They can make your food look prettier and more appetizing, but food coloring isn't quite as attractive when you consider its potential effects on your health. Although the FDA continues to allow these additives in foods, this doesn't necessarily mean they're healthy. It should be remembered that trans fats were once considered acceptable food additives until studies showing their negative health effects became too prevalent to ignore. Is food coloring safe for you and your family?

Potential artificial food coloring dangers

There have been several studies that have demonstrated food coloring dangers. Some studies have shown an association between artificial food coloring and attention deficit disorder (ADD) in children. In fact, when artificial food coloring was eliminated from foods served in school food programs, disciplinary problems dropped in frequency. As a result, some countries in Europe began the process of eliminating artificial food colorings from foods. Unfortunately, manufacturers in the United States are still allowed to add these colorings to the food you buy at your local grocery store despite evidence that the number of ADD cases among children are increasing. Could this be due to the increased consumption of processed foods laden with artificial food coloring?

Another study conducted at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine showed that a certain food coloring had negative effects on the immune system. In this study, caramel food coloring was shown to diminish immune system function which could alter the body's ability to fight off infection and even cancer. Caramel food coloring is a frequent additive to many commonly consumed soft drinks as well as other food and beverage products.

Why aren't they banned?

Why with the apparent food coloring dangers are companies still allowed to use them? The perception is that consumers want added color vibrancy when it comes to food. But at the expense of health? Many consumers are unaware as to the extent that artificial food colorings are used by the food industry. Artificial coloring can be added to such surprising foods as cheese and salmon to make them look brighter and more appealing to the consumer. Unfortunately, it seems to be an effective strategy as shoppers seem to gravitate towards the food items with the more robust color, perceiving them to be fresher or tastier. Unfortunately, the demands of the consumer for brightly colored foods seem to override the importance of health.

The bottom line? It pays to be aware of what you're buying. Read labels carefully and be wary of any food product that looks bright and colorful.