Evidence
Health issue
Level of Concern
Source
Synthetic food dyes are associated with adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in children.
Only in: Food Scores®
Only in: Food Scores®
high
2021. Potential Neurobehavioral Effects of Synthetic Food Dyes in Children. California Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
EFSA finds that there is "limited evidence" that Allura Red in a mixture with other synthetic colors and sodium benzoate has a "small and statistically significant effect on activity and attention in children selected from the general population."
some
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). 2009. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Allura Red AC (E 129) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 7(11), 1327.
EFSA concludes that some sensitive individuals may experience allergic reactions at dose levels within the ADI.
some
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). 2009. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Allura Red AC (E 129) as a food additive. EFSA Journal 7(11), 1327.
NTP Toxcast scored 2.5-3.5
some
National Toxicology Program (NTP): EWG Toxcast Analysis
A peer-reviewed study reports nervous system effects at the acceptable daily dose for humans.
some
Ali Noorafshan, Maedeh Hashemi, Saied Karbalay-Doust & Fatemeh Karimi. 2018. High dose Allura Red, rather than the ADI dose, induces structural and behavioral changes in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats and taurine can protect it. Acta histochemica 120(6), 586-594.
A peer-reviewed study reports that Red 40 affects the function of an enzyme important for the endocrine system.
some
Kanako Satoh, Rhouichi Nonaka, Fusako Ishikawa, Akio Ogata & Fumiko Nagai. 2008. In vitro screening assay for detecting aromatase activity using rat ovarian microsomes and estrone ELISA. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin 31(3), 357-62.
Review article concluded that Red 40 caused hypersensitivity reactions.
some
Peer Reviewed Literature: Kobylewski, S. & Jacobson, M.F. 2012. Toxicology of food dyes. International journal of occupational and environmental health 18(3), 220-46.
Review article concluded that Red 40 caused hypersensitivity reactions.
some
Peer Reviewed Literature: Kobylewski, S. & Jacobson, M.F. 2012. Toxicology of food dyes. International journal of occupational and environmental health 18(3), 220-46.
Some data submitters indicate they consider this substance as Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
A review article reports equivocal evidence of carcinogenesis.
low
Peer Reviewed Literature: Kobylewski, S. & Jacobson, M.F. 2012. Toxicology of food dyes. International journal of occupational and environmental health 18(3), 220-46.
A review article reports equivocal evidence of carcinogenesis.
low
Peer Reviewed Literature: Kobylewski, S. & Jacobson, M.F. 2012. Toxicology of food dyes. International journal of occupational and environmental health 18(3), 220-46.
Not classified as a skin/eye irritant based on human, animal, and in vitro testing.
low
European Commission, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). 2004. OPINION OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON COSMETIC PRODUCTS AND NON-FOOD PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR CONSUMERS Concerning Curry Red.
Not classified as a skin/eye irritant based on human, animal, and in vitro testing.
low
European Commission, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). 2004. OPINION OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON COSMETIC PRODUCTS AND NON-FOOD PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR CONSUMERS Concerning Curry Red.
Not a sensitizer based on limited human and animal tests.
low
European Commission, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). 2004. OPINION OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON COSMETIC PRODUCTS AND NON-FOOD PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR CONSUMERS Concerning Curry Red.
A peer-reviewed article reports no evidence of genotoxicity in vivo.
low
Maria Bastaki, Thomas Farrell, Sachin Bhusari, Kamala Pant & Rohan Kulkarni. 2017. Lack of genotoxicity in vivo for food color additive Allura Red AC. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association 105, 308-314.
A peer-reviewed study reports no genotoxicity in vivo.
low
Masamitsu Honma. 2015. Evaluation of the in vivo genotoxicity of Allura Red AC (Food Red No. 40). Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association 84, 270-5.
A review article reports a lack of evidence of developmental toxicity.
low
Peer Reviewed Literature: Kobylewski, S. & Jacobson, M.F. 2012. Toxicology of food dyes. International journal of occupational and environmental health 18(3), 220-46.
A review article reports a lack of evidence of developmental toxicity.
low
Peer Reviewed Literature: Kobylewski, S. & Jacobson, M.F. 2012. Toxicology of food dyes. International journal of occupational and environmental health 18(3), 220-46.
acute toxicity, oral LD50 (mg/kg)
low
European Commission, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). 2004. OPINION OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON COSMETIC PRODUCTS AND NON-FOOD PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR CONSUMERS Concerning Curry Red.
No evidence of developmental toxicity in animal testing.
low
European Commission, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). 2004. OPINION OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON COSMETIC PRODUCTS AND NON-FOOD PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR CONSUMERS Concerning Curry Red.
No evidence of genotoxicity in vitro.
low
European Commission, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). 2004. OPINION OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON COSMETIC PRODUCTS AND NON-FOOD PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR CONSUMERS Concerning Curry Red.
Impurities
Health issue
Level of Concern
Source
Impurity: ANILINE
Suspected of causing genetic defects
Suspected of causing genetic defects
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: ANILINE
Suspected of causing cancer
Suspected of causing cancer
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: ANILINE
Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: ANILINE
Very toxic to aquatic life
Very toxic to aquatic life
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: ANILINE
Known to cause cancer
Known to cause cancer
some
California OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment): Proposition 65 List (2020 Update)
Impurity: 6-METHOXY-M-TOLUIDINE
May cause cancer
May cause cancer
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: 6-METHOXY-M-TOLUIDINE
Known to cause cancer
Known to cause cancer
some
California OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment): Proposition 65 List (2020 Update)
Impurity: MERCURY
Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: MERCURY
Very toxic to aquatic life
Very toxic to aquatic life
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: MERCURY
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: MERCURY
Fatal if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
Fatal if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: MERCURY
May damage the unborn child.
May damage the unborn child.
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: CADMIUM
Suspected of causing genetic defects
Suspected of causing genetic defects
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: CADMIUM
May cause cancer
May cause cancer
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: CADMIUM
Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: CADMIUM
Very toxic to aquatic life
Very toxic to aquatic life
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: CADMIUM
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: CADMIUM
Fatal if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
Fatal if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: CADMIUM
Suspected of damaging fertility.
Suspected of damaging fertility.
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: CADMIUM
Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: CADMIUM
Carcinogenic to humans
Carcinogenic to humans
some
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Impurity: CADMIUM
Known To Be Human Carcinogen
Known To Be Human Carcinogen
some
National Toxicology Program (NTP): NTP 14th Report on Carcinogens
Impurity: ANILINE
Probably carcinogenic to humans
Probably carcinogenic to humans
some
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) - Cancer
Impurity: ANILINE
Probably carcinogenic to humans
Probably carcinogenic to humans
some
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Impurity: 6-METHOXY-M-TOLUIDINE
Reasonably Anticipated To Be Human Carcinogen
Reasonably Anticipated To Be Human Carcinogen
some
National Toxicology Program (NTP): NTP 14th Report on Carcinogens
Impurity: CADMIUM
Probably carcinogenic to humans
Probably carcinogenic to humans
some
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) - Cancer
Impurity: ANILINE
Toxic if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
Toxic if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: ANILINE
Toxic in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
Toxic in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: ANILINE
Toxic if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
Toxic if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: MERCURY
peripheral nervous system impairment
peripheral nervous system impairment
some
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Basis
Impurity: MERCURY
kidney damage
kidney damage
some
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Basis
Impurity: MERCURY
central nervous system impairment
central nervous system impairment
some
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Basis
Impurity: MERCURY
EPA's review of industry submitted toxicity data and the potential for human exposure concludes that this substance poses a high risk for human health.
EPA's review of industry submitted toxicity data and the potential for human exposure concludes that this substance poses a high risk for human health.
some
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Hazard-Based Prioritizations - Risks
Impurity: CADMIUM
kidney damage
kidney damage
some
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Basis
Impurity: CADMIUM
suspected human carcinogen
suspected human carcinogen
some
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Basis
Impurity: 6-METHOXY-M-TOLUIDINE
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
Harmful if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: 6-METHOXY-M-TOLUIDINE
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
some
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Impurity: ANILINE
suspected of causing genetics defects
Only in: Household Cleaners
suspected of causing genetics defects
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Only in: Household Cleaners
causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: MERCURY
Fatal if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
Fatal if swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: MERCURY
fatal if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
fatal if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans
confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans
some
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Basis
Impurity: ANILINE
May cause an allergic skin reaction
Only in: Household Cleaners
May cause an allergic skin reaction
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: ANILINE
Toxic in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
Toxic in contact with skin
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
toxic if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
toxic if inhaled
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
Toxic of swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
Toxic of swallowed
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
Causes serious eye damage
Only in: Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Oven Cleaner; Household Cleaners
Causes serious eye damage
Only in: Drain Opener/Clog Remover; Oven Cleaner; Household Cleaners
some
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: ANILINE
may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Only in: Household Cleaners
may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
May cause an allergic skin reaction
Only in: Household Cleaners
May cause an allergic skin reaction
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
may cause respiratory irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
may cause respiratory irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: 6-METHOXY-M-TOLUIDINE
NTP Toxcast scored 1.5-2.5
NTP Toxcast scored 1.5-2.5
some
National Toxicology Program (NTP): EWG Toxcast Analysis
Impurity: ANILINE
Causes skin irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
Causes skin irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
Causes serious eye damage
Only in: Household Cleaners
Causes serious eye damage
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
causes serious eye irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
causes serious eye irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: 6-METHOXY-M-TOLUIDINE
causes serious eye irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
causes serious eye irritation
Only in: Household Cleaners
some
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA): GHS Data from ECHA Website
Impurity: ANILINE
Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
low
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Impurity: MERCURY
Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans
low
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Impurity: MERCURY
Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity
Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity
low
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) - Cancer
Impurity: MERCURY
not classifiable as a human carcinogen
not classifiable as a human carcinogen
low
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Threshold Limit Value (TLV) Basis
Impurity: ANILINE
EPA testing shows this substance has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life
EPA testing shows this substance has moderate acute toxicity to aquatic life
low
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Fathead Minnow Acute Toxicity Database
Impurity: ANILINE
EPA testing shows this substance has low acute toxicity to aquatic life
EPA testing shows this substance has low acute toxicity to aquatic life
low
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): EPA Fathead Minnow Acute Toxicity Database
