Although natural food colours offer a safe alternative, they are expensive to extract compared to their synthetic versions. Synthetic colours also give more vibrant colours opposed to any natural colours. To save costs and generate more profit, some companies opt for synthetic dyes. Studies in the US and Europe confirmed the presence of cancer causing properties in these colours/dyes like Red 40(Allura red), Red 7 or Ponceau 4R. While Yellow 5 (Tartrazine) Yellow 6 (Sunset yellow) variants cause hyperactivity in children. Some can even have allergic reactions causing rashes etc.
Red Alert
- Allura red- Derived from petroleum. Cancer risk, hyper activity, allergic reactions, possible kidney dysfunction, neurological effects
- Sunset yellow- Derived from petroleum. Causes hyperactivity in kids, carcinogen, possible kidney damage.
- Ponceau 4R- Derived from coal tar/ petroleum. Causes ADHD, allergic reactions, possible thyroid dysfunction.
- Tartrazine- Derived from petroleum. Cancer risk, hyper activity, allergic reactions, possible kidney dysfunction, neurological effects, asthma and breathing disorder.
- Carmoisine- Derived from petroleum. Causes hyperactivity, carcinogen, possible kidney damage.
Alternative Natural Colours
For natural colours, one can consider fresh vegetables and fruits such as beetroot, carrot, fresh fruit puree, and saffron strands as healthy alternatives. For yellow or orange, the best alternatives are turmeric, annatto extract from seeds, paprika from red capsicum, beta carotene from carrots, and algae. For purple and red, grape skin extract, natural butterfly pea flower extract for blue, and hibiscus or rose extract for red or pink can be used. For blue or green, spirulina is a good option.
- Allura red- The Allura red colour can be extracted from red cabbage juice, beetroot juice, carmine, or cochineal extract.
- Sunset yellow- The Sunset yellow colour can be extracted from Turmeric, saffron, annatto, beta-carotene.
- Ponceau 4R- The Ponceau 4R colour can be extracted from red cabbage juice, beetroot juice, carmine, or cochineal extract.
- Tartrazine- The Tartrazine colour can be extracted from turmeric, saffron, annatto, beta-carotene.
- Carmoisine- The Carmoisine colour can be extracted from red cabbage juice, beetroot juice, carmine, or cochineal extract.
Stay Safe
Choose natural or organic options with natural food colouring. Look out for physical issues like allergies, skin rashes, digestive disorder, asthma, headache, and fatigue. Potential symptoms like itching, vomiting, cramps, coughing and wheezing, swelling of lips, tongue and the like. Food tolerance tests can be conducted through elimination diets by avoiding suspected food for 2-4 weeks. Reintroduce suspected food in the system and monitor symptoms regularly. If there are any concerns, consult a doctor or seek professional help immediately. Stay informative by referring to resources from different organisations including NHO, FDA, EFSA, FSSAI and take necessary steps if needed. The carcinogens and health risk related issues from food colour are not immediate and if consumed in low quantities. Hence it is best to avoid packaged food or unusually bright coloured products like candies. “Overconsumption of synthetic colours, especially from unregulated sources, can pose health risks such as allergies or hyperactivity in children. For example, Rhodamine B, a banned dye, is suspected to be carcinogenic, which is why products containing it must display warnings. The FSSAI regulations say that no colouring matter may be added to food unless permitted,” says Rahul Johar, Founder & CEO Oxbow Brands.
Colour Cringe
Food colours are mainly used in the baking industry to make cakes appealing and attract more consumers, especially children. Most of these colours are synthetic and dried from a petroleum base source. Concerns have been raised about their safety due to the potential linked to various health issues. Some synthetic food colours can have allergic reactions resulting in symptoms like skin rashes and respiratory issues. Hyperactivity Research has suggested that Correlation between artificial food colours and increased hyperactivity in children. Certain synthesis dyes have been identified as potential carcinogenic This may contribute to the development of cancer. Engage in conversation around food safety and advocate for stricter regulation concerning food additives. Individuals who frequently consume any baked food, if they feel any unusual thing in their body, please take the doctor’s advice. “Identifying or sourcing the right product line is the key in ensuring sustainable and safe food production in professional kitchens. As a safer practice, natural food colouring alternatives such as beetroot for red, spinach or mint for green, saffron for yellow, squid ink for dark purple, activated charcoal for black can be taken to have safe food production and consumption,” avers Vineeth Jayan, Executive Chef, The Den Hotel.
R. Ramaprasad, who runs Sreenivasa Brahmins Bakery in Basavanagudi, that was started by his father Late R Ramaswamy Iyengar, says, “we used only ISI mark products for colours and essence in our cakes which causes no issues. However, some local bakeries buy cheaper variants that can cause these issues. It is hard to make out as what is happening inside is not known to others. So, perhaps it is best to stick to standard bakeries.” The next time you reach out for that cake, take care, and stay safe.
Read the full story that first appeared in Our Bangalore dared Oct 12-Oct 18, 2024 here:
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