Karnataka Health Department recently banned the use of artificial colours in chicken kebabs, fish, and vegetarian food items across the state. This decisive move for public health and safety has brought focus on unsafe levels of artificial colours, namely Sunset Yellow and Carmoisine, found in several kebab samples.

As such, let’s understand all about artificial colours and how to identify them.

What are artificial colours?

Artificial food colours, also called synthetic food colours, can be understood as dyes that are used to enhance the visual appeal of food and beverages. Derived from petroleum-based chemicals, these are designed to mimic natural hues.


Dr Jagdish Kathwate, consultant neonatologist and paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital Kharadi Pune said that artificial food colouring is widely used by various companies and manufacturers to attract more traction towards their brand. “These artificial food colours are used in various products such as chocolate bars, chewing gums, gems, chips, frosting, bakery items like cakes and cupcakes, popsicles, and a variety of sauces,” said Dr Kathwate.

According to him, it becomes easier to influence the purchasing decisions of customers, especially children by showcasing vibrant-coloured food products. “These food colours are made with harmful chemicals and additives that can significantly hamper the health of individuals. It contains harmful ingredients like benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, and 4-aminoazobenzene, which can significantly increase the risk of developing several types of cancers,” said Dr Kathwate.

Let’s decode these dyes and their health impact

Red 40 – Also known as Allure Red or INS129

Yellow 5 – The bright hue of yellow 5 is also known as Tartrazine or INS102.

Yellow 6 – Also known as Sunset Yellow or INS110.

Blue 1 – Also known as Brilliant Blue or INS133.

Blue 2 – Also known as Indigo Carmine or INS132.

Green 3 – Also known as Fast Green or INS143

Azorubine – Also known as Carmoisine or INS122

Dr Kathwate said that artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 may contain certain cancer-causing substances or ingredients, making them harmful to health. “Food dyes like Blue 1, and Blue 2 are intoxicating in nature and severely impact the digestive system. It is also linked with hyperactivity in children. Regular consumption of these artificial food colours can hamper individuals’ health, especially children’s, and cause digestive problems like constipation or indigestion,” Dr Kathwate told indianexpress.com.

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According to Dr Kathwate, research has indicated that prolonged consumption of Yellow 5 can cause allergic reactions like rashes, inflammation, eczema flare-ups, and hives.

Always keep a tab (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock) Always keep a tab (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

To decode the presence of artificial food colouring in the packaged food, “look at the backside of the packet, where the list of ingredients used is mentioned”. “This can help you understand the ingredients, especially the food colour used and in how much quantity,” said Dr Kathwate.

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Choose food products made with natural food colouring (vegetables, fruits, spices, algae and/or other edible natural sources like curcumin, black carbon, and caramels) to prevent the risk associated with consuming artificial food colours, added Dr Kathwate.