Can all the synthetic colours be used as colouring agents in food?
Synthetic colours are classified as “food colours” and “non-food colours”. The first are those that can be used in foods after thorough toxicological evaluation. Use of non-permitted colours can result in severe gastrointestinal side effects; allergy and can even damage some vital organs. What are the permitted food colours in India? There are eight food colours permitted in India: “Tartrazine” and “Sunset Yellow” for yellow; “Carmosine”, “Ponceau – 4R” and “Erithrosine” for red; “Brilliant Blue” and “Indigo Carmine” for blue; and “Fast Green” for Green. But these are just basic colours and different shades and hues can be made from these. Who regulates the sale and use of food colours? The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA) regulates the usage of colour. At the state level, the implementing authority is the State Food Health Authority and at the local level, municipalities, municipal corporations or Local Health Authorities. Can any permitted colour be used in any food preparat