"Contains EEC permitted colourants " Ingredient

[malawi_peacock]

Any info on this? What's the pro and con?

Is it safe to feed with such ingredient on a long term basis?

[RD.]

That would depend entirely on what the 'colourants' are that are being used. Certain dyes & lakes have been linked to health issues in humans, but studies on ornamental fish are rather scarce.

Scroll down to E127 in the link below.

http://www.lactose.co.uk/milkallergy/foodadditives100.html

It's interesting to note that certain countries have already banned some of these food color additives such as Red No. 3, and according to the FDA it may be pulled from their permanent listings.

Q. What is the status of FD&C Red No. 3?

A. In 1990, FDA discontinued the provisional listing of all lake forms of FD&C Red No. 3 and its dye form used in external drugs and cosmetics. The uses were terminated because one study of the color additive in male rats showed an association with thyroid tumors. In announcing the decision, FDA stressed that any human risk posed by FD&C Red No. 3 was extremely small and was based less on safety concerns than the legal mandate of the Delaney Clause. FD&C Red No. 3 remains permanently listed for use in food and ingested drugs, although FDA has announced its intent to propose rescinding those listings.

More info on color additives & the FDA found here:

http://www.ific.org/publications/brochures...dcolorbroch.cfm

http://www.ific.org/publications/brochures...colorsbroch.cfm

What may be approved as being 'safe' for human consumption, may not be safe at all for a fish to ingest on a daily basis. http://diet-studies.com/dye.html

The truth of the matter is, not many companies are overly concerned with the long term health & safety of tropical fish, so don't hold your breath waiting for any detailed studies in the near future.

Edited October 29, 2005 by RD.

[malawi_peacock]

Thank you for the information Neil.

The first three link are not working.

[RD.]

Sorry about that, they should work for you now.

[Melody]

Any info on this? What's the pro and con?

Is it safe to feed with such ingredient on a long term basis?

This post looks a little familiar from another board , but I'll add a reply for the benefit of anyone else wondering.

It means that they have complied with regulations regarding animal feed additives. They can't add anything that is classed as harmful to animals or humans and I think there are environmental considerations as well. The notation on the label is required, and probably applies to the fishmeal used. Fishmeal is classed as an animal waste product, which falls under the regulated ingredients.

It is designed to protect animals, and is an encouraging sign of progress. I would be more worried if the ingredients listed colorants but didn't include the notation.

[RD.]

..... and yet from another board.

Here's some more background reading on the wording:-

http://archive.food.gov.uk/consultations/w...ia_waleseng.htm

and a list of what the permitted colourants are:-

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1994/Uksi_19942510_en_2.htm