The Danger of Caramel Coloring Revealed
Check Your Sodas & Spices
Samantha Wilkinson, MS, RDN, LD, Dolce Dietitian
Caramel coloring is used much more often than you think in the foods you eat. There are actually 4 types of caramel coloring, two of which have ammonia. Ammonia is a very basic (pH of 11.6 out of a possible 14) substance and is usually found in household cleaners.
The coloring found in colas is made by combing ammonia and sulfites with sugar, producing a compound called 4-MEI, which has been shown to cause cancer in mice and rats in clinical trials, and has been linked to hypertension.
Caramel coloring is not considered a dye by the FDA, although the Center for Science in the Public Interest has requested that the FDA place certain forms of the dye on the list of banned substances due to health concerns.
The FDA’s response: “A person would have to consume 1000 cans of soda per day to reach the dose that caused cancer in mice and rats. Aren’t our bodies worth more than that? Why risk consuming anything that would give even a 0.5% of getting cancer or some other chronic disease/condition?
Some states, like California, have added 4-MEI to its list of potential carcinogens which require a warning label. Certain companies, like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola, have reduced the amount of 4-MEI in their products in an effort to maintain sales while appearing to be vested in the health and safety of its consumers. However, Pepsi products still contain 4-MEI levels four-to-eight times greater than California’s recommended safe amount.
Caramel coloring isn’t just found in beverages. Surprisingly, caramel coloring can be found in some spices! Who would think that a little jar of dried out herbs would contain artificial coloring? What is the need for it? Spices are supposed to be all natural, plucked from the ground, dried and ground for ease of use. They have their own natural, Earthy coloring. There is no need for a potentially carcinogenic dye to be added.
Always read the ingredient list. Although it will only say “caramel color” or “artificial color” and not the amount of 4-MEI, practice some precaution when buying and consuming products with artificial flavoring and coloring.
Here’s a video Consumer Reports did on the subject.
