Background/Objectives: Colorants help in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of food. However, the contents of the colorant could adversely affect the health of consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of palm oil colorant (Sudan dye) on the renal functions and body weights of the albino rats.

Method: The prospective experimental study was conducted with male albino rats in Owerri, South East Nigeria for a period of 4 weeks. Twenty (20) male albino rats divided into 4 groups (Group I, II, III and IV), each with 5 rats were used. Groups I, II and III were the test group while group IV formed the control group. Groups I, II and III received 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg of colorants respectively in addition to the standard feeds and water while Group IV (control group) received only the standard feeds and water for a period of 28 days. Their body weights were measured on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 while serum Urea and Creatinine were measured at the end of study (Day 28). Statistical analysis of the data was done with IBM SPSS version 22.0 using Independent sample T-test.

Results/Discussion: The results showed that the colorant (Sudan dye) induced a significant (P< 0.05) weight gain for rats in groups I and II compared to the control group. There was also a significant (P< 0.05) increase in serum Urea and Creatinine levels when compared with the control and the increase was more at higher doses of the colorant.

Conclusion: Sudan dye used as palm oil colorant has adverse effects on the renal functions and body weight of albino rats and could be harmful to human consumers. This calls for more studies with appropriate enactment and implementation of restrictive laws on the public consumption of palm oil coloured with Sudan dye among populations in Nigeria.