A teratologic study with the dyes amaranth and Ponceau 4R in mice

A teratology study on amaranth and Ponceau 4R was carried out in NMRI mice. The substances were given by gavage either from day 0 through day 7 or from day 6 through day 18 in doses of 7.5, 30 or 100 mg/kg. Distilled water was given by gavage to the control dams from day 0 through day 18. The foetuses were removed on day 18 for detailed examinations. No effect of treatment with the dyes could be observed with regard to number of implantations, frequency of foetal death and resorptions, gross malformations, skeletal or internal malformations or retarded growth as judged by foetal weight. The results are discussed with particular reference to the evaluation of teratologic studies on food colouring in general and the various regulation proposals from the National Food Administration.