The Current 7 Food Dyes
Blue No.1(Briliant Blue)
Often found in: dairy products, jellies, icings, etc.
Hazards: can cause allergic reaction in preexisting conditions of asthma.
Chemistry Aspect:
Blue No. 2 (Indigotine)
Often found in: ice cream, sweets, baked goods, etc.
Hazards: may cause vomitting, high blood pressure, skin rashes, breathing problems, or allergic reactions
Chemistry Aspect:
Green No.3 (Fast Green)
Often found in: peas, veggies, fish, etc.
Hazards: poorly absorbed by intestines resulting in irritation in digestion tract; as well as irritation in skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
Chemistry Aspect:
Red No. 3 (Erythosine)
Often found in: candies, condiments, etc.
Hazards:studies show it may cause thyroid tumors, chromosomal damage, and breast carcinogenesis
Chemistry Aspect:
Red No. 40
Often found in: cotton candy, tattoo ink, children's meds., etc
Hazards: hyperactivity, also been linked to cancer in mice
Chemistry Aspect:
Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)
Often found in: mustard, gum, yogurt, cake mixes, etc.
Hazards: induces asthma attacks, hives, itching, restlessness, allergic reactions including; migraines, blurred vision, purple skin patches.
Chemistry Aspect:
Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow)
Often found in: hot chocolate mix, soup, orange squash, etc.
Hazards: allergic reactions or gastric problems, vomiting, rash or swelling of skin
Chemistry Aspect:
These don't look so appetizing now, do they?
Sources:
http://www.iatp.org/files/421_2_105204.pdf
http://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/foodadditivesingredients/ucm094211.htm#types
http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/ColorAdditives/RegulatoryProcessHistoricalPerspectives/
http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/GRAS/SCOGS/default.htm