4-Methylimidazole molecule. Computer model showing the structure of a molecule of the heterocyclic organic chemical compound 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI)
4-Methylimidazole molecule. Computer model showing the structure of a molecule of the heterocyclic organic chemical compound 4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI). Atoms are colour-coded: carbon (yellow), nitrogen (blue) and hydrogen (white). 4-MEI may be formed in the browning of certain foods. There has been concern about its presence in caramel colour (the most used food and beverage colouring). At very high doses (360 mg/kg of body weight) it has been shown to have adverse effects in some animals. However, other studies have shown no ill effects in other animals. In January 2011 California, USA, added 4-MEI to its list of probable carcinogens and stipulated 16 micrograms per day as the No Significant Risk Level intake. This level is considerably less than
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Photo credit: © DR TIM EVANS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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