Question

You may use either the acronym/abbreviation or the full term. If you use the written term, please use correct spelling and lowercase for proper grading.

List artificial colors that are commonly used in food and beverages.

Answer 1

Artificial colors used in food and beverages include FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Green No. 3, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 5, and FD&C Yellow No. 6. These FDA-approved additives offer vibrant colors to a variety of processed foods and cosmetics without altering taste.

Step-by-step explanation:

Several artificial colors are commonly used in food and beverages. These synthetically produced color additives offer intense uniform color, are cost-effective, and blend easily to create a variety of hues. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently approves seven artificial colorings for use. These include:

• FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)
• FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigotine)
• FD&C Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF)
• FD&C Red No. 3 (Erythrosine)
• FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC)
• FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine)
• FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)

Certified colors such as these do not typically add undesirable flavors to foods and are used across the spectrum of processed foods, candies, and even cosmetics. While some people may be sensitive to certain color additives, studies regarding their impact on behavior have been inconclusive. Nonetheless, these additives continue to be a standard component of many food products.