Colors in FoodKool-Aid, Strawberry Ice Cream, and Doritos: What Do These Things Have in Common? Whether you realize it or not, many ordinary foods contain coloring. Some dyes are natural; others are synthetic. Is one better than the other? According to the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, a dye is a “synthetic or natural dye used to color various materials.” Today, many colors are used in foods around the world. As of January 2014, the United States Food and Drug Administration certifies nine different dyes: blue 1, 2; Green 3; Red 3, 5, 6, 40; Yellow 5 and 6 (Beil). Blue dyes are commonly found in ice cream, blueberry-flavored foods, and baked goods. Red dyes are often found in candies, cookies and chips. Cheese and buttered treats contain yellow dyes, while green dyes are not as common in food products but rather in fruit-flavored candies. Naturally colored foods can be strawberries or ketchup. Although artificial colors are allowed, the amount used in foods is limited. European countries have conducted research and banned the addition of any coloring to their foods. These countries believe that dyes pose a threat to health. Some U.S. citizens have said that coloring is not necessary in foods, while others want coloring to still be used in their favorite foods. Regardless of one's point of view, colorings used in food are a very controversial health issue today. Color is not essential in food; it's just added. Without coloring in our foods, all bright, happy foods would be a dull gray. Many believe that coloring makes food taste better, even though studies show that coloring adds nothing other than color (Salisbury). Artificial colors account for over 90% of all dyes used today (Salisbury). Ninety percent of...... middle of paper...... 6th edition. 6th ed. 2013. Print. Knooper, Melissa. “Behind the label.” The Environmental Magazine February 2007: n. pag.Student research center. Internet. April 1, 2014. .Mandal, Ananya. “What are lymph nodes.” Health News nd: n. page. Student Research Center. Internet. April 10, 2014..Payne, Cathy. “Easter egg fun may not be so rosy.” USA News March 26, 2013: n.pag. Print. Salisbury, Susan. “Synthetic Foods in Dyes.” The Palm Beach Post March 23, 2013: n. pag.Print.Winnett, Robert and Siobhan Maguire. "Stores face fines in toxic food scandal." TheSunday Times February 20, 2005: n. page. Print. Woolcock, Nicola and Valerie Elliott. “Cheques against cancer”. The (UK) Times May 3, 2005: n. page. Print.