Effects of Erythrosine (E127) on Neural Tube Development in Early Chicken Embryos

Abstract Objective Erythrosine (E127), a synthetic food dye containing iodine and sodium, has been commonly used inside the packaged foods and beverages both in Turkey and in many countries. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Erythrosine on neural tube development in the early stage chicken embryos. Methods The study was conducted on four groups, with a total of 80 embryos. There were four groups: a control group, a normal saline group, a half-dose group, and a high-dose group. After 30 hours of incubation, saline and erythrosine solution was injected under the embryonic discs. At the end of 72 hours, the embryos were excised and evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically. Results Neural tube defects were detected in Erythrosine administered groups statistically significant while embryos in the control and saline groups displayed normal development. Conclusions Erythrosine increased the risk of neural tube defect in the early stage of chicken embryos even at the half dose of approved use limit.