Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : October 13, 2017 12:36 PM IST
If you have ever read the labels on the back of a food packet, you might have come across term artificial food colours. I used to wonder what exactly are artificial food colours? Are these food colours permitted for consumption? Do these artificial food colours cause any health problems? We asked Dr Saurabh Arora, Founder of Foodsafetyhelpine.com, Director of Auriga Research and Arbro pharmaceuticals about artificial food colours and here is what he has to say.
What are artificial food colours?
Artificial or synthetic colours are chemicals that are commonly synthesized from petroleum and are mass produced. The final products undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they contain no traces of petroleum. According to the FSSAI regulations, food manufacturers can use artificial colours. However, only specific types of food colours are prescribed for consumption, which is based on the regulations. Also, artificial food colours need to be used in foodstuffs according to the permissible limit set by the food regulatory authority. Moreover, it is mandatory to mention colour on food labels but this becomes difficult on Indian sweets and savouries when they are sold open and not as packaged foods. Also read about hidden dangers of food colours and dyes in healthy fruit juices, yoghurt and more.
Are artificial food colours safe?
Artificial colours permitted for use by FSSAI are safe to consume. These are -
However, even permitted artificial colours can become adulterated when pure chemicals are not used or when they contain impurities like 4-aminobiphenyl and benzidine, which are contaminants. Adulterated synthetic colours can cause health hazards like allergic reactions, behavioural changes and cancer depending on the intake. Since even permitted artificial colours can cause health hazards there is a growing clamour to replace them with natural colours. hence, please do check the food labels before buying any packaged food. Here's more on why artificial food colours are bad for your health.
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