Tartrazine-induced chromosomal aberrations in mammalian cells.

Tartrazine (FD & C Yellow No.5) has been shown to induce chromosomal aberrations in fibroblast cells of Muntiacus muntjac in vitro. M. muntjac cells were exposed to various concentrations of tartrazine (in the 5-20 micrograms/ml range) and were evaluated for induced chromosomal aberrations after two different periods of culture. Total percentages of chromosomal aberrations were significantly increased above control levels in all experimental groups. The results suggest that further studies are needed to determine the potential mutagenic effects of tartrazine.