Environmental standards problem” colorants

The use of natural dyes as food colorants evolved over a period spanning thousands of years. During that period, by trial and error, some dyes were found to be safe while others were not. By comparison, the development of synthetic dyes as food colorants has taken place over a comparatively short time. During that period, some synthetic dyes considered safe by existing health standards were used as food colors. Later, with iacreased knowledge, these were found to create health problems and were removed from the marketplace. The manufacture of synthetic dyes for use on foods creates more of a health and environmental problem than natural dyes, but offers greater variety and stabiUty of color (see Dyes, environmental chemistry). 

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