← All chemicals

CAS 842-07-9

C.I. Solvent Yellow 14

Potential EDCCarcinogen

C.I. Solvent Yellow 14 (also called Sudan I) is an orange-red industrial azo dye used to color oils, waxes, plastics, and leather. It has been illegally found in some foods (like chili powders and palm oil); animal studies show cancer concerns, so many countries restrict it in foods [1][2].

Where It Comes From

Industrial dye used in polishes, oils, waxes, plastics, leather, and some inks; occasionally detected as an adulterant in spices and oils [1][2].

How You Are Exposed

Eating contaminated spices/oils; breathing dust or getting skin contact in workplaces that make or use dyes and colored products [1][2].

Why It Matters

IARC: not classifiable for human cancer risk (Group 3), but it caused tumors in experimental animals and can form DNA‑reactive breakdown products; it is not permitted in foods in many jurisdictions [1][2].

Who Is at Risk

Workers handling dyes, inks, plastics, or leather; people who frequently consume unregulated or imported spices and oils from sources with past adulteration incidents [1][2].

How to Lower Your Exposure

Buy spices/oils from reputable brands; check recalls; avoid products flagged for “Sudan dyes”; in workplaces, use local exhaust, gloves, and protective clothing, and wash hands before eating [1][2].

References

  1. [1]IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans: Some Aromatic Azo Compounds (includes Sudan I/C.I. Solvent Yellow 14); Overall evaluation: Group 3.
  2. [2]WHO/FAO INFOSAN. Information on Sudan dyes in food (e.g., guidance and Q&A on incidents and controls for adulterated spices/oils).

Track your exposure to C.I. Solvent Yellow 14

Pollution Profile maps your lifetime exposure history to EPA-tracked chemicals.

Get early access

We use cookies and analytics to understand how people use Pollution Profile and improve the experience. We never sell your data. Learn more.