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EFSA has released its report on Allura Red AC, stating that a revision of the food colour’s Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is not required. But it also said that further tests should be made to rule out any suspicions on genotoxicity (the ability of a substance to damage DNA, the genetic materials of cells).
The recommendation applies to the ‘sulphonated mono azo dyes’, a group of six chemically-related food colours including Allura Red AC. Based on the results, EFSA’s experts will, if necessary, reconsider existing ADIs for these substances.
Dr Alicja Mortensen, chair of EFSA’s Panel on Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food (ANS Panel), stated: “In the light of all the data evaluated in this review, the Panel considers that these structurally related dyes could share a pattern of effects that deserve further investigation. However, currently the overall weight of evidence does not warrant a revision of the existing ADIs for these substances. These substances, as all other food additives will be kept under continuous observation and will be re-evaluated in the light of new scientific information arising from the additional testing requested.”
The six colours included in a review performed by ANS Panel are: Allura Red AC (E 129), Amaranth (E 123), Ponceau 4R (E 124), Sunset Yellow FCF (E 110), Tartrazine (E 102) and Azorubine/Carmoisine (E 122). These substances have previously been assessed by the ANS Panel regarding their use in food and are authorised in the EU as food additives.
EFSA’s Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) has evaluated or is in the process of evaluating five of these colours used in animal feed (all of the above except Amaranth) as well. In its 2012 opinion on Allura Red AC, the FEEDAP Panel decided there were insufficient data to demonstrate its safe use in animal feed. Importantly, Allura Red AC was proposed for lifetime use in cats and dogs, leading to a high exposure for these animals.