The European Food Safety Authority has released a human-health warning against the food coloring E128, also known as Red 2G, citing new scientific evidence of its carcinogenicity.

E128 is a water-soluble, synthetic red azo dye. Once in the body, it converts into an oily substance called aniline.

Rats and mice injected with aniline developed cancerous tumors, leading the EFSA panel to release a statement saying, "... it cannot be excluded that aniline's carcinogenic potential is due to damage to the genetic material of the cells," and recommended that the dye should no longer be considered safe for human consumption.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland banned the additive as of July, after the release of the findings. E128 is already banned in many other countries, including Australia, Norway, Sweden and--according to Wikipedia--the United States.

The fact that the concerns about aniline's safety goes all the way back to the 1980's should tell you something about the efficiency and expediency that these food safety experts operate under...

The United States permits seven artificial food colorings in our food supply. The fact that they are permitted is not an indication of their safety, however. FD&C Red No.3 - Erythrosine, E127 (Pink shade), for example, is linked to thyroid tumors in rats.

Do what you can to eliminate products containing artificial food colorings--and all other synthetic chemical food additives--from your diet, which means the majority of fast foods, junk foods, and processed pre-packaged foods. If you need a kick-start, try my recommendations in How to Spring Clean Your Body.

EFSA Announcement July 9, 2007

BBC News July 10, 2007

RTE News July 10, 2007