EFSA re-evaluates safety of food colours and adopts first opinion: Food colour Red 2G raises potential safety concerns

Red 2G has been shown to convert largely in the body into a substance, called aniline. Based on animal studies the Panel concluded that aniline should be considered as a carcinogen[3]. Given new scientific evidence, it cannot be excluded that aniline’s carcinogenic potential is due to damage to the genetic material of the cells. It is therefore not possible to determine a level of intake The amount of a substance (e.g. nutrient or chemical) that is ingested by a person or animal via the diet. for aniline which may be regarded as safe for humans. The Panel therefore concluded that Red 2G should be regarded as being of safety concern.

EFSA has informed the European Commission of its conclusions on the safety of Red 2G.

The full opinion on Red 2G will be published shortly on the EFSA website at http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/515.htm . Please find the conclusions of the Panel attached to this press release.

In the re-evaluation process of food additives currently authorised for use in the EU, priority has been given to food colours as they were among the first additives to be evaluated under European legislation. Since the first evaluations of additives, some 30 years ago, new studies have become available. Further to this evaluation, EFSA is continuing its work on the re-evaluation of colours and will look at all colours currently permitted in the EU on a case-by-case basis.

For more information on EFSA’s work on food additives please consult the EFSA webpage at In Focus  http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/anstopics/topic/additives.htm