Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of Carmoisine (E 122) in feed for cats and dogs

Carmoisine is intended to be used as a colourant in feedingstuffs for cats and dogs without quantitative limitations. Since the additive is only applied for non-food producing animals, the assessment of safety is limited to the target species and the user. Carmoisine is safe in complete feed for cats and dogs at up to about 200 mg/kg dry matter. In the absence of any information, the substance should be considered as potentially harmful by skin, eye, or inhalation exposure. Carmoisine is intended to serve the same function in feed as in food. The intended concentrations in feedingstuffs are similar to those permitted for wide range of foodstuffs. The colouring efficacy of Carmoisine in a typical complementary feed for dogs was demonstrated at a minimum dose of 50 mg/kg. Carmoisine is considered efficacious in adding colour to feed of cats and dogs.