Illegal Dyes

Illegal dyes in food are synthetic chemical compounds not permitted for use in food products due to their potential risks to human health. These dyes may cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity, carcinogenic effects, or other health problems. Despite bans in many countries, they are sometimes used illegally to enhance colour, mimic high-quality ingredients, or extend shelf life.

Common Illegal Dyes Found in Food

Sudan Dyes (I, II, III, and IV)

• Usage: Industrial applications like colouring oils, plastics, and waxes.
• Health Risks: Carcinogenic, mutagenic, and potentially toxic to organs.
• Foods Affected: Chili powders, sauces, palm oil, and curry products.

Rhodamine B

• Usage: Dye for textiles and paper.
• Health Risks: Linked to carcinogenic and mutagenic effects.
• Foods Affected: Sweets, beverages, and colourful snacks.

Auramine O (Yellow Dye)

• Usage: Textile dye and in printing inks.
• Health Risks: Carcinogenic and hepatotoxic effects.
• Foods Affected: Pickles and turmeric.

Malachite Green

• Usage: Veterinary and aquaculture industries (fungicide and antiparasitic agent).
• Health Risks: Carcinogenic and genotoxic.
• Foods Affected: Fish, particularly farmed varieties.

Metanil Yellow

• Usage: Non-food-grade dye for leather and textiles.
• Health Risks: Neurotoxicity and organ damage.
• Foods Affected: Sweets, beverages, and street foods.

Orange II

• Usage: Textile and leather industries.
• Health Risks: Potentially carcinogenic.
• Foods Affected: Spices, sweets, and beverages.

Why Are Illegal Dyes Used?

• To improve or enhance colour and appearance.
• To imitate higher-quality ingredients.
• Cost savings compared to permitted food-grade dyes.

Concerns About Illegal Dyes in Food

Standards and regulations

European Commission

Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on Food Additives: This regulation governs the use of food.

additives in the EU and explicitly prohibits the addition of certain artificial colorants,

including Sudan dyes, to spices and spice mixes. The regulation aims to harmonize food

safety standards across member states and ensure that food additives are safe for consumption

Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011: This regulation amends the previous

legislation by establishing a Union list of authorized food additives. It reinforces the

prohibition on the use of unauthorized colouring agents in spices

FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has detailed guidelines for food colours and flavouring agents under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. Below is a summary of the key regulations regarding food colours and flavours:

Eurofins role in testing illegal dyes in food

Eurofins Scientific is a global group of laboratories that provides laboratory services for various industries, including food testing. One of its key roles in food safety is testing for illegal and harmful substances, such as illegal dyes, in food products.

Eurofins' Role in Testing Illegal Dyes in Food

Testing for Unauthorized Dyes: Eurofins conducts advanced testing for illegal food dyes that are banned by regulatory authorities such as the European Union (EU), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These tests are crucial in identifying non-approved or harmful synthetic dyes that may have been illegally added to food products.

• Use of Advanced Analytical Techniques: Eurofins uses a variety of analytical techniques such as:
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): For precise separation and identification of food dyes.
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): To detect chemical substances and illegal dyes in food.
• Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): For high sensitivity in detecting and quantifying specific food additives and contaminants, including illegal dyes.
• Spectroscopic Methods: To identify and analyze dye compounds in food.
• Regulatory Compliance and Reporting: Eurofins helps food producers and regulatory bodies by testing food products for compliance with food safety regulations.
• Testing for Specific Hazardous Dyes: Eurofins may test for specific illegal dyes that have been linked to health concerns, such as: Sudan dyes (often used in industrial products and not approved for food use). Erythrosine (Red No. 3), Carmoisine, and Ponceau 4R, which may be banned or restricted in certain regions. Synthetic dyes that have been linked to allergies, hyperactivity, or cancer in long-term studies.
• Food Safety and Consumer Protection: By providing accurate and reliable test results, Eurofins helps ensure that consumers are protected from the harmful effects of consuming food products that contain illegal or unsafe dyes. It supports manufacturers in maintaining consumer trust by guaranteeing that their products are compliant with food safety regulations.
• Supply Chain Monitoring: Eurofins also helps companies monitor the entire supply chain by conducting tests on raw materials and ingredients used in food products to ensure that illegal dyes or contaminants are not introduced during production, transportation, or handling.