Group: E100–E199 (colours)

VEGAN

Indigo carmine, or 5,5′-indigodisulfonic acid sodium salt, is an organic salt derived from indigo by aromatic sulfonation, which renders the compound soluble in water.

Like indigo, it produces a blue color, and is used in food and other consumables, cosmetics, and as a medical contrast agent and staining agent; it also acts as a pH indicator.

It is approved for human consumption in the United States and European Union.

It is named Blue No. 2 by the US Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Scientific research conducted on laboratory mice has shown that indigotine, in the presence of sodium nitrite, rearranges into carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Simultaneous consumption of cured meat products (e.g.salami) and sweets or liqueurs colored with indigotine is one of the possible unfavorable combinations.

It is suspected that it may cause allergic reactions.

Frequent consumption is not recommended.

Avoid