Evaluation of potential genotoxicity of five food dyes using the somatic mutation and recombination test

► We have examined genotoxic effects of some food dyes. ► Carminic acid and indigotine demonstrated negative results. ► Erythrosine demonstrated inconclusive results. ► 25 mg mL−1 patent blue; 12.5, 25 and 50 mg mL−1 amaranth gave positive results. ► It is necessary to extend evaluation of such chemicals in terms of genotoxicity.