4-Methylimidazole (4-MEI), a chemical that can form during the caramelization process, is a byproduct of Class III and IV caramel coloring. The chemical, used in a popular US breakfast food ...

In 2007, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted studies that revealed long-term exposure to 4-methylimidazole (4-MEI), a compound found in caramel coloring used in soft drinks ...