Tag: Wild indigo

In many cultures, natural indigo dye has been used for centuries to color textiles, yet some indigo species are toxic if ingested. It is crucial to understand that not all substances referred to as "indigo" are safe for consumption, as the term applies to several different compounds with varying safety profiles.

Food and safety authorities in many regions, including the U.S. and Europe, have approved the synthetic dye indigo carmine (FD&C Blue No. 2) for limited use in food products. This fact, however, does not mean all forms of indigo are safe to consume, begging the question: Is indigo safe to consume? The answer is nuanced, depending on the source, processing, and intended use of the substance.