Red 40 is considered one of the most toxic and harmful food colors out there, but all food dyes are, in fact, potentially harmful.
What is Red 40 made out of?
Is Red Food Dye made from bugs? Red dye 40 is not made from crushed bugs, but rather from petroleum or coal, so it is a synthetic dye.
There are a variety of red dyes on the market. Some are from natural sources, but many are synthetic.
So-called ‘natural’ red dyes can be made from plants or other living things, but just because they are ‘natural’ doesn’t mean they are completely safe.
Cochineal Food Coloring
Carmine red or cochineal is made from dried cochineal insects, which is processed in a variety of ways with alcohol or aluminum to produce carminic acid or carmine, which is red.
While it was at one point known as a “natural dye,” it turns out that cochineal can cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions in some people, so it is increasingly being replaced by synthetic red dyes, which may carry even greater toxicity.
Artificial Food Coloring Health Risks
Food Dyes To Avoid
Red dye #40, also known as Allura Red, FD&C Red No.40 and Red 40 is a synthetic food coloring that is one of about nine different FDA-approved food dyes that have been studied and shown to cause considerable health issues.
Red 40 and ADHD
Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 have been found to be contaminated with carcinogens and these three along with Blue 1 can cause hypersensitivity reactions. There are studies linking Red 40 and Yellow 5 with ADHD and hyperactivity in children.
RED DYE 3 & CANCER
Does Red 3 Cause Cancer?
Red 3, or erythrosine, is an organic iodine compound that is found in foods such as maraschino cherries. This food coloring may increase the risk of thyroid cancer and has been shown to cause DNA damage in liver cells.
Many over the counter medications contain artificial dyes as well. Market research from big brands are catching on to the growing trend of label readers and researchers to offer dye-free options. Look for dye-free options at your local stores.