Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of Allura Red AC (E 129) in feed for cats and dogs

Allura Red AC 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. The FEEDAP Panel considered that (i) genotoxicity of Allura Red AC cannot be excluded; (ii) the mouse carcinogenicity study may not be appropriate for investigating the risk of colon cancer that might result from local DNA damage; and (iii) Allura Red AC is proposed for lifetime use in cats and dogs, leading to a much higher exposure in target animals than in humans. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the available data are insufficient to demonstrate the safety of Allura Red AC for cats and dogs. In the absence of any information, the substance should be considered to be potentially harmful as a result of skin, eye, or inhalation exposure by users of the additive. Its colouring efficacy in a typical complementary feed for dogs was demonstrated at a minimum dose of 50 mg/kg feed. Allura Red AC is considered efficacious in adding colour to feed for cats and dogs.