Survey of toxic heavy metals and arsenic in existing food additives (Natural Colors)

Abstract

Pollution levels of toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) and arsenic in existing food additives used as food colors (40 samples of 15 kinds) were investigated. Heavy metals were detected in 8 samples; Pb in 1 sample (2.8μg/g), Hg in 8 samples (0.1-3.4 μg/g) and arsenic in 2 samples (1.7, 2.6 μg/g) The Pb level in 1 sample of lac color (2.8 μg/g) exceeded the limit of 2 μg/g proposed by JECFA and Hg levels in 3 samples of cacao color (1.2-3.4 μg/g) exceeded the limit of 1 μg/g in the EU specification.