Multigeneration reproduction studies with carmoisine in rats

Carmoisine (C.I. (1956) No. 14720) was fed at levels of 0, 0.35, 0.8 and 2.0% in the diet of rats throughout a multigeneration reproduction study. The dye had not untoward effects on reproduction capacity of any of the generations studied. Fertility, lactation and viability indices of all groups fed carmoisine did not differ significantly from controls at any stage of the study. These results indicate a maximum no-effect level of 2% in the diet. Data from an additional nine-week feeding study (dietary levels were 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8%) suggest that the no-effect level may in fact be even higher since 4% carmoisine in the diet was tolerated without evidence of overt toxicity.