel colorings. International journal of occupational and environmental health 18(3), 254-9.
Unspecified Food Color
EFSA concluded that there are blood and immune system effects for Caramel III due to impurities.
Only in: Food Scores®
EFSA concluded that there are blood and immune system effects for Caramel III due to impurities.
Only in: Food Scores®
low
European Food Safety Authority. 2011. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of caramel colours (E 150 a,b,c,d) as food additives. EFSA Journal 9(3), 2011.
Unspecified Food Color
EFSA: There are a number of potential impurities that can be genotoxic or carcinogenic.
Only in: Food Scores®
EFSA: There are a number of potential impurities that can be genotoxic or carcinogenic.
Only in: Food Scores®
low
European Food Safety Authority. 2011. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of caramel colours (E 150 a,b,c,d) as food additives. EFSA Journal 9(3), 2011.
Impurities
Health issue
Level of Concern
Source
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Known to cause cancer
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Known to cause cancer
some
California OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment): Proposition 65 List (2020 Update)
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
Known to cause cancer
Impurity: FURAN
Known to cause cancer
some
California OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment): Proposition 65 List (2020 Update)
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
some
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
some
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
Impurity: FURAN
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
some
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
suspected of causing cancer
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
suspected of causing cancer
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Known to cause cancer
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Known to cause cancer
some
California OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment): Proposition 65 List (2020 Update)
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
Suspected of causing genetic defects
Impurity: FURAN
Suspected of causing genetic defects
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
May cause cancer
Impurity: FURAN
May cause cancer
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
toxic if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: FURAN
toxic if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
Reasonably Anticipated To Be Human Carcinogen
Impurity: FURAN
Reasonably Anticipated To Be Human Carcinogen
some
National Toxicology Program (NTP): NTP 14th Report on Carcinogens
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
EFSA: Safety under reevaluation in the light of new data on genotoxicity, subchronic toxicity and carcinogenicity.
Only in: Food Scores®
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
EFSA: Safety under reevaluation in the light of new data on genotoxicity, subchronic toxicity and carcinogenicity.
Only in: Food Scores®
some
2011. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of caramel colours (E 150 a,b,c,d) as food additives. EFSA Journal 9(3), 2004.
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
some
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Impurity: FURAN
May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: FURAN
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
Harmful if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: FURAN
Harmful if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
suspected of causing cancer
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
suspected of causing cancer
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
may damage fertility or the unborn child
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
may damage fertility or the unborn child
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
fatal if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: FURAN
fatal if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
may cause respiratory irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
may cause respiratory irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Toxic in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Toxic in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
toxic if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
toxic if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
Toxic of swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: FURAN
Toxic of swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Causes serious eye damage
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Causes serious eye damage
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
Causes skin irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
Causes skin irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
A review article reports that this substance is genotoxic and carcinogenic based on in vivo and in vitro testing.
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
A review article reports that this substance is genotoxic and carcinogenic based on in vivo and in vitro testing.
some
Ummay Mahfuza Shapla, Md Solayman, Nadia Alam, Md Ibrahim Khalil & Siew Hua Gan. 2018. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels in honey and other food products: effects on bees and human health. Chemistry Central journal 12(1), 35.
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
A review article reports that this substance is toxic to the kidneys.
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
A review article reports that this substance is toxic to the kidneys.
some
Ummay Mahfuza Shapla, Md Solayman, Nadia Alam, Md Ibrahim Khalil & Siew Hua Gan. 2018. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) levels in honey and other food products: effects on bees and human health. Chemistry Central journal 12(1), 35.
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
Causes skin irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: FURAN
Causes skin irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Harmful in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Harmful in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
may cause drowsiness or dizziness
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
causes serious eye irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
causes serious eye irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
An assessment by the National Toxicology Program reports limited evidence of carcinogenicity.
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
An assessment by the National Toxicology Program reports limited evidence of carcinogenicity.
some
National Toxicology Program. 2010. NTP toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of 5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural (CAS No. 67-47-0) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (gavage studies). Natl Toxicol Program Tech Rep Ser. 554.
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
may cause respiratory irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
may cause respiratory irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
May cause an allergic skin reaction
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
May cause an allergic skin reaction
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Only in: Oven Cleaner; Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Hard Water Stain Remover; Toilet Cleaner; Stove Top Cleaner; Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Causes serious eye damage
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Causes serious eye damage
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Causes skin irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Causes skin irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
causes serious eye irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
causes serious eye irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
EPA testing shows this substance has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life
Impurity: FURAN
EPA testing shows this substance has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life
low
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Fathead Minnow Acute Toxicity Database
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Impurity: FURAN
Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
low
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
EPA testing shows this substance has low acute toxicity to aquatic life
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
EPA testing shows this substance has low acute toxicity to aquatic life
low
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Fathead Minnow Acute Toxicity Database
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: FURAN
EPA testing shows this substance has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life
Impurity: FURAN
EPA testing shows this substance has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life
low
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Fathead Minnow Acute Toxicity Database
Unspecified Food Color
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
EPA testing shows this substance has low acute toxicity to aquatic life
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
EPA testing shows this substance has low acute toxicity to aquatic life
low
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Fathead Minnow Acute Toxicity Database
