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Why Should Artificial Food Dyes Be Banned

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Artificial food dyes can be found in many products sold in the United States including food, cosmetics, medicine, and even cleaning products. The FDA allows for seven dyes to be used in food products: Blue 1, Blue 2, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Green 6.1 Although this number is much lower than the over 80 dyes allowed in the early 20th century, many people are debating whether the 7 that are still allowed are safe.2 I think artificial food dyes should be banned. Food dyes, even in low concentrations, pose health risks. Multiple studies have shown that food dyes can cause hyperactivity and some types of cancer.3 The FDA has stated that a safe amount of Blue 1 food dye is 12 mg per kilogram of body weight each day.4 According to this

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