Food Coloring: Everything You Need to Know

ROLE OF COLORS

The food coloring have no use except to make products more appetizing in :

• standardizing ou revitalizing the natural colors food
• replacing those that have disappeared because of cooking
• giving them a festive side

BUT …

Some of these food colorings would be at the origin of more than half of the allergies ou food intolerances. Many contain chemical agents carcinogenic.
Moreover, A number of food colorings authorized in France and in Europe are banned in many countries because of their danger: the most incriminated are those of the family of azo, which in addition to being very allergens (eczema, asthma, hives ...) and difficult to biodegrade are often suspected of having carcinogenic and mutagenic effects.

Although the law imposes purity criteria for raw materials which allow limiter the presence of carcinogenic aromatic amines, this does not guarantee the absence of all risk.

 

Here is the list of colorants authorized, to consume with moderation et to avoid :

 

E100: CURCUMIN

• Dye natural orange-yellow, coming from the roots of the turmeric
• Sometimes extracted with solvents (especially with tumerol) which may present risk for the health
• Allowed in most foods (sometimes in small quantities), it is found in particular in:
  • the confectionery
  • the broths
  • the soups
  • the Sauces
  • the merguez
  • the cooked sausages
  • la mustard
  • the yoghurt
  • the refreshing ice
  • the fruit drinks
• CONSIDERED HARMLESS TO HEALTH*

​

E101: RIBOFLAVIN OR RIBOFLAVIN-5' PHOSPHATE

• Dye yellow, which can benatural origin, synthetic or be the result of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)**
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the jams
  • the confectionery
  • the Sauces
  • la delicatessen
  • the dairy products
  • the soupes
  • the baby food
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics
• NO KNOWN SIDE EFFECTS TO DATE

 

E102: TARTRAZINE

• Dye chemical yellow (azoic)
• Side effects:
  • childhood hyperactivity in case of association with other additives (E210 to E215)
  • eczema and hives, especially in combination with aspirin
  • asthma attack
  • rhinitis
  • insomnia
• Banned in the USA, Austria, Norway, Finland and Tunisia because tartrazine may containaluminum material and the latter is suspected of promoting dementia diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and the Parkinson's disease.
• Authorized in Europe in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the chips
  • the cornflakes
  • the muesli
  • la mustard
  • the canned peas
  • la paella industrial
  • le Mint sirup
  • the refreshing ice
  • the orange flavored drinks
  • certains medications (while he would be involved in cross-allergy phenomena with aspirin)
  • certains cosmetics : hair dyes
• TOXIC – AVOID
• CAUTION: readily available commercially, Tartrazine is sometimes confused with saffron.

 

E104: QUINOLINE YELLOW

• Dye synthetic yellow
• Side effects:
  • childhood hyperactivity in case of association with other additives (E210 to E215)
  • eczema and hives, especially in combination with aspirin
  • asthma attack
  • liver diseases
• Possible effects carcinogenic and mutagens
• Banned in Australia, Norway, the United States and Japan
• Authorized in Europe in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the jams
  • the spreads
  • the chocolate mousse
  • the candied fruits
  • the pastries
  • the his biscuits
  • the chewing gum
  • the sodas
  • certains liquor
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics: shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, shaving creams, toothpastes, soaps, foundations, lipsticks, etc.
• In France, L 'labeling "may have adverse effects on activity and attention in children" is compulsory for all food products containing E104 since July 20, 2010.
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E110: SUNSET YELLOW FCF OR YELLOW ORANGE S

• Dye chemical orange yellow (azoic)
• Side effects:
  • childhood hyperactivity in case of association with other additives (E210 to E215)
  • eczema and hives, especially in combination with aspirin
  • digestive disorders (stomach)
  • diarrhea
• Carcinogenic (increases the number of tumors in animals) and mutagenic
• Banned in the United States, Norway and Finland because studies have shown that this dye is responsible forallergies on people intolerant to aspirin whose symptoms may be diarrhea, vomiting, hives et skin swelling
• Authorized in Europe in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the canned fruit
  • the syrups
  • the candy
  • the refreshing ice
  • the fruit jellies
  • the cheese
  • the instant soups
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics : shampoos, conditioners, shower gel, lipstick, nail polish, care creams, beauty masks, ...
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E120: COCHINEAL OR CARMINIC ACID OR CARMINES 

• Dye natural red, obtained from crushed cochineals (small aphids)
• Side effects:
  • edema
  • urticaria 
  • reactions allergic, which can go up to anaphylactic shock
  • Worsening of the syndromehyperactivity infant
• Banned in the United States
• Authorized in France in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the pâtisseries
  • the confectionery
  • the frankfurter sausages
  • le Taramasalata
  • le vinaigre
  • certains yoghurt
  • certains sodas (such as Coca-Cola)
  • certains liquor
  • certains cosmetics : toothpaste, care creams, mascara, eyeliners, lipstick, foundation, ...
• CONSUME IN MODERATION
• TO AVOID in particular for hyperactive children, people allergic to aspirin, asthmatics, people prone to rhinitis, people prone to hives.

 

E122: AZORUBINE OR CARMOISINE 

• Dye chemical red (azoic)
• Side effects:
  • childhood hyperactivity in case of association with other additives (E210 to E215)
  • eczema and hives, especially in combination with aspirin
  • asthma attack
• Presumed carcinogenic and neurotoxic
• Banned in the United States, in Canada, Austria, Sweden, Norway and Japan
• Authorized in Europe in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the fruit syrups
  • the lemonades
  • the canned red fruits
  • the refreshing ice
  • the yoghurt
  • the blanks
  • the desserts
  • la confectionery
  • the liquor
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics : shower gels, liquid soaps, shampoos, lipstick
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E123: AMARANTH 

• Dye chemical red (azoic)
• Side effects:
  • childhood hyperactivity
  • allergies
  • very severe asthma attacks
• Presumed carcinogenic
• Banned in the United States, Austria, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Japan
• Authorized in France, its use is limited and it is found in particular in:
  • some alcoholic beverages
  • the fish eggs
  • le caviar
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​ : shower gel, anti wrinkle creams, makeup remover lotions, lipstick, slimming gels, ...
• TOXIC – AVOID, especially for hyperactive children and people allergic to salicylates (aspirin)

 

E124: PANCEAU 4R OR COCHINEAL RED A 

• Dye chemical red (azoic)
• Side effects:
  • childhood hyperactivity in case of association with other additives (E210 to E215)
  • eczema and hives especially in association with theaspirine
  • asthma attacks
  • liver diseases
• Potentially carcinogenic
• Banned in the United States, Sweden and Norway
• Authorized in Europe in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • canned food Red fruits
  • the jams
  • the refreshing ice
  • some sausages
  • le sausage
  • the soupes
  • some alcoholic beverages
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​ : shower gel, shampoos
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E127: ERYTHROSINE 

• Dye synthetic red
• Side effects:
  • severe allergies (asthma, hives, itching)
  • hyperactivity
  • photophobia
  • hyperthyroidism
• Potentially carcinogenic, in particular on the thyroid
• Banned in Norway
• Authorized only for:
  • the candied cherries 
  • the cocktail cherries
  • the cherries in syrup
  • the candied fruits
  • the fruit cocktails
  • certains canned fruit
  • the confectionery
  • the chewing gum
  • certains cocktails
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E128: RED 2 G 

• Dye chemical red (azoic)
• Side effects :
  • allergies, particularly in association with theaspirine
  • crises ofasthma
  • childhood hyperactivity
• Potentially carcinogenic
• Banned in the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Japan and Europe for food
• Authorized in France only in certain cosmetics : liquid soaps, shower gel, shampoos, bubble baths, hair masks
• TOXIC – AVOID
• WARNING: This colouring is permitted in Great Britain and may therefore be found in certain products such as hamburgers, sausages or sodas.

 

E129: ALLURA RED AC 

• Dye chemical red (azoic)
• Side effects : 
  • hyperactivity in children in case of association with other additives (E210 to E215)
  • eczema and hives especially in association with theaspirine
  • asthma attacks
• Potentially carcinogenic
• Banned in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland
• Authorized in France in certain foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the his biscuits
  • the confectionery
  • the condiments
  • the liquor
  • csome pharmaceutical products 
  • certains cosmetics​ : shower gel, makeup remover lotions, cleansing milks, anti wrinkle creams, moisturizers, slimming gels, lipstick, ...
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E131: PATENTED BLUE V 

• Dye synthetic blue
• Side effects:
  • skin reactions
  • asthma
  • nausea
  • blood pressure disorders
  • tremors
  • insomnia
  • risk of anaphylactic shock
• Potentially carcinogenic
• Banned in the United States, Canada and Australia 
• Authorized in Europe in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the mint syrups
  • the blanks
  • the fruit jellies
  • the confectionery: violet sweets, Dragibus, Car-en-Sac
  • the refreshing ice
  • the desserts
  • the chewing gum​
  • le caviar
  • le curacao
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics: shower gels, toothpastes, shaving creams, moisturizers, deodorants, hair dyes
• TO AVOID

 

E132: INDIGOTINE OR INDIGO CARMINE 

• Dye synthetic blue
• Side effects:
  • skin irritations
  • respiratory problems
  • hypertension
• Suspected ofalter some chromosomes in association with the E250 (Sodium nitrite) in high doses
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • le Green tea
  • the liqueurs
  • the confectionery: Haribo sweets, sugared almonds
  • the ice cream
  • the chewing gum
  • la delicatessen
  • the oils
  • the Pasta
  • the cheese
  • the flavored milks
  • certains pharmaceutical products
• CONSUME IN MODERATION

 

E133: BRILLIANT BLUE FCF 

• Dye synthetic blue
• Side effects:
  • hyperactivity
  • allergic reactions
• Potentially carcinogenic
• Authorized in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • certains candy
  • the chewing gum
  • the ice cream
  • the syrups
  • some charcuteries
  • le curacao
  • certains pharmaceutical products 
  • certains cosmetics​ : know, shampoos, shaving gels, mouthwashes, solvents, lipstick, perfumes, ...
• CONSUME IN MODERATION

 

E140: CHLOROPHYLL OR CHLOROPHYLLINE 

• Dye natural green, obtained from nettle leaves orherbs
• Sometimes extracted with solvents (especially with dichloromethane) which may present risk for the health
• Allowed in most foods, it is mainly found in:
  • the chewing gum
  • the confectionery
  • the refreshing ice
  • the candied fruits
  • certains vegetables (used to enhance the green appearance)
  • certains pharmaceutical products 
  • certains cosmetics​ : toothpaste, shampoos, scrubs, scrubs
• Banned in organic food
• CONSIDERED HARMLESS TO HEALTH *
• CONSUME IN MODERATION DUE TO THE SOLVENTS USED FOR ITS EXTRACTION

 

E141: COPPER-CHLOROPHYL COMPLEXES

or COPPER-CHLOROPHYLLINE COMPLEXES 

• Dye natural green enriched with copper
• Sometimes extracted with solvents (especially with acetone) which may present risk for the health
• Authorized in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • certains candy like Tic Tac lime / orange
  • the jams
  • some conserves de legumes
  • the wasabi chips
  • the lemonades
  • some liqueurs
  • certains pharmaceutical products 
  • certains cosmetics​
• CONSIDERED HARMLESS TO HEALTH *
• CONSUME IN MODERATION DUE TO THE SOLVENTS USED FOR ITS EXTRACTION

 

E142: BRILLIANT GREEN – GREEN S 

• Dye synthetic green
• Side effects :
  • childhood hyperactivity
  • worsening of the Parkinson's disease
  • worsening of the Alzheimer's disease
• Potentially carcinogenic
• Banned in the United States, Canada, Sweden and Norway
• Authorized in France in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the syrups
  • the confectionery
  • the fruit jellies
  • the sodas
  • the mint sauces
  • the canned peas 
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics
• Banned in organic food
• TOXIC – AVOID, especially for children

 

E150a: REGULAR CARAMEL
E150b: CAUSTIC SULFITE CARAMEL 

• dyes natural browns (obtained by heating sugars) but can also come from GMOs**

• Authorized in most foods, we find them in particular in:
  • the tails
  • the beers
  • the iced teas
  • the whiskeys
  • the cognac
  • the vinegars
  • some soupes
  • the confectionery
  • some sausages
  • some breakfast cereal
  • certains pharmaceutical products (antibiotics)
  • certains cosmetics : shampoos, shower creams, moisturizers, hair coloring, ...
• NO KNOWN ISSUES TO DATE

 

E150c: AMMONIACAL CARAMEL
E150d: AMMONIUM SULFITE CARAMEL 

• dyes synthetic browns but can come from of GMOs**
• Side effects :
  • decrease in the number of white blood cells in high doses
• Suspected of being carcinogenic
• Authorized in most foods, we find them in particular in:
  • the confectionery
  • the Sauces
  • the beers
  • the liquor
  • certains pharmaceutical products 
  • certains cosmetics​
• CONSUME IN MODERATION

 

E151: GLOSS BLACK BN OR BLACK PN 

• Dye chemical black (azo) from petrochemicals
• Side effects :
  • allergies 
  • urticaria
  • asthma
  • respiratory problems
  • childhood hyperactivity
  • Parkinson's disease (in high doses)
  • Alzheimer's disease (in high doses)
• Potentially carcinogenic
• Banned in the United States and Japan
• Allowed in most foods,  we find it in particular in:
  • the dessert decorations
  • the refreshing ice
  • the confectionery
  • licorice
  • candied fruits
  • flavored milk-based drinks
  • the sodas
  • syrups
  • lumpfish roe
  • barbecue sauces
  • cheese rinds
  • some liqueurs
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​ : shower gel, shampoos, eye makeup removers, aftershave lotions, lipstick
• TOXIC – AVOID especially for children

 

E153: MEDICINAL VEGETABLE CHARCOAL 

• Dye natural black (plant ash)
• Authorized in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the confectionery
  • la cheese crust “Black Tomme from the Pyrenees”
  • certains pharmaceutical products 
  • certains cosmetics​
• NO KNOWN ISSUES TO DATE

 

E154: BROWN FK 

• Dye chemical brown (azoic)
• Side effects: 
  • allergies
  • asthma attack
• Potentially carcinogenic
• Banned in Europe, therefore in France
• Authorized in Great Britain:
  • used for certain types of smoked herring
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E155: BROWN HT 

• Dye chemical brown (azoic)
• Banned in Europe, therefore in France, the United States and Canada 
• Allowed in Australia in most chocolate flavored milks to replace cocoa or caramel, it is also found in certain pharmaceutical products and products cosmetics.
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E160a: MIXED CAROTENOIDS OR BETA-CAROTENE 

• Dye orange which may benatural origin, synthetic or the result of GMOs**
• Sometimes extracted with solvents (especially with acetone as for chlorophyll) which can present risk for the health
• Precursor of the vitamin A (essential for the proper functioning of the body, particularly for eye health)
• In high doses, this dye can be the cause of:
  • fetal malformations in pregnant women
  • lung cancer among smokers
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the cheese
  • le butter 
  • the jams
  • the breakfast cereals
  • the confectionery
  • the refreshing ice
  • the sodas
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​
• CONSIDERED SAFE TO HEALTH AT RECOMMENDED DOSES*

 

E160b: ANNATO OR BIXIN OR NORBIXIN

• Dye natural red (obtained from the annatto seeds, a shrub) but can come from of GMOs**
• Side effects (rare):
  • allergies
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the cheese
  • the liquor
  • the pâtisseries
  • the refreshing ice
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​
• NO KNOWN PROBLEMS TO DATE but people with allergies should avoid it

 

E160c: PAPRIKA EXTRACT or CAPSANTHIN or CAPSORUBIN 

• Dye natural orange-red, extract from the p
• Sometimes extracted with solvents (especially with dichloromethane) which may present risk for the health
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the cheese
  • the jams
  • the breakfast cereals
  • the sausages
  • the confectionery
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​
• CONSIDERED HARMLESS TO HEALTH*

 

E160d: LYCOPENE 

• Dye natural red, obtained from the tomato
• Sometimes extracted with solvents (acetone, ethanol, etc.) which may present risk for the health
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the cheese
  • the Sauces
  • the confectionery
  • the refreshing ice
  • some alcoholic beverages​
• CONSIDERED HARMLESS TO HEALTH*

 

E160e: BETA-APOCAROTENAL-8' (C30) 
E160f: BETA-APOCAROTENIC ACID-8' ETHYL ESTER (C30)

• dyes orange-red treasures (spinach ou citrus) or synthetic
• Allowed in most foods, we find them in particular in:
  • the cheese
  • the salad dressings
  • the confectionery
  • the sodas
  • the refreshing ice
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​
• NO KNOWN PROBLEMS TO DATE

 

E161b: LUTEIN 

• Dye natural orange-yellow, obtained from alfalfa seeds, nettle leaves orherbs
• Sometimes extracted with solvents (especially with dichloromethane) which may present risk for the health
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the cheese
  • the jams
  • the spreads
  • the confectionery
  • the sodas​
• CONSIDERED HARMLESS TO HEALTH*

 

E161: CANTHAXANTHIN

• Colorant rorange-red, which can benatural origin or synthetic
• Suspected of causing liver damage
• Only allowed in Strasbourg sausages
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E162: BEETROOT RED OR BETANIN 

• Dye natural red (obtained from beetroot) but can come from GMOs**
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the canned fruit
  • the conserves de legumes
  • the sausages
  • the precooked shellfish
  • the confectionery
  • the refreshing ice​
• NO KNOWN PROBLEMS TO DATE

 

E163: ANTHOCYANINS

• Dye ranging from pink to purple, D 'natural origin (obtained from fruits and vegetables)
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • the jams
  • theoil
  • the breakfast cereals
  • the canned red fruits
  • the dairy products
  • the precooked shellfish
  • the confectionery
  • the refreshing ice​
• NO KNOWN PROBLEMS TO DATE

 

E170: CALCIUM CARBONATE

• Dye natural white d'mineral origin (limestone)
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • thecoating of confectionery
  • the cake decorations
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​
• NO KNOWN PROBLEMS TO DATE

 

E171: TITANIUM DIOXIDE 

• Dye natural white
• May be carcinogenic
• Risks related to its nanoparticle form
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • thecoating of confectionery, sugared almonds
  • the chewing gum
  • the cake decorations
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​
• CONSUME IN MODERATION

 

E172: IRON OXIDE AND HYDROXIDE

• dyes yellow, Red ou Black d'natural origin
• Allowed in most foods, we find it in particular in:
  • thecoating of confectionery
  • the cake decorations
  • the chewing gum
  • the ice cream
  • la delicatessen
  • some drinks
  • certains pharmaceutical products: coating of tablets and capsules
  • certains cosmetics​ : sun creams
• NO KNOWN PROBLEMS TO DATE
• TO BE AVOIDED HOWEVER because of its nanoparticle form

 

E173: ALUMINUM 

• Dye natural silver gray
• Side effects:
  • allergies
  • neurotoxic : involved in the triggering of Alzheimer's disease
• Banned in Australia
• Authorized in Europe, we find it in particular in:
  • thecoating of confectionery
  • the cake decorations
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E174: SILVER 

• Dye natural silver gray
• Side effects:
  • skin and eye discoloration
  • poisonings (in high doses) because it is difficult to eliminate by the kidneys, 
• Banned in Australia
• Authorized in Europe, we find it in particular in:
  • thecoating of confectionery
  • the cake decorations
  • the chocolate decorations
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​
• TOXIC – AVOID

 

E175: GOLD

• Dye natural gold
• Side effects:
  • ​blood count disturbances 
  • toxic to the bone marrow
• Banned in Australia
• Authorized in France under conditions, we find it in particular in:
  • thecoating of confectionery
  • the cake decorations
  • the chocolate decorations
  • la delicatessen
  • certains pharmaceutical products
  • certains cosmetics​
• TOXIC – AVOID

.

E180: LITHOL-RUBINE-BK

• Dye chemical red (azoic)
• Side effects :
  • Allergies
• Potentially carcinogenic
• Authorized in Europe about cheese rinds groceries
• TO AVOID

 

* considered harmless to health : subject to a process not involving any questionable substances

** risks associated with GMOs :

• Development of antibiotic resistance
• Decrease in the nutritional value of certain foods
• Allergies related to the presence of the gene inserted into the food

 

Read also:
Food Preservatives: Everything You Need to Know

Food Additives: Everything You Need to Know About Flavor Enhancers

 

 

Photo credit: Cupcake. – BillionPhotos.com – Fotolia.com