20.12.2021

Are synthetic food colors harmful to children? Harmful substances in paint compositions Dyes are not harmful to children.


Today in supermarkets you can find a huge variety of products in which it is quite easy to get confused. Bright packaging, seductive pictures, shiny labels, plus all this is complemented by promotional price tags, and we make a purchase. Stop, first you need to carefully study the packaging, namely the composition of this product. The fewer incomprehensible words in it, the better. For example, GOST condensed milk contains only natural milk and sugar, but the same product, but produced according to TU, has a completely different composition. It contains stabilizers and emulsifiers, as well as various substances labeled E. Today we will talk about them: a table of harmful food additives should be at everyone's fingertips to prevent them from being eaten.

What are various food additives used for?

First of all, you should be alerted to the "E" markings - they denote food additives that are used throughout the world as preservatives and stabilizers, flavor and aroma enhancers, thickeners and leavening agents. All this is necessary to improve the appearance and nutritional properties of the product, as well as increase its shelf life.

Why is a table of harmful food additives needed, and are all substances labeled "E" harmful? No, there are neutral, harmful and even dangerous ones, and therefore it is important for each of us to know them and be able to distinguish them. After all, the quality and duration of our lives are highly dependent on what we eat. The more vitamins and minerals in the diet and less "chemistry", the better.

natural or artificial

Despite the assurances of manufacturers, almost all additives are artificial, and therefore potentially dangerous. These are synthetic chemicals. Considering that even the safest of them sometimes cause a reaction in especially sensitive people, it is clear that the table of harmful food additives should be known to everyone. However, there is another subtlety here: not all manufacturers warn you that their product contains additives with the "E" index. They often get around with general phrases like "does not contain artificial dyes and flavorings. Others note the presence of stabilizers and thickeners, but do not indicate which additives were used. In this case, there is only one way out: refuse to buy and choose a more honest manufacturer. This is especially important if the product is imported, because no one can guarantee that it does not contain prohibited products. Perhaps this will allow you to look at the goods in supermarkets in a different way, because, despite the attractive appearance, almost all of them contain preservatives.

What does the numeric code next to the "E" mean?

Below we will consider what the table of harmful food additives includes, but for now let's look at what these mysterious numbers mean. If the code starts with one, then you have a dye. All preservatives start at 2, the number 3 stands for antioxidants - they are used to slow down or prevent spoilage of the product. All 4 are stabilizers, substances that help maintain the consistency of the product in the required form. The number 5 stands for emulsifiers, they work in tandem with stabilizers and preserve the structure of the product. The flavor and aroma enhancers that create the notes and shades we love so much start at 6. Some products contain special substances that prevent foaming, they are marked with the number 9. If you have a four-digit index, then this indicates the presence of sweeteners in the composition. The realities of life show that you need to know harmful food additives ("E"). The table will help you identify foods that should not be consumed in time.

Such different nutritional supplements "E"

This label can hide quite harmless and even useful substances, for example, plant extracts. This is the well-known acetic acid (E260). Relatively safe additives E can be considered baking soda (E500), calcium carbonate or ordinary chalk (E170) and many others.

However, there are many more harmful substances than useful ones. You are mistaken if you think that these include only artificial additives, natural ones also sin with a negative effect on the body. Moreover, the more often they are used, the stronger and more pronounced their impact will be.

Useful Supplements

You should not immediately return the product to the shelf just because it contains E. You need to look and analyze what substance is hidden behind it. The following table of harmful and beneficial food additives will help you make the right choice. For example, the most common apple contains pectin, ascorbic acid and riboflavin, that is, E300, E440, E101, but it cannot be called harmful.

The most common health supplements are curcumins, or E100 - these substances help control weight and are actively used in the manufacture of fitness products. E101 is a common vitamin B2, which is famous for the fact that it synthesizes hemoglobin and is involved in metabolism. E160d is lycopene, it helps to strengthen the immune system. E270 is a powerful antioxidant that is widely used in pharmacology. To enrich products with iodine, the additive E916, that is, calcium iodate, is used. We must not forget about E322 lecithin - this supplement supports the immune system and improves blood formation.

Relatively harmless additives

Today the topic of our conversation is "Table of food additives" E ". Useful and harmful, they are ubiquitous in the most common foods. In this group, we should mention the dyes that are used by the most famous confectionery companies to give an attractive appearance to creams and cakes. This is chlorophyrol , or E140, green dye.Betanin is also known, that is, a red dye.It is extracted from the most ordinary beetroot, the juice of which tints creams perfectly at home.

This group includes calcium carbonate (E170) and common baking soda. Despite the fact that these substances do not pose a threat to life, in large quantities they can disrupt the acid-base balance in the body. E290 is ordinary carbon dioxide, all carbonated drinks are made with it. Every kitchen should have a table of food additives E. Useful and harmful, they are presented in such a large quantity today that it is very difficult to remember what this or that substance means.

Supplements to Avoid

Today, the table contains 11 groups of additives, among which are dangerous, prohibited, harmful to the skin and disturbing blood pressure substances. Since every person needs to avoid products containing dangerous "E-shki", we will consider each group separately. Do not neglect your health and rely on the manufacturer. Many of them are guided only by momentary profit and do not think about reputation. Moreover, it is much easier to periodically close the production and open it under a different name, releasing products with new labels. That is why you should be aware of harmful "E" food additives. The table will help you navigate and not forget what this or that code means. So let's get started.

Dangerous Additives

This group includes a lot of dyes, so if you see confectionery products that are colored in a bright color, think about whether it is worth taking them to your children. Be sure to study harmful food additives "E": the table is updated periodically, so you need to update the printout, which is best kept next to the kitchen table.

This includes E102, namely tartrazine. It causes asthma attacks and is banned in several countries. E110 - yellow dye, banned in many countries, as it causes an allergic reaction and nausea. E120 - carminic acid (until studies have proven harm, but doctors strongly recommend avoiding it). Red dyes E124, E127 and E129 are banned in a number of countries because they are carcinogens. This also includes E155 (brown dye) and E180 (ruby ritol).

E220 - sulfur dioxide - should be used with caution in people with renal insufficiency. Feel free to postpone products containing E220, E222, E223, E224, E228, E233, E242. E400, E401, E402 are recognized as dangerous.

Very dangerous

If the previous group of additives is dangerous or potentially dangerous, then the representatives of this category should be treated more than carefully. The fact is that the table of supplements gives you only code designations, behind which substances are hidden that stimulate the growth of cancer cells. To completely avoid contact with them, you will have to give up most confectionery and seriously reconsider your view of the diet. The simpler the better, so bran biscuits, cereals, and fruits are the safest bet.

However, back to our conversation. The table of the most dangerous additives "E" includes dyes such as E123 (amaranth). It is banned all over the world, as it causes developmental pathologies in the fetus. In addition, this group includes E510, E513E, E527.

Prohibited substances: table of the most harmful food additives "E"

It should be noted that in Russia there are very soft rules for manufacturing companies. Only 5 additives are officially banned, although the number is much higher worldwide. This is E952 - cyclamic acid and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts. This is a sugar substitute that has been discontinued because it was found to be a strong carcinogen. E-216 - para-hydroxybenzoic acid propyl ester - is also prohibited in Russia. But it's not all harmful food additives ("E"). The table refers to this group a number of dyes - these are E152, E130, E125, E126, E121, E111.


Substances that cause skin rashes

Everyone imagines the effect of carcinogens on the body, so you need to do everything necessary to exclude from the menu products containing the most harmful food additives. The table at hand will help you stop in time and not make an unnecessary purchase. Women should especially think about it, because many conditionally safe supplements cause deterioration of the skin condition. This is E151 (black, shiny BN) - in a number of countries it is generally prohibited. Second on the list is E231 (orthophenylphenol) and E232 (calcium orthophenylphenol). Aspartame, or E951, a beloved sugar substitute, also has a number of side effects and is not recommended for use without special reasons.

Summing up

You can use this table every day. A food additive, the harmful effect of which is not fully understood, should be excluded from the diet. This group includes quite a lot of different "E" - these are E124, E122, E141, E150, E171, E173, E247, E471. To optimize your diet and eat as few synthetic additives as possible, study the product packaging before buying. The less in the composition of the various components and incomprehensible terms, the better. Do not purchase unfamiliar products, as well as those on the packaging of which there is no composition, and give preference to well-known manufacturers.


Avoid products with bright, unnatural colors. They may contain too many dyes and preservatives. Give preference to natural products, cereals, sour-milk, as well as vegetables and fruits. It is this diet that is guaranteed not to contain harmful and dangerous substances. To maintain your health for the longest possible time, try to avoid foods that contain harmful food additives ("E"). A table that includes the main ones will become your reliable assistant.

Paints and varnishes. Oh, isn't it harmful?

It is no secret that one of the most common and popular types of solving the problem of decorating walls and floors in a house is painting. It is really, practical, convenient, profitable, economical, and the appearance of such painted walls and floors looks pretty good.. In a word, it is an excellent solution for repairs, but what about the effect of such painted surfaces on our health? Is it harmful to paint the walls in the bedroom, nursery and living room? Today, we will talk about paints, and whether this option is safe for you and me ...

Residents of cities (large and small) are familiar with the problem of air pollution. And, from the fact that out of those twenty-six kilograms of clean air (or twelve thousand liters) that we need per day, we inhale only a fourth of it, and the rest is toxic fumes of chemicals that surround us, dust and microparticles of dirt, we often complain of chronic fatigue, nervousness and depression. In a special risk zone and lack of clean air are, of course, those who live near highways and industrial zones (we already mentioned this on our website, in the article on how to make the air cleaner). And, where does the paint and repair, someone might ask. It turns out that there is a connection between all this. The peculiarity and even the uniqueness of the air on city streets lies in the fact that under the influence of atmospheric influences it is still purified. The wind blew, the temperature dropped and clouds of car exhaust fumes dissipated over the city. Another thing is our house with you. Our home atmosphere, our composition of "home" air is stable (unless, of course, you clean it with air filters and place plants on every square meter - see the article indoor plants that purify the air). And, it includes just the same all those toxic fumes from those materials that we preferred when we made repairs. That is why scientists say that

the average citizen still spends ninety percent of his time not on the street, but indoors, where the air is ten times more toxic and harmful than in open space ...

What makes our indoor air so poisonous? First of all, these are synthetic finishing materials, and petrochemical derivatives - synthetic wall paints - alkyd, acrylic, nitro, polyurethane… In a word, everything that we were going to talk about today. Also, our air in the house is poisoned by chipboard furniture, stretch ceilings, vinyl wallpaper, linoleum, plastic products (windows, appliances, furniture) ... Literally everything that surrounds us is a danger to our health!
Why are synthetic paints so dangerous, you ask? And, the fact that such materials emit harmful organic and carcinogenic compounds:

  • Formaldehyde(included in the list of the most dangerous carcinogens, highly toxic, affects the reproductive organs, skin, eyes, respiratory tract, central nervous system, can cause genetic abnormalities),
  • xylene(causes skin diseases)
  • Phenol(a toxic substance that evaporates at room temperature and has a pungent odor, in the form of dust or phenolic vapors enters the human body through mucous surfaces, respiratory tract and skin, can cause dizziness, headache, loss of strength, reduced immunity, allergies),
  • Toluene (causes eye disease and affects the central nervous system),

And this is not the whole list of pleasant surprises of paints and varnishes ...
All these toxic substances enter our body through the lungs, are transported into the bloodstream and can cause fatal and incurable diseases. Someone may say that only freshly painted surfaces are dangerous, but this is far from the case. Intensive evaporation, of course, is observed immediately after the staining process, but they do not stop over time, they just become weaker, but no less toxic. And now imagine that your room, where ninety percent of the surfaces are painted with paints and varnishes, is more like a gas chamber, which slowly but surely kills all living things in it.

So, is it really worth forgetting about paints now? Such a radical solution is useless if you can find the so-called eco paints which are made from natural materials. And, how can this be, you ask? In our progressive age, anything is possible.

What is the difference between such eco paints and synthetic paints and varnishes ...

First of all, the composition of such paints is different. If, in synthetic versions (alkyd, acrylic), oil is used as the main raw material (although it is a natural product, it is very difficult to subject it to simple chemical reactions, therefore, it is necessary to resort to ozone and chlorine in the manufacturing technology of such “harmful” paints, this poisons the source material for the paint), then, in natural eco paints, you will not find oil in the composition of oil (this also applies to oil derivatives). Only natural ingredients - eucalyptus, orange, linseed, rosemary, lavender oils, casein (a product obtained from cottage cheese), vegetable resins, clay, natural dyes. Here is such a composition of paint that is absolutely harmless to human health. Naturally, such environmental friendliness and naturalness is an order of magnitude higher than an ordinary synthetic poison in an iron can, but, after all, health is more expensive!

Another difference between such eco-friendly paints is the fact that manufacturers of such paints are not afraid to indicate the full composition of their product, in contrast to the manufacturers of synthetic products, which, apart from "wall paint", do not write anything else on the label. And, do not be afraid because they are absolutely sure that their product does not pose a threat to human health.

What such "correct" paints do not emit any! toxic!!! vapor into the air Science has already proven this. In addition, another indisputable advantage of such a natural paint material is the fact that in the process of painting, there is no effect of a "polymer film", which does not allow the surface to "breathe". Such paint lasts longer than its synthetic counterparts, does not peel off and does not wipe off.

But, unfortunately, not many of us pay attention to such trifles as wall paint. They buy the first can of paint that comes across and suits the color scheme and cost and proceeds to repair. After a few days, your house shines with cleanliness and ... exudes toxic fumes. And, after a few weeks, you suddenly start to get sick. And, few of us will build a chain: synthetic paint-repair-sickness… And, meanwhile, experts say that every year the number of cases when the cause of illness, poisoning, allergies is exactly paints and varnishes is increasing.
Here are a few more interesting facts about colors...

  • polyvinyl chloride is a part of many paints and varnishes, it poses a particular danger at room temperature, when it begins to decompose, and at elevated temperatures in the room and when the sun's rays hit the painted surfaces. Vapors of PVC enter the human body, both through the lungs and through the skin, are absorbed into the bloodstream and into the liver. As a result, if you have a strong and healthy body, you may suddenly develop an allergy, and if you are not proud of your good health, everything can end much worse - damage to the nervous system, kidneys and liver.
  • According to experts, more than half of the products on the paint market are dangerous to human health. Therefore, do not be lazy to carefully read the composition of the paint on the label and give preference to proven manufacturers. The ideal solution to the issue of painting is, of course, choosing eco-friendly paints.

We all strive to create coziness and comfort in our home, but remember that you will be really cozy and comfortable in your home only when you are healthy and you are surrounded by materials that do not pose a threat to your life. .

Shevtsova Olga, World without Harm.

Table of prohibited and harmful food additives.

List of harmful food additives E...


Designations of food additives with the letter E appeared on all food packages in Russia after 1996.
The inscription on the package "E124 is a safe food additive approved by ES standards" does not guarantee the safety of the additive! Firstly, this does not mean that this supplement can be consumed in any quantity.

Secondly, not everything allowed in Europe is allowed in Russia.

The results of new scientific research lead to the creation of some and the restriction of the consumption of other supplements, even if they were previously considered safe.

E 100 - 199 - dyes
Products with red and yellow dyes, such as E102 tartrazine, often cause food allergies. This dye is used in sweets, ice cream, confectionery, drinks.

E127 has a toxic effect, provoking thyroid diseases.

E 200 - 299 - preservatives
The infamous sodium nitrites and nitrates are E250 and E251. They are still used everywhere, despite the fact that they cause a variety of allergic and inflammatory reactions, headache, hepatic colic, irritability and fatigue.

Substances designated by the code E231 and E232 are harmful to the skin. These additives are used in the production of various sausages, meat products with a long shelf life and canned food.

Dyes and preservatives have a bad effect on the immune system, disrupt the natural intestinal microflora. And functional disorders of the intestine sometimes lead to oncological and cardiovascular pathologies. Metabolism and liver suffer. On February 22, 2005, the use of additives with the index E216 and E217 was banned in Russia in order to prevent the threat of the emergence of mass non-communicable diseases (poisoning) of the population. Scientists speak more harshly - these substances can provoke the occurrence of malignant tumors. Previously, these additives were used in the production of meat and confectionery products.

E 300 - 399 - antioxidants
Antioxidants (they are also called antioxidants) slow down the oxidative process in fat and oil emulsions. Fats thus do not rancid and do not change their color over time.

E311 can cause allergies and asthma attacks. An asthma attack can also be provoked by additives E320 and E321 (included in some fatty foods and chewing gums). E320 retains water in the body and increases cholesterol levels.

E 400 - 499 - thickeners, stabilizers
Thickeners and stabilizers increase viscosity. They are almost always added to low-fat products - mayonnaise and yogurt. Thick consistency creates the illusion of a "quality product". Can provoke diseases of the digestive system.

E 500 - 599 - emulsifiers
Emulsifiers create a homogeneous mixture of immiscible products such as water and oil. Negatively affect the liver, cause indigestion. Emulsifiers E510, E513 and E527 are especially dangerous in this respect.

E 600 - 699 - flavor enhancers
"Miracle seasoning" allows you to save on natural meat, poultry, fish, mushrooms, seafood. A few crushed fibers of a natural product or even its extract are added to the dish, generously flavored with an amplifier, and a “real” taste is obtained. The additive successfully masks the low quality of the original product, such as old or low-grade meat. There is a flavor enhancer in almost all fish, chicken, mushroom, soy semi-finished products, as well as in chips, crackers, sauces, various dry seasonings, bouillon cubes and dry soups. No restaurant recipe is complete without flavor enhancers fast food. At the same time, the permissible norms can be exceeded - the maximum dosage of this additive should create the illusion of a “quality product”. Can provoke diseases of the digestive system.

The most famous flavor enhancer is monosodium glutamate E621. This supplement has been the subject of intense controversy for many years. American neurophysiologist John Olney discovered in the mid-70s of the last century that monosodium glutamate can cause brain damage in rats. And Japanese scientist Hiroshi Oguro recently proved that this dietary supplement has an adverse effect on the retina. 30% of people who frequently eat meals with monosodium glutamate complain of headaches, increased heart rate, muscle weakness, fever and chest tightness. Especially often this additive is used in oriental cuisine, therefore, the experts combined the described symptoms with the term “Chinese restaurant syndrome”. Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of the amino acid glutamate. There is a lot of it, for example, in the root of celery. This amino acid and its salts are involved in the transmission of impulses in the central nervous system, have an exciting effect and are used in psychiatry. In its pure form, this substance has neither taste nor smell, but enhances the taste of any dish. To a person who frequently consumes monosodium glutamate, natural food seems tasteless, because the taste recognition receptors lose their sensitivity. So a person becomes addicted to the "tasty seasoning". In order not to scare away the buyer, manufacturers do not always call the E621 seasoning by its name. It is often referred to as "flavor additive" or "taste enhancer". Sometimes E622, potassium glutamate, which is banned for use in Russia, is also hidden under this wording. Of the 18 known flavor enhancers, 6 are allowed in Russia, but they can hardly be considered useful.

E 900 - 999 - defoamers, glazing agents, sweeteners, baking powder.
These additives prevent or reduce the formation of foam, create a shiny smooth shell, provide a sweet taste to the product and make the dough more fluffy. Defoamers, glazing agents and baking powder do not pose a great danger to the body.

The most serious claims are made to the sweetener aspartame.
It is included in over 6,000 products. At 30 degrees Celsius, aspartame begins to break down into methanol ( methyl alcohol) and formaldehyde, which is considered a carcinogen. Chronic use of aspartame often causes headaches, tinnitus, allergies, and depression.
Another sweetener, cyclamate, has been banned in the US, France, the UK and some other countries since 1969. It is thought to cause kidney failure. These sweeteners are widely used in the production of soft drinks. They increase appetite and cause thirst.

E-additives banned in Russia
E121 - citrus red, dye
E123 - red amaranth, dye
E240 - formaldehyde, preservative
E-additives allowed in Russia, but considered dangerous
Cause the growth of malignant tumors: E103, E105, E121, E123, E125, E126, E130, E131, E143, E152,
E210, E211, E213-217, E240, E330, E447.
Cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: E221-226, E320-322, E338-341, E407, E450, E461-466.
Allergens: E230, E231, E232, E239, E311-313.
Cause diseases of the liver and kidneys: E171 173, E320-322.

What is harmful dye e?

If you mean dyes as food additives in the composition food products- they are not poisons, of course, but they have no benefit and nutritional value. Manufacturers began to use them in order to embellish their product, make it more appetizing appearance. The harmful effects of artificial food colors are not well understood, but it is recommended to choose products without them. There are natural food colorings- beetroot and carrot juice, juice of red berries, decoction of lemon peel, etc. There will be no harm from these dyes.

Don't climb here

E-dyes can cause itchy skin, asthma, and they make children restless
E-102, tartrazine
Yellow dye. By its nature, it is coal tar, refers to industrial waste.
Contained In jelly, jelly juices, chewing sweets, cream-souffle candies, jelly, caramel, biscuit rolls, marmalade, ice cream, mashed potatoes, soups, yoghurts, mustard.
It can provoke an attack of bronchial asthma, migraine, itchy skin and blurred vision. Children from it can become irritable, restless, sleep badly.
E-104, quinoline yellow
Lemon yellow dye.
Contained in cake cream, smoked fish, colored dragees, cough drops, "colored" chewing gums.
May cause skin itching and dermatitis. In children, it causes the same problems as E-102.
E-110 Sunset Yellow FCF Orange Yellow S
Orange dye.
Contained In "colored" sweets, drinks, sauces, packaged soups, oriental spices.
It provokes various allergies, worsening of nasal breathing, runny nose, nausea and abdominal pain. Children are more anxious. Banned in many countries.
E-122, azorubine, carmoisine
Red-brown dye.

Dangerous for asthmatics, can cause rashes and allergies.
E-124, ponceau 4R (crimson 4R), cochineal red
Red-orange dye.
Found in confectionery, carbonated drinks, sauces of this color, salad dressings, salami.
Considered a carcinogen. Exacerbates the course of bronchial asthma.
E-129, red special
Orange dye.
Contained in confectionery, sweet carbonated waters, sauces of this color.
May cause allergies and cancer. Banned in 9 European countries.
E-211, sodium benzoate
It is a preservative with antibiotic and color enhancer properties.
Found in sweet sparkling water, barbecue sauces, sea fish paste, salmon oil, seafood in brine, caviar salad with sour cream sauce, soy sauces, sweets, ice cream.
It provokes the development of allergies, especially if it enters the body in combination with E-102. Harmful mushrooms

Dyes are natural (natural) and artificial (synthetic). The first type combines substances that are found in the natural environment. The origin of these dyes can be different:

  • vegetable;
  • animal;
  • mineral.

Artificial dyes are additives obtained synthetically in special laboratories. There is also a class of substances identical to natural. These include additives that are present in nature but are produced for industrial use by chemical synthesis.

general characteristics

Food colorings are powder or small crystals of different shades. They are marked with indices from E100 to E199. The number depends on the color of the substance.

Shades of dyes according to the marking, from:

  • E100 to E0109 - yellow;
  • E110 to E119 - orange;
  • E120 to E129 - red;
  • E130 to E139 - blue;
  • E140 to E149 - green;
  • E150 to E159 - black and brown;
  • E160 to E199 - others that are not included in the above ranges.

Natural food colorings are extracted from natural raw materials. The material can be berries, leaves, flowers, root crops, peel, seeds, etc. Such additives are less resistant to environmental influences compared to synthetic ones. The latter are obtained by various chemical reactions.

Purpose and application

Dyes color products, enhance the color and make it possible to keep it for a longer time. Substances are widely used in the manufacture of confectionery, soft drinks, desserts, meat and fish products, canned fruits and vegetables, sauces, seasonings, etc. Dyes are used not only by the food industry, but also by many other industries - cosmetology, household chemicals, construction, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Health impact

Most dyes of natural origin are not harmful to health. Many synthetic additives are considered harmless when the maximum allowable doses are observed. Excessive consumption is hazardous to health.

Benefit. Natural dyes can be sources of nutrients that have a beneficial effect on the body.

Harm. The danger is the use of dyes in large quantities. This is especially true of synthetic components that are not characteristic of the body. An overdose threatens with indigestion, allergic reactions, exacerbation of chronic diseases, neurological disorders. Some substances act as carcinogens and provoke the development of cancer. Learn more about food colorings and their impact on health in this section.

Legislation

The use of dyes is regulated by special regulations that determine the maximum allowable doses for individual products. Additives are used in almost all countries, including Russia, Ukraine, the USA, the EU.

In Russia, the use of food coloring is regulated;

  • SanPin 2.3.2.1293-03 of 05/26/2008;
  • GOST R 52481-2010 "Food dyes. Terms and definitions".

Learn more about food coloring in the video below.

If the product you are buying has a bright color, this is a clear sign that a dye has been added to it (in most cases, artificial, since natural ones are expensive). Such a substance can be harmful to health (especially for children). The president spoke about the dangers of dyes public organization"Research Center for Independent Consumer Expertise "Test" Valentin Bezrukiy.

Europe warns

In the EU countries, food colors E110, E122, E102, E124, E104 and E129 are recognized. This is because eating foods that contain them can cause hyperactivity in children. In Europe, they are already going to pass a legislative act banning the use of such dyes in the manufacture of baby food. In the meantime, there is no such law, warning labels are placed on products: "May have a negative impact on the activity and attention of children." Ukrainian manufacturers do not do this yet, so consumers should carefully read the label and refuse to buy such a product.

Who else is dangerous dyes

E110 (Yellow sunset) - especially contraindicated in people with aspirin intolerance. This additive can also provoke skin rashes, vomiting, runny nose, indigestion, even swelling of the kidneys. Strictly prohibited for allergy sufferers.

E122 (Carmoisine), contraindicated in asthmatics. Many countries have already abandoned its use in food products.

E102 (Tartrazine): products containing it are contraindicated for people with any chronic diseases, especially for patients with bronchial asthma and various types allergies. According to some foreign studies, E102 can contribute to the development of cancer.

E124 (Crimson4R) is a carcinogen. Can trigger asthma attacks. Causes severe allergic reactions up to anaphylactic shock.

E104 (Quinoline Yellow) - in asthmatics it causes such severe cases of suffocation that it is difficult to stop them even in a medical facility.

E129 (Charming Red) - is contraindicated in people sensitive to aspirin.

Be careful!

The Test Center of Expertise has compiled a list of sweets that contain harmful dyes. These are the following products:

Waffles with strawberry flavor Bravissimo ( confectionery factory"Kviten", Dnepropetrovsk) - E129

Biscuit cake "Rozalini Drunk Cherry" (confectionery factory Yarich, Lviv region) - E102 and E124

Menthoplus duo lollipops with cherry flavor, made in Argentina - E110 and E129

Jelly "Pineapple" brand "Eco", produced in Ukraine - E102 and E122

Children's dragees M & Ms maxi of the company "Mars", produced in Russia - 6 dangerous dyes at once

Jelly "Pineapple" brand "Premiya", produced in Ukraine - E102

Non-alcoholic drink "Tarhun" (brand "Drinks from Chernogolovka", manufacturer "Aqualife"), produced in Russia - E102

Non-alcoholic drink "Tarhun" (brand "Bon Boisson", manufacturer "Malbi"), produced in Ukraine - E102

Combined cake "Apricot charіvniy" (manufacturer "Vatutinsky bakery") - Е110

Cake "Premium Bird's Milk" (manufacturer "Fozzy-Food"), produced in Ukraine - E124

Non-alcoholic drink "Breeze Multifruit" (producer "Erlan"), produced in Ukraine - E102, E110 and E124

Orbit Professional mints (forest berries), Wrigley, made in Russia - E129

Chewing gum Hubba bubba (strawberry). Manufacturer Wrigley, made in Russia - E129

Cakes "French (cherry)" (manufacturer BKK), produced in Ukraine - Е124

Marshmallow white-pink (Kharkov confectionery factory), produced in Ukraine - E122

BisKonti mini-cake (Konti brand), produced in Ukraine - Е110

Croissant with cherry filling (Dolce Vita brand), produced in Ukraine - Е122

Jelly sweets "Zheleshka" with cherry (orange) flavor (ABK brand), produced in Ukraine - E124 (E 110

Cake "Kiev" (manufacturer BKK), produced in Ukraine - E102 and E124

MilkyWay chocolate bar (Mars company), produced in Russia - Е129

Dragee "Sea pebbles" brand "Full bowl", produced in Ukraine - E102 and E122

Juice drink "Sicilian red orange", brand "Sandora", produced in Ukraine - E129

Jelly candy "Crocodile", made in Latvia - E110, E122

Raw-smoked sausage "Parma khmizok" (manufacturer "Tulchinmyaso"), produced in Ukraine - E124
Cake "Space" (manufacturer BKK), produced in Ukraine - E102 and E124

Cake "Rolled in chocolate" (manufacturer BKK), produced in Ukraine - Е102

Non-alcoholic drink "Tarhun" (brand "Rosinka", manufacturer "Rosinka"), produced in Ukraine - E102

Non-alcoholic drink Schweppes ("Pryana Zhuravlina") (Coca-Cola company), produced in Ukraine - E129

Non-alcoholic drink "Tarhun" (brand "Biola", manufacturer "Orlan"), produced in Ukraine - E102

Non-alcoholic drink with lime flavor (brand "Obolon", manufacturer "Obolon"), produced in Ukraine - E102

Marmalade "Orange and lemon slices" brand "Full bowl", produced in Ukraine - E102 and E110

Children's dragees M & Ms of the Mars company, produced in Russia - 5 dangerous dyes at once

Sweets "Duchess" brand "Full Cup", produced in Ukraine - E102
Children's dragees M&Ms with peanuts of the company "Mars", produced in Russia - 6 dangerous dyes at once

Candies "Barberry" brand "Full Cup", produced in Ukraine - E122

Sweets "Goose paws" brand "Full Cup", produced in Ukraine - E129

Roll stuffed "strawberry" 7 days (Chipita brand), made in Russia - Е124

Juice drink "Sicilian red orange", brand "Jaffa", produced in Ukraine - E129

Cookies "Fruitberry" with strawberry flavor (AVK brand), produced in Ukraine - Е122

Marmalade for diabetic patients "Rozmay", produced in Ukraine - E102, E122, E124

Cookies "Fruktberry" with cherry flavor (ABK brand), produced in Ukraine - Е122

Non-alcoholic juice drink Fanta, Coca-Cola, produced in Ukraine - E104

Harmless food colorings - are there any at all, which ones are used in cooking. Although taste is the main thing that people respect in food, you should not forget about the design of the dish. Often a dish becomes popular precisely because of its appearance.

In our time, there are many synthetic and chemical food additives in food. This was the result of technological development. After all, before humanity used exclusively natural dyes without harm to the body. Undoubtedly, thanks to food coloring, food looks more appetizing, but are they good for humans?

What are the types of food coloring

They are divided into dry, liquid and gel, natural and synthetic, come in the form of paste and sparkles. Dry dyes are the most common, as they are inexpensive and have the largest palette of colors. They usually dissolve in water, but are sometimes used to decorate the surface of desserts. Liquid are in an already dissolved state, they can be added drop by drop to a cream or mastic, achieving the optimal color.

Gel food coloring is usually quite expensive, but it is convenient for coloring dough, cream, ice cream, and some types of dessert. For thicker blanks, paste-like additives are used. Glitter gives the dish sophistication and a festive mood. There are also airbrush dyes, these are water-based additives that can be sprayed through a very thin needle - up to 0.2 mm.

If necessary, nutritional supplements can be obtained in various colors and shades. The choice of the desired color depends on the imagination of the cook. But do not get carried away with this, since not all food products can be colored. This list may include mineral water, eggs, milk, flour, juices, fish, seafood, wine, tea, coffee, baby food.

Confectionery dyes are usually sold in supermarkets. However, their selection is usually limited. For those who are fond of decorating dishes and cakes, it is more convenient to order dyes in an online store, since you can choose a product on the network and check its safety. And this is very important to consider, since the harm of food coloring is well known. True, this does not apply to all types.

Dyes natural, harmless

Dyes are included in the list of food additives, in group "E" (from E-100 to E199). A number of them are completely harmless and approved for use in Russia. Confectionery natural dyes: E100, E101, E101a, E140, E141, E160, E163, E172, E174, E175, E181. For example, food supplement E160a is carotene, and E163 is an extract from grapes and black currants.

But the food additive E124 - crimson Ponceau 4R - is a carcinogen and a mutagen.


Natural harmless food colorings can be made by yourself. For example, yellow paint can be obtained from lemon peel, blue from blackberries, blueberries or blueberries, red from cherries, raspberries, red currants, brown from burnt sugar or onion peel, pink - from beets, green - from spinach. Pure colors can be obtained by boiling food over low heat with the addition of citric acid. Well, shades are obtained by simple mixing. Experiment on your health!