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  • The evaluation of the genotoxicity of two commonly used food colors: Quinoline Yellow (E 104) and Brilliant Black BN (E 151).

The evaluation of the genotoxicity of two commonly used food colors: Quinoline Yellow (E 104) and Brilliant Black BN (E 151).

Cellular & molecular biology letters (2004-03-30)
Violetta K Macioszek, Andrzej K Kononowicz
ABSTRACT

Additives, especially colors, are in widespread use in the food industry. With the exception of the quinolines, food colors are relatively weak mutagens and are certified as safe additives despite reports that some people have allergic reactions to them. The number of food additives is still on the increase, and research on their potential mutagenic/carcinogenic activity in vivo is very expensive. Using two different cellular model systems, human lymphocytes in vitro and Vicia faba root tip meristems of in vivo, we evaluated the potential cytological and genotoxic effects of two dyes: Quinoline Yellow (E 104) and Brilliant Black BN (E 151). Two relatively new, very sensitive and rapid tests - the micronucleus and Comet assays - were used in this study. The data provided in this paper showed the genotoxic effects of the two analyzed food colors, and confirmed the diagnostic value of the MN and Comet assays for screening potentially genotoxic substances.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Quinoline Yellow, for microscopy (Hist.), mixture of mono- and disulfonic acid sodium salt
Supelco
Brilliant Black BN, analytical standard
Sigma-Aldrich
Quinoline Yellow, Mixture of the mono- and disulfonic acids of Quinoline Yellow