Flavoring and Coloring Agents: Health Risks and Potential Problems

Food safety is the major concern for human life. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved over 3000 ingredients as safe food additives to preserve, color, flavor, or thicken food items. Many of these ingredients are restricted due to the observation of unexpected adverse effects. In some cases, adulteration of food and additives causes potential health risks, such as learning disabilities, hyperkinesis, kidney damage, tumors, skin rashes, migraine, asthma, sleep disturbance, and gastric upset. Modern food products often include several flavoring and coloring agents from natural or artificial sources. The consumption of these agents is also increased in recent days due to lack of health awareness. The purpose of this chapter is to create awareness of the health risks due to the presence of flavoring agents and dyes in food-related products. Knowledge of these food additives may help manufacturing industries to develop standard foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic preparations.