Synthetic Dyes Approved for Coloring of Foodstuffs

In terms of quantity and value food dyes play only a relatively minor role in the dye-making industry. 

The main uses for food coloring are in cakes, fruit-based products, beverages, margarine, cheese, certain fish products, and confectionery. 

Most synthetic dyes commonly used in food are summarized in Tables 5.5-5.7, which list dyes approved for food coloring in the EEC, the USA, and Japan. Some of the dyes are allowed for specific applications only. 

For other areas of application, such as for drugs or cosmetics, different regulations apply. These regulations differ from one another with respect to the dyes permitted. This section deals with synthetic food dyes only. 

European Union. In the EU colorants which may be used in foodstuff are regulated in 94/36/EC On Colours for Use in Foodstuff. (Table 5.5). Food additives listed in EEC Directives are assigned E numbers. Approved dyes within the EU are also defined as food additives and thus carry E numbers. A substance with an E code and number is valid throughout the EU (E = EEC number of food additives). 

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