Indigotine

Definition

Indigotine is a blue synthetic coal tar dye.

Health considerations

Animal studies in which high doses of indigotine were injected in rats over a long period of time led to inhibition of growth and development of cancerous tissue. Some animals suffered convulsive death immediately after injection. Similar studies in pigs showed alterations to blood composition and effects on the liver.

May be found in

Cheeses, yogurt, sorbets, jams, fruit purées and fillings, processed seafood, ice cream

References

The UK Food Guide
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
Food and Cosmetics Toxicology

Alternative Spellings and Names

Indigo Carmine, FD&C Blue No. 2, Blue 2, E132