Yellow 6 caused adrenal tumors in animals, though that is disputed by industry and the FDA. It may be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals and occasionally causes severe hypersensitivity reactions.
The three most widely used culprits-Yellow 5, Yellow 6 and Red 40-contain compounds, including benzidine and 4-aminobiphenyl, that research has linked with cancer. Research has also associated food dyes with problems in children including allergies, hyperactivity, learning impairment, irritability and aggressiveness.
Sensitive individuals react to this dye in different ways. Major symptoms of tartrazine intolerance include skin rashes, hives, and nasal congestion. Rarely, tartrazine is said to cause asthma in sensitive individuals.
Hazard class: Skin and serious eye damage, corrosion or irritation (Category 2, 2A). Causes skin and serious eye irritation (H315+H319). Hazard class: Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation (Category 3).
FD&C Yellow 6 is a synthetic dye produced from petroleum; this dye is FDA-approved for use in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
The studies that were reviewed in this article show that diet, especially consumption of artificial food coloring, produces statistically significant increases in ADHD symptoms in children.
In general, however, it is believed that food dyes are typically excreted from the body within 24-48 hours.
Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 are widely used flavoring agents in the United States. However, yellow 5 has been banned in Finland and Norway due to adverse side effects; Yellow 6 is also banned in Finland.
Skittles, Pop-Tarts, Gatorade and those yummy Little Debbie's products are banned in the European Union because contain dyes like yellow 5, yellow 6 and red 40. The EU banned these artificial colors after their scientific research indicated they could be harmful to health, especially to young children.
Also known as sunset yellow, studies dating as far back as 1949 have shown that Yellow #6 can cause hyperactivity in children as well as hypersensitive reactions in a small percentage of the world's population.
To date, no conclusive evidence has been found to show that food coloring causes ADHD. Some studies, though, have suggested an association between the two. Most likely, ADHD is caused by the combination of changes in brain structure, environmental factors, and heredity.
Red 3 causes cancer in animals, and there is evidence that several other dyes also are carcinogenic. Three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens.
Food Dyes. Commonly used food dyes, such as Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40, pose risks including behavioral problems and hyperactivity in some children. Some dyes also pose a risk of cancer (like Red 3) and allergic reactions (like Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, Blue 1).
Red dye 40 is a synthetic food dye made from petroleum. Research has shown that it is linked to certain ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity, and may also cause other neurobehavioral effects in children. People can check for red dye 40 on food labels if they wish to limit their intake.
Tartrazine is a permitted food colour in both Australia and New Zealand.
Several countries including China, Brazil, Canada, India and EU member states have banned the chemical due to research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which links potassium bromate to carcinogenic effects in animals.
Sunset Yellow FCF (also known as Orange Yellow S, C.I. Food Yellow 3, FD&C Yellow #6) is a synthetic azo dye permitted to be added to a variety of beverages and foods.
The citrus drink contains artificial colors that are restricted in Europe. Products that contain Yellow 6 and Red 40 must include warning labels in the European Union. These dyes are also banned in Norway and Austria.
Red 40, Yellow 6, Yellow 5 food dyes
The colors are not banned outright in the EU, nor are they banned in the US. But unlike in the US, European authorities must include a warning label that details the risks associated with the dyes.
Allowed in Canada on the list are titanium dioxide and Sunset Yellow (Yellow 6) (colourants) used in a wide range of products, azodicarbonamide (a bleaching agent and dough conditioner) used in bread and flour products, and BHA and BHT (oil and fat preservatives).
Food additives, including aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and some food dyes, have also been linked to anxiety, depression, and mood changes.
For example, Red Dye 40 can be added to ketchup, yogurt, dips, and other foods to give them a more vibrant color. It can also be mixed with other dyes to get a certain color. The ingredients and additives, including Red Dye 40, are usually listed on the packages of the foods and other products that you buy.
It's estimated that less than 0.1% of people have a sensitivity or intolerance to Yellow 5 food dye. These people may have hives, itching, coughing, and vomiting when exposed to it. One study analyzed different amounts of the controversial food dye in pet biscuits.