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Azo Dyes

Level 4 — Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Azo Dyes is a colorant — Large category of food and cosmetic colorings

What it does

Large category of food and cosmetic colorings

Where you'll see it

Candies, soft drinks, fruit drinks, jellies, jams, ice cream, pie fillings, puddings, baked goods, mayonnaise, salad dressings, ketchup, mustard, sardines, fish balls, caviar, canned shellfish

What the research says

Can cause allergic reactions, particularly hives. People sensitized to permanent hair dyes containing phenylenediamine develop a cross-sensitivity to azo dyes. Reports that azo dyes are absorbed through skin.

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): Azo dyes can cause allergic reactions, particularly hives