But it may surprise consumers to learn that there are lingering questions about the safety of most of the nine synthetic dyes that can be used in food (Blue 1, Blue 2,
Citrus Red 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6).
Citrus Red 2. The FDA allows this red-orange dye to be used only to color the skins of Florida oranges.
"If there are a lot of them, it's usually a sign the food is junk." Another additive,
Citrus Red 2, is a carcinogen, according to CSPI.
He also ignores other additives like the preservative BHA or the dye
Citrus Red 2, even though there is "sufficient" evidence in animals to label them "possibly" carcinogenic to humans, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).