Toxic Food Additives: Part II- Artificial Colourants

This blog would be dedicated to the inclusion of artificial food colourants that are commonly added to the food and drinks (particularly soft drinks).

Though, there are very few evidences- that too not concrete- about harsh effects these colourants would have on human body, but these are mainly restricted to studies on groups of children by Professor John Warner and colleagues. They screened the children for hyperactivity and allergies.

Through the study, they had found out that these colourants has a probable role in increasing the incidences of hyperactivity in children through their behavioural observation.

They had divided the children into few groups. Some were given food which excluded any added colourant and the other group was fed food with added colourants. The groups of children were made under intense parental observation regularly. What they found was that the children who were fed with food with added colourants showed symptoms of hyperactivity, while those who missed the 'coloured food items' were about normal.

Few others believe that the great bulk of artificial colorings used in food are carcinogenic and many of them have been banned now.

However, doctors reported no significant changes in any children; whether fed with 'coloured' or 'non-coloured' food items. Still, there are reports that these artificial colourants do affect health.

Listed and Delisted Artificial Food Colourants in USA

Listed:

* FD&C Blue No. 1 - Brilliant Blue FCF, E133 (Blue shade)
* FD&C Blue No. 2 - Indigotine, E132 (Dark Blue shade)
* FD&C Green No. 3 - Fast Green FCF, E143 (Bluish green shade)
* FD&C Red No. 40 - Allura Red AC, E129 (Red shade)
* FD&C Red No. 3 - Erythrosine, E127 (Pink shade)
* FD&C Yellow No. 5 - Tartrazine, E102 (Yellow shade)
* FD&C Yellow No. 6 - Sunset Yellow FCF, E110 (Orange shade)

Delisted

* FD&C Red No. 2 - Amaranth (dye)
* FD&C Red No. 4
* FD&C Red No. 32‎ was used to color Florida oranges.
* FD&C Orange No. 1, was one of the first water soluble dyes to be commercialized, and one of seven original food dyes allowed under the Pure Food and Drug Act of June 30, 1906.
* FD&C Orange No. 2‎ was used to color Florida oranges.
* FD&C Yellows No. 1, 2, 3, and 4
* FD&C Violet No. 1

Reference Links:

1) http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2003/may/softdrinks

2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_coloring#Delisted