Currently, it seems that even the scientific community of the European Food Safety Authority in charge of additives is sounding the alarm about the harmfulness of some dyes. Thus, this authority has decided to reduce the acceptable daily intake of the following 3 food colorants, quinoline yellow, orange yellow and a cochineal red (Ponceau 4R).

The quinoline yellow E104 is a food coloring currently authorized in France as a This additive is a synthetic product. It seems that associated with benzoates (E210-E215), it can trigger or accentuate the hyperactivity syndrome in children. This dye is very irritating and could have a carcinogenic and mutagenic effect.

Cochineal red food coloring E124, also known as Ponceau 4R, is also authorized in France. Like the previous one, it allows to. It is also a product of synthesis. Indeed, as its name indicates, it is not made from cochineal. This product would be the cause of allergy in people intolerant to salicylates (aspirin, berries, fruits). Associated with benzoates (E210-E215), Ponceau 4R would be involved in the appearance of hyperactivity syndrome in children. In the USA, Norway and Finland, it is considered a carcinogen and is banned.

Orange Yellow S E110 is an orange food coloring authorized in France. It fulfills the same roles and has the same characteristics as the 2 previous ones, and like them it causes an allergy risk in people who are intolerant to salicylates and would be involved in the child hyperactivity syndrome. Suspicion of its carcinogenic effects has led to its use being restricted in some countries and banned in the USA.

Three other food colors have been evaluated by health authorities, namely E102 tartrazine, E122 azorubin/carmoisine and E129 Allura Red AC. For these, scientists have not found it necessary to change their acceptable daily intakes since it appears that only a few children who consume large amounts of foods and beverages containing these dyes may exceed the established daily intakes for these dyes.

However, studies prove the risks of allergy in people intolerant to salicylates, as well as the implication of tartrazine in child hyperactivity syndrome, skin irritation and the triggering of asthma attacks in people who are prone to it. This additive is currently banned in Norway.

Because the European scientific panel could not draw a firm conclusion on the possible direct link between the consumption of these dyes and possible health problems, the maximum dosages have not been modified for these 3. For the record, the above six dyes are commonly used in various food products, such as soft drinks, baked goods and desserts.