Abstract
[PURPOSE] The present study was designed to evaluate reproductive and neurobehavioural effects of brilliant blue FCF in mice throughout two generations.
[METHODS] Brilliant blue FCF was given to mice in the diet at levels of 0 (control), 0.08%, 0.24%, and 0.72% from 5 weeks of age of the F0 generation to 11 weeks of age of the F1 generation, and selected reproductive and neurobehavioural parameters were measured.
[RESULTS] In exploratory behaviour of adult females of the F0 generation, movement time (s) showed a significant tendency to be increased and average time of rearing (s) showed a significant tendency to be decreased in the treatment groups. In the F1 generation, surface righting at postnatal day (PND) 4 was affected significantly in male and female offspring in a dose-related manner. In exploratory behaviour of adult females of the F1 generation, number of horizontal activities showed a significant tendency to be decreased in the treatment groups. After weaning, the body weight gain of females was significantly affected during 10−11 weeks of age in a dose-related manner.
[CONCLUSION] In the present study, brilliant blue FCF showed a few significant adverse effects on neurobehavioural parameters. The high dose level was based on the current ADI of brilliant blue FCF. The actual dietary intake of brilliant blue FCF in Japan is presumed to be much lower approximately 0.28−0.56 μg/kg/day. It would therefore appear that the levels of actual dietary intake of brilliant blue FCF are unlikely to produce any adverse effects in humans.
