Tag: Food dye safety

In a remarkable 2024 study, scientists discovered that a common food additive could make living mouse skin temporarily transparent, sparking widespread curiosity about the yellow dye in Cheetos and its unexpected properties. This groundbreaking research, published in the journal *Science*, revealed the unique optical capabilities of the synthetic dye known as tartrazine.

Reports from organizations like the California EPA indicate that synthetic food dyes, including Red 40 Lake, are linked to neurobehavioral problems in some children. This has led to growing concern about what Red 40 Lake does to the body, impacting everything from behavior to gut health.

According to a 2010 report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), animal test data shows that Blue Number 2 cannot be considered safe for human consumption. The safety of this synthetic food dye has been a topic of debate for decades, with conflicting viewpoints from regulatory bodies and consumer advocates.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the current acceptable daily intake for Sunset Yellow FCF is 4 mg per kg of body weight, a level deemed safe for consumption. This synthetic azo dye, widely used in processed foods, has been at the center of a long-running debate over its health effects. So, is Sunset Yellow FCF good or bad?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, water and milk are the best beverages for young children. However, the colorful packaging on milk cartons can cause confusion for parents debating the different fat contents, as can the use of artificial food dyes. Deciding if a toddler should have blue or green milk is an important nutritional choice, not just a matter of color.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified Red Dye 40, a synthetic colorant in certain Gatorade flavors, as safe for consumption under specific conditions. Despite this approval, controversy continues regarding possible links to health problems, such as hyperactivity in children. The safety of the red dye in Gatorade is a significant concern for consumers.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the acceptable daily intake for brilliant blue FCF is 6 mg per kilogram of body weight. But beyond official regulation, the question, "is brilliant blue coloring safe?", continues to spark public concern and debate among consumers.

Over 155,000 cochineal insects are needed to produce a single kilogram of the red food dye E120, a substance widely used across the food and cosmetic industries. This raises important questions for consumers regarding its health implications and overall safety.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), color additives like tartrazine and erioglaucine are safe for use in foods and other products when used in compliance with approved regulations and restrictions. Despite this, public concern persists regarding potential health effects and sensitivities associated with these synthetic dyes.

In January 2025, the US FDA officially banned the food colorant E127, also known as Red Dye No. 3, citing evidence that it caused thyroid tumors in animal studies. This recent action highlights a long history of debate and shifting global regulations surrounding the safety of this common synthetic dye.