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Artificial Food Coloring Health Concerns

The issue regarding the safety of artificial food coloring and the health effects it carries has long been questionable. In the 1970s, a pediatric allergist from California, Dr. Benjamin Feingold was successful in treating children diagnosed with hyperactivity by prescribing a diet that among other things eliminated the use of artificial food coloring. In 1950, many children became ill after consuming Halloween candies containing Orange No. 1 Dye. Soon after the F.D.A. banned it, after rigorous testing suggested it was toxic. In 1976, the F.D.A. banned Red No. 2 as it was suspected to be carcinogenic. An unpublished study suggested that Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue) caused kidney tumors in mice. Blue No. 2 (Indigo Carmine) has been found to cause a significant increase of brain tumors in male rodents. Citrus Red No. 2 is found to be toxic to rodents at modest levels as well as causing tumors of the bladder and other possible organs. Red No. 3 (Erythrosine), which in 1990 was recognized by the F.D.A. as a thyroid carcinogen was banned for it's use in cosmetics and externally applied drugs, yet is still used in sausage casings, oral medication, maraschino cherries, baked goods, and candies. Red No. 40 (Allura Red) is the most commonly used and consumed artificial coloring, it has been found to trigger hypersensitivity and allergy-like reactions in some consumers, as well as accelerate the appearance of immune system tumors in rodents. Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine) can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions as well behavioral effects in children. Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow) is found to cause adrenal tumors in animals and on occasion severe hypersensitivity. In a study put on by research associates of the University of Louisville, it was found that Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine), increased the behavioral responses of mice and rats significantly, as well as causing a decrease in the retention latency in step-through tests. Suggesting that extensive research regarding the health concerns of tartrazine is warranted. Another study involving tartrazine put on by the University of Mohamed Ier, found that rats who were fed tartrazine had significant weight gain particularly in the liver, as well as an increase in protein serums. In recent times, the European union has begun placing regulations on labeling food dyes as to inform consumers of health concerns.