Food colorings

Food colorings are substances, liquids, or powders that are added to food and drink to change their color. They are used for a variety of reasons including to offset color loss due to exposure to light, air, temperature extremes, moisture and storage conditions; to correct natural variations in color; to enhance naturally occurring colors; and to provide color to colorless and "fun" foods.

History

The use of food colorings dates back to ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians used natural colorings such as saffron and indigo to enhance the appearance of their food. In the Middle Ages, the use of colorings in food was a status symbol, with the wealthy using expensive spices and dyes to color their food.

Types of Food Colorings

Food colorings can be classified into two main types: natural and artificial.

Natural Food Colorings

Natural food colorings are derived from plants, animals, and minerals. They are often less vibrant than artificial colorings and can be more expensive to produce. Examples of natural food colorings include beet juice, turmeric, paprika, and chlorophyll.

Artificial Food Colorings

Artificial food colorings are made from synthetic materials and are often used because they provide a brighter, more consistent color. They are also less expensive to produce than natural colorings. Examples of artificial food colorings include FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, and FD&C Blue No. 1.

Health Concerns

There have been health concerns associated with the use of certain food colorings. Some studies have suggested a link between artificial food colorings and hyperactivity in children, while others have suggested a potential link to cancer. However, these findings are controversial and not universally accepted.

Regulation

The use of food colorings is regulated by government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in the European Union, and the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) in Australia and New Zealand.

See Also

• Food additive
• Food safety
• Food industry
• Food technology