Concerns have been raised regarding the health effects of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a contaminant found in caramel colors produced using ammonium compounds (Class III and IV Caramels).  FDA is conducting a robust exposure assessment to better understand the dietary intake of caramel colors and 4-MEI.  Foods that contain caramel color were identified, grouped into broad food categories, and then matched with food codes from the combined 2003-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.  Dietary intakes of the foods in each category, as well as the intake of Class III and IV Caramels and of 4-MEI from the use of these caramel colors in the identified foods were calculated for the U.S. population aged 2 years or more and for various age groups.  The exposure to 4-MEI from the use of caramel coloring will be discussed.

Exposure assessment of 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI) from caramel coloring for the U.S. population

244th National Meeting (2012)

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