flickr photo: matski_98

1. It has many names – Tartrazine, E102 , FD&C Yellow 5, C.I. 19140, or just plain Yellow 5.

2. Yellow #5 is a synthetic, water soluble, lemon yellow dye used as a food coloring.

3. A partial list of foods including Yellow #5: cotton candy, soft drinks, energy drinks, instant puddings, flavored tortilla chips such as Doritos, breakfast cereals, cake mixes, pastries, pudding powders, soups, sauces, flavored rices such as paella,  powdered drink mixes, sports drinks, ice cream, ice pops, candy, chewing gum, marzipan, jam, jelly, gelatins, marmalade, mustard, horseradish, yogurt, noodles, and pickles.

4. Yellow #5 is one of the cheapest synthetic colors available, and sold all over the world.

5. The more expensive, natural food colorings are turmeric (a spice) , annatto (tropical tree derivative), betacarotene (think carrots’ orange pigments), or malt color.

6. Various levels of allergic reactions and intolerance reactions have been caused by this food coloring, especially among asthmatics and people with aspirin intolerance.

7. Some studies have linked various immunologic responses to tartrazine ingestion, including anxiety, migraines, clinical depression, blurred vision, itching, general weakness, heatwaves, feeling of suffocation, purple skin patches, and sleep disturbance.

8. Despite mounting evidence, The FDA considers Yellow #5 a safe food coloring. Let it be noted that, in the past, the FDA banned the use of other food colorings. This, after research showed them to be carcinogenic.

9. A major study published in the UK in 2007 linked food colorings with hyperactive behavior in children. As a result, the FSA (UK’s FDA) has called manufacturers to voluntarily ban food colorings in their products. Most companies are obliging,  due to consumer pressure and FSA encouragement.

10. Consumer groups in the US, especially the Center for Science in the Public Interest, have called food colorings, and especially Yellow #5, the “Secret Shame” of Food Industry and Regulators. A ban from all foods is their request.

11. Yellow #5 may also be also found in vitamins, antacids, soaps, cosmetics, shampoos, moisturizers, and crayons.

12. Organic foods may also contain Yellow #5 or other food colorings, because the USDA considers a processed food organic if it as at least 95% organic by weight. Since food colorings are used in tiny amounts, a bran muffin with a touch of artificial yellow is still considered organic.

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Turmeric is becoming  popular as Americans are getting more comfortable with middle eastern and Indian dishes. It is a rhizome of the Turmeric plant growing in tropical southern Asia. (A rhizome is a stem that grows horizontally underground). After harvesting, it is cooked, then dried, and finally ground into a fine powder.

This yellow-orange powdered spice has an active ingredient called curcumin which has been used as a traditional medicine in India for ages. Uses were varied: an antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises, stomach pain neutralizer, and even for arthritis pain relief.

There is some modern research suggesting turmeric may help relieve arthritis symptoms, but it is not conclusive. Studies are underway to check the connection between turmeric and prevention of pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Alzheimer’s,  colorectal cancer, and other diseases.

Turmeric is also used in the food industry as a coloring agent (e100). In many dishes it is used as a cheaper alternative to saffron. It can also be used as a salt alternative in some dishes.

Try it – next time you prepare white or whole grain rice, add half a teaspoon of turmeric per cup of rice before cooking. Stir well, and enjoy a golden rice once prepared.

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