Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of indigo carmine (E 132) for cats and dogs and ornamental fish

Indigo carmine (E 132), an authorised food colourant, is intended to be used as a feed additive for dogs, cats and ornamental fish without a maximum content. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel concludes that indigo carmine (purity of at least 93 % colouring matter) is safe for cats and dogs at levels up to 250 mg/kg complete feed and for ornamental fish up to 1 000 mg/kg complete feed. Users may be at risk of inhalation exposure to dust from indigo carmine. In the absence of information on the inhalation toxicity, such exposure is regarded as hazardous. Indigo carmine is not an irritant to skin and eyes. Indigo carmine should be considered as a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser in humans. Indigo carmine is effective in adding colour to feedingstuffs for dogs, cats and ornamental fish.