I’ve had such wonderful feedback on discussing ingredients in processed foods that have alarming side effects or for the most part, people are unaware of where/how the ingredient is made. Today I would like to discuss artificial coloring. This is the time a year where more parties occur, graduation, birthdays, vacations, religious events, retirement, award ceremonies, and so many more activities!

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Artificial coloring is use in lots of different items such as; candies, sprinkles, ice creams, cakes, cookies, dressings/condiments, meats, yogurt, pasta, granola bars, farmed salmon, chips, drinks, gelatin, cereals yup you name the processed food and it is probably in there. It is also used in make-up, toothpaste, medical devices and almost anything crafts related.

Over the years there has been a massive increase of people who are allergic to artificial coloring. Other potential side effects are; sinus congestion, headaches, hyperactivity in children, rash or other allergic reactions, and more commonly reported it worsens symptoms of ADD and ADHD.

Artificial coloring makes food look more attractive. It enhances colors that have lost their allure from exposure to temperature, light and air. Pretty much it’s to make food look “fun,” which personally scares me a bit because food shouldn’t have to have a “special” ingredient to make it enjoyable. There shouldn’t be a magic trick or scientists in a lab brewing up these things.

Artificial food coloring is made up of coal-tar and petroleum. For me, when I learned what is was actually made of lights went off in my head and I had ideas of my own on reactions living beings would have consuming something like this.

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Let’s chat more about these actual dyes and get a little specific.

Citrus Red 2, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Green 3, some of the most commonly used in artificial food coloring have all been linked as being, or being contaminated with potential cancer-causing chemicals, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. And Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 are known to trigger reactions in those with allergies.

Chalk (animal bones) has been used to whiten bread, some candy companies use vermilion (which contains mercury), red lead, white lead, verdigris (which is a copper salt), blue vitriol (which contains copper) and Scheele’s green (which contains both copper and arsenic). Yup, lots of food coloring are not even vegetarian/vegan.

The British Government has discouraged companies to use food dyes and the European Union requires warning labels of most dyed foods. Is this something you would like to see?

The New York Times has a great article on using warning labels with these food items. What do you think?

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My recommendation is buying little to zero processed foods. If you are going to by these items, please consider choosing an all natural or organic brand. Read the labels on what you buy, if you don’t know what an ingredient is look it up! Why put a mystery ingredient into your amazing body?! If you don’t know what it means that’s most likely a sign that it isn’t an actual food ingredient but a science experiment.

Thank you all so much for stopping by and taking the time out of your day! I’ve been working away for a catering event tomorrow afternoon so I probably will not have time to post anything on Sunday. So please have an excellent weekend! Much love ❤ and raw power 😉

P.S: Don’t forget about the current giveaway with Cuppow! :D!

Jess