Caramel food colorings contain carcinogenic impurities at unsafe levels.
Michael F. Jacobson. 2012. Carcinogenicity and regulation of caramel colorings. International journal of occupational and environmental health 18(3), 254-9.
Concerns from impurities
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Known to cause cancer
California OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment): Proposition 65 List (2020 Update)
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Known to cause cancer
California OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment): Proposition 65 List (2020 Update)
Impurity: FURAN
Suspected of causing genetic defects
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: FURAN
May cause cancer
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: FURAN
Known to cause cancer
California OEHHA (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment): Proposition 65 List (2020 Update)
Impurity: FURAN
Reasonably Anticipated To Be Human Carcinogen
National Toxicology Program (NTP): NTP 14th Report on Carcinogens
Impurity: 4-METHYLIMIDAZOLE
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Impurity: IMIDAZOLE, 2-METHYL-
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Impurity: FURAN
May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
EU GHS Hazard Labeling Codes: GHS Hazard Codes
Impurity: FURAN
Possibly carcinogenic to humans
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Agents classified by the IARC Monographs (through Volume 127)
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
A review article reports that this substance is genotoxic and carcinogenic based on in vivo and in vitro testing.
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.
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
A review article reports that this substance is toxic to the kidneys.
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.
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
EFSA: Safety under reevaluation in the light of new data on genotoxicity, subchronic toxicity and carcinogenicity.
2011. Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of caramel colours (E 150 a,b,c,d) as food additives. EFSA Journal 9(3), 2004.
Impurity: 5-HYDROXYMETHYLFURFURAL
An assessment by the National Toxicology Program reports limited evidence of carcinogenicity.
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.