In the world of processed foods, vibrant colors are a major selling point. From neon orange cheese puffs and green veggie chips to the maraschino cherry red of baked goods, artificial dyes add a visual aesthetic that makes unappetizing snacks appealing. A color additive is any substance that imparts color to a food, drug, cosmetic, or to the human body. Color additives or food dyes include both synthetic substances and substances derived from natural sources. Behind the colors, there could be adverse health concerns with the dyes themselves.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves several artificial dyes for use in American foods. Common ones include FD&C: Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 1. While the FDA considers them safe for consumption at permitted levels, research suggests some potential adverse effects.
- Allergic Reactions: Studies have shown that certain dyes, particularly Yellow 5 (tartrazine), can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These reactions can range from mild symptoms like hives and itching to more severe issues like asthma attacks.
- Carcinogen Concerns: Some research suggests that some artificial dyes may be contaminated with trace amounts of chemicals like benzidine. The FDA has set limits for the benzidine content in food colorants to 1 ppb. However, other impurities in synthetic coloring agents may be metabolized to benzidine after ingestion. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies benzidine as a potential carcinogen, raising concerns about the long-term effects of consuming dyes containing these contaminants.
The FDA maintains its stance on the safety of approved food dyes. Most color additives require pre-market review and approval by the FDA. The law requires evidence that a color additive is safe under its intended conditions of use before it may be added to foods. Let’s take Red No. 3, which is a color additive made from petroleum that gives foods, drinks, and medications a bright cherry-red color. This additive is permitted only from batches that the FDA has certified. This means that FDA chemists have analyzed a sample from the batch and have found that it meets the requirements for composition and purity stated in the regulation for that color additive. However, new research is still ongoing, and there are ways to request to revoke the use of color additives. The Delaney Clause, enacted in 1958, prevents the FDA from finding a color additive to be safe if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals at any dose. Currently, the FDA is re-reviewing the safety profile of Red 3.
In the U.K., additives are also assessed for safety before use in food. However, the U.K. Food Standards Agency found an additional adverse outcome; they identified that consuming certain artificial food colors could cause increased hyperactivity in some children.
These U.K. artificial colors are designated as:
- sunset yellow FCF (E110)
- quinoline yellow (E104)
- carmoisine (E122)
- Allura red (E129)
- tartrazine (E102)
- ponceau 4R (E124)
Food and drink containing any of these six colors must carry a warning on the packaging. The warning states, ‘May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.’ For this health outcome, the FDA states the following: The FDA has reviewed and will continue to examine the effects of color additives on children’s behavior. The totality of scientific evidence indicates that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives, but some evidence suggests that certain children may be sensitive to them.
So, as a consumer, how can you make informed choices when it comes to the colors on your plate? Here are some tips:
- Become a Label Detective: Develop the habit of reading food labels carefully. Look for terms like “FD&C Red No. 40” or “artificial colors” on ingredient lists.
- Seek Out Natural Dyes and Foods: Many food manufacturers are now using natural colorings derived from fruits, vegetables, or minerals. These alternatives, like beet juice for red or turmeric for yellow, are generally considered safe and often noted on labels. The best way to avoid artificial dyes altogether is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins get their vibrant colors naturally, eliminating any concerns about artificial additives.
The science on the health effects of food dyes is ongoing. While the FDA maintains its safety for most people at current intake levels, some research suggests potential concerns. By understanding the potential risks, you can make informed choices about the colors you’re ingesting. A healthy diet is generally associated with a colorful diet, but it’s important to be mindful of where those colors come from. Choose whole foods whenever possible, and if you do opt for processed options, be a label detective and seek out products that use natural colorings.
If you’d like to learn more about our services, please message us, and one of our SMEs will respond promptly.
References: