Many compounds present in foods, whether natural or added or produced during processing, have already been tested for mutagenicity or antimutagenicity in different experimental systems. The great number of food colorings available, both natural and synthetic, has led researchers to assess the mutagenicity and/or antimutagenicity of these compounds. Some synthetic colorings have mutagenic potential and their use has been forbidden in some countries. Many natural colorings tested have antimutagenic potential in at least one test system, but this does not mean that natural dyes are innocuous. The natural coloring curcumin, for example, showed antimutagenic potential in in vivo tests but was mutagenic in in vitro tests. This paradox emphasizes the importance of careful assessment and wide investigation into the possible mutagenic and/or antimutagenic activity of food colorings.
mutagenesis; antimutagenicagents; food coloring agents
