COLORING AGENTS:
Haas M.D., Elson M., Staying Healthy with Nutrition, (Celestial Arts, Berkley Cal. copyright 1992.).
Citrus Red #2: withdrawn in 1976, except for use in coloring oranges, because it was shown to cause cancer in animals.
Red#3: (erythrosine)-found in cherries, gelatins, ice cream, fruit cocktail, candy, pudding, cereals and baked goods. It is on the safe list, but it has been suggested that this coal-tar derivative is harmful, possibly causing gene mutations, cancers, or changes in brain chemistry. Clear evidence is lacking, so FDA Red#3 stays on the safe list and does not have to be listed on labels except as “artificial color.”
Red#40 (Allura Red AC)- took the place of banned Red#2 and is used in foods, drugs and cosmetics. It may cause cancer in animals.
Blue #1: a coal-tar derivative used in soft drinks, candy, ice cream, cereals and puddings. It is on the permanent safe list. It is a possible allergen, and it can cause tumors in animals at the site of injection.
Blue #2: used the same way as Blue #1 and is on the permanent FDA list. The World Health Organization rates it in category B–questionable for use in food.
Green #3: this color is used for green foods such as mint jelly, gelatins, candy, frozen desserts, and cereals. It is classified as safe but is a potential allergen and is tumorigenic upon injection.
Yellow #5 (tartrazine)-this is the most notable color agent, partly because it causes the most immediate allergic reactions in people sensitive to salicylates, such as aspirins, and because, by law, it is the only artificial color that must be listed by name on packaging. Tartrazine is used in yellow colored foods such as spaghetti, puddings, gelatin, soft drink, sherbets, ice cream, cereals, and candy. Attempts to ban it have not succeeded. Most people can tolerate some Yellow #5 in foods, but those with sensitivity may develop skin reactions or asthma symptoms.
Yellow #6: another coal-tar color, it is used in many foods, such as candies, baked goods, carbonated beverages and gelatins. It is considered safe, though there is also some concern about allergy.
