GRAS Food Dyes

The industry of processed foods and food additives has grown immensely. The FDA regulates these additives in order to deem them safe or unsafe. Those additives surpassing regulations are entitled "GRAS" by the FDA. Gras is an acronym for "generally regarded as safe." "Under sections 201 and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act any substance that is intentionally added to food is a food additive…generally recognized among qualified experts as having been shown to be adequately safe…" There are currently 7 synthetic food dyes approved and recognized by the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. These food dyes serve no purpose but to be aesthetically pleasing. More specifically these food dyes are used for; coloring loss, "making food more fun", and enhancing natural color. At what cost are these foods made "more fun?" 

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