Artificial Food Colour

Used

In

Effects

Produced

Brilliant Blue FCF

Ice-creams, icing sugar, candy, soft-drinks

1.      Induction of allergic reactions in individuals pre-disposed to asthma

2.      Disruption of cellular metabolism in the bloodstream by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration

3.      In critically-ill patients, occurrence of refractory shock and acidosis

4.      Skin irritation - subjects suffering from dermatitis reported worsening symptoms of condition

5.      DNA damage in rats and genotoxic effects on mammalian cell culture. However, Ames test proves no mutagenicity

6.      Reported intolerance to Brilliant Blue FCF causing digestive and neurological problems

7.      Chromosomal damage

8.      Causes kidney tumour in mice

9.       Constriction of bronchi (in combination with Indigo Carmine FCF)

Indigo Carmine FCF

Dog food, beverages, candy

1.      Incidence of brain tumours in male rats

2.      Causes irritation of skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract

3.      Asthma, allergies, cardiac problems, nausea, vomiting, hypertension, breathing problems

4.      Constriction of bronchi (in combination with Brilliant Blue FCF)

Citrus Red # 2 FCF

Foods containing artificial orange flavour

1.      Toxic at modest levels

2.      Tumour of bladder

3.      “Possibly carcinogenic” to humans

Fast Green FCF

Beverages, candy, ice-cream, cosmetics (non-edible uses)

1.      Irritation of eye, skin, digestive tract, respiratory tract

2.      Chronic exposure produces mutagenic effects

3.      Found to cause tumours in experimental animal models

4.      Significant increase in bladder & testes tumours

Allura Red FCF

Baked foods, candy, cereals, beverages

1.      Contains benzidene which is a human and animal carcinogen

2.      Enhances tumour metastasis in immune system (lymphomas)

3.      Triggers hypersensitivity and hyperactivity

4.      Chromosomal damage

Erythrosine FCF

Candy, sausages, glazed cherries

1.      Sensitivity to light

2.      Risk factor for breast cancer

3.      Chromosomal damage

4.      Hyperthyroidism and tumours of thyroid gland

5.      Learning difficulties

6.      Adverse effect on functioning of neurochemicals, having a negative impact on behavior

Tartrazine FCF

Candy, medicinal drugs, beverages, baked goods

1.       Palpitations

2.       Restlessness, behavioural problems, and sleep disruption

3.       Hives and itching

4.       Most allergic food dye - Subjects intolerant to aspirin suffer from allergic reactions

5.       Blurred vision and migraine

6.       Respiratory problems

7.       Hyperactivity and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

8.       Appearance of purple-coloured patches on skin

9.       Speculated to lower sperm count

10.    Lymphomas and thyroid tumours

11.    Neurochemical disturbances

Sunset Yellow FCF

Sausages, cosmetics, medicinal drugs

1.      Allergic reactions and food intolerance

2.      Skin rashes and eczema

3.      Gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting

4.      Chromosomal damage

5.      Hyperactivity

6.      Tumours of thyroid  and adrenal gland

7.      Abdominal pain

8.      Respiratory problems - nasal congestion and bronchoconstriction

9.      Dislike for food taste

Brown HT FCF

Substitute colorant in foods containing cocoa or chocolate; chocolate milk, cheese, yogurt, fish

1.      Allergic reactions in asthmatics

2.      Skin sensitivity with eczema and rashes

3.      Growth retardation found in male rats

4.      Mild renal dysfunction

5.      Brown pigmentation in Kupffer cells of liver

6.      Reduction in haemoglobin and red blood cell count

7.      High dosage level in rats reveals slight increase in mortality rate

8.      May cause eye irritation

Carmoisine FCF

Foods heated post-fermentation, jams, yogurts, jellies, cheesecake,

breadcrumbs

1.      Asthmatic reactions in individuals intolerant to aspirin

2.      Skin irritation

3.      Bladder cancer

4.      Hyperactivity

Brilliant Black PN FCF

Desserts, mustard, soft drinks, fish paste, caviar, flavoured milk, food decorations

^1.        Histamine liberator, worsening symptoms of asthma

2.      Breathing and respiratory difficulties

3.      Carcinogenic effects in laboratory experiments, affecting liver, intestine, urinary bladder

4.      May be responsible for autoimmune disorders such as lupus

5.      To be avoided by subjects suffering from rhinitis, urticaria, and various other allergic conditions

6.     Intestinal bacteria have potential to convert Brilliant Black PN into hazardous substances

7.     Hyperactivity