Category: Synthetic dyes

Recent FDA actions led to the eventual ban of Red No. 3 from food and ingested drugs in the U.S. after more than three decades of debate. Red No. 3 dye, also known as erythrosine, is a synthetic, chemical dye derived from petroleum. The dye was originally created in 1876 and has been used to impart a bright, cherry-red color to a variety of products.

According to regulatory information, E110 is approved for use as a food additive in many countries but is banned in others, such as Norway. What is E110 made of, and why does its origin matter? E110, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF, is a synthetic orange-yellow colorant derived from petroleum, a fact central to its production and use.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), D&C Red No. 30 is a certified color additive approved for use in drugs and cosmetics. But what is red 30 dye made of? This vibrant pigment is a synthetic chemical compound, a fact that often surprises consumers accustomed to natural dyes.

According to a January 2025 announcement, the FDA has banned erythrosine (Red Dye No. 3) in food and ingested drugs in the United States due to mounting evidence of potential health risks. This synthetic food dye, also known as E127, has been the subject of debate for years concerning its potential impact on human health, raising questions about its effects on the body.

Did you know that Red No. 40, one of the most widely used food dyes in the world, is not derived from natural sources but from petroleum? This popular red food coloring, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic compound created through complex chemical reactions.

Food color 133, also known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a synthetic dye derived from petroleum-based aromatic hydrocarbons. This additive is widely used in the food industry to produce bright blue and green shades in various products.

Over 65% of commercially produced dyes globally belong to the azo dye class, which includes the food coloring E129. The source of E129, also known as Allura Red AC or Red 40, is entirely synthetic, derived primarily from petroleum and coal tar byproducts. This article explores its chemical origin and manufacturing process, clarifying common misconceptions.

Yellow 6, also known as Sunset Yellow FCF, is a synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum. Unlike natural colorings, this widely used additive has no nutritional value and is solely included to enhance the visual appeal of a variety of food products.

Tartrazine, known as FD&C Yellow #5, is one of the world's most common synthetic food colorants, first synthesized in 1884. The definitive answer to the question, "Is tartrazine a synthetic dye?" is yes; it is not a natural compound.

Over 54% of food products analyzed in one study contained Brilliant Blue (E133), a finding that highlights its widespread use. But where does E133 come from, and how is this common food additive created? This synthetic coloring agent, known as Brilliant Blue FCF, is a product of complex chemical synthesis, not a natural extract.