From Crude to Color: How Artificial Colorants Are Made

Artificial dyes are used to make products more attractive, appealing, and appetizing, but over the years and especially lately, these synthetic colorants have been at the forefront of controversy. Some experts, parents and watchdog groups link them to allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, and even cancer. So this raises the question, what are these dyes made of?

Crude Coal Tar

Originally, artificial dyes were made from coal tar crudes and are often still called “coal tar colors”. Coal tar is a viscous black liquid – the by-product of processed coal.

Today, according to the Food and Drug Administration, many certified dyes are synthesized from petroleum (crude oil) – a naturally occurring flammable liquid found in the Earth’s rock formations.

Crude Oil

Today, according to the Food and Drug Administration, many certified dyes are synthesized from petroleum (i.e., crude oil) — a naturally-occurring flammable liquid found in the Earth’s rock formations.

It’s hard to imagine that the primary raw materials used to manufacture the colorants widely used begin as a black or dark brown (and sometimes yellowish or greenish) thick petrochemical substance. Moreover, synthetic coloring agents are recognized as a frequent cause of skin and eye irritation. Artificial colorants are in your:

• Food
• Drugs
• Soaps
• Cleaners
• Detergents
• Cosmetics

Coal Tar Limits

Synthetic coloring agents are recognized as a frequent cause of skin and eye irritation. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer , preparations that include more than five percent of crude coal tar are carcinogenic to humans. Benzene, a known human carcinogen, is a natural constituent of crude oil and coal tar.

“Safe” to Eat

Coal-tar and petroleum are extremely volatile, toxic substances. In 1900, there were approximately eighty (80) food color additives being used and considered “safe”.  Due to adverse or carcinogenic effects since then, the list of acceptable FD&C (Food, Drug, & Cosmetic) colorants in the U.S. has been reduced to nine (9) certified colors.

“Reasonable Certainty of No Harm”.

According to the FDA, when it approves a colorant, it determines — based on the best science available — that there’s “reasonable certainty of no harm” to consumers, or the risks are extremely small when used under its proposed conditions.

Adverse or Carcinogenic Effects

Even though coal-tar and petroleum are extremely volatile, toxic substances, the FDA determines that there is “reasonable certainty” that a dye poses no harm, or the risks are extremely small when used under its proposed conditions. However, the absolute safety of any substance can never be proven. In 1900, there were approximately eighty (80) food color additives being used and considered safe. Due to adverse or carcinogenic effects since then, the list of acceptable FD&C (Food, Drug, & Cosmetic) colorants in the U.S. has been reduced to nine (9) certified colors.

“Absolute Safety”

The FDA admits, though, that they can never prove the “absolute safety” of any substance. Since they’re limited by science which frequently changes, the agency may have to reassess the safety of a food substance and reverse earlier decisions to stay up to date. Karen’s Fit Tip: Steer away from artificially-colored products which you consume or slather on your skin. By doing so, you’ll eliminate unnecessary petrochemical additives and possible carcinogens from entering your body.