Hesse, Bernard

At about the same time a thorough study was undertaken by the Department of Agriculture to determine which dyes, if any, were safe for use in foods and what restrictions should be placed on thek use. This monumental task eventually included a study of the chemistry and physiology of the then nearly 700 extant coal-tar dyes as well as the laws of various countries and states regarding thek use in food products. Most of this investigation was done under the guidance of Dr. Bernard C. Hesse, a German dye expert (17). 

The chaotic situation existing in the synthetic colorant industry was evident in the 80 colorants available in 1907 to the paint, plastic, textile, and food industries. Obviously very few of them had been tested for safety. Dr Bernard Hesse, a German dye expert employed by the US Department of Agriculture, was asked to study the situation and he concluded that, of the 80 colorants available, only 16 were more or less harmless and he recommended only seven for use in food. This led to the US Food and Dmg Act of 1906 which set up a certification procedure which ensured the identity of the colorant and the levels of impurities specifications for each food, dmg and cosmetic (FD C) color permitted for each colorant.4... 

Blanc, P., Hogan, M., Mallin, K., Hydorezuk, D., Hesse, S., and Bernard, B., Cyanide intoxication among silver reclaiming workers, JAMA, 253, 367-371, 1985. 

Bernard C. Hesse, The Industry of the Coal-Tar Dyes An Outline Sketch, JIEC 6 (December 1914) 1013-14 Foy, Ovens, Chemicals, and Men Koppers Company, Inc., 12 By-Product Coke and Gas Oven Plants, 9-14 T. C. Clarke, The Present Status of the American By-Product Coke Oven Industry, MCE 14 (May 1916) 503. The total value of... 

Bernard Conrad Hesse, 1869-1934, The Percolator (Chemists Club), April 21, 1934 Interview with Dr. Hesse, 1899 Bernard Conrad Hesse, 89p, 93, August 1934, all clippings in the necrology file of Bernhard C. Hesse, University of Michigan alumni collection, Bentley Historical... 

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