Although there was no scientific evidence to support the claim that food additives are dangerous to human body, there are still many different opinions about the safety of these substances when consumed by human beings.

1. Carcinogenic - A study of FD&C Red No.3 in male rats showed an association with thyroid tumors.
2. Allergy - It is reported that FD&C Yellow No. 5 may cause hives in fewer than one out of 10,000 people. In addition, a small number of people has also been found to develop hives, nausea, diarrhea, shortness of breath or even fatal shock after consuming sulfites.
3. Hyperactivity - This theory was popularized in the 1970*. It was said that food additives may cause hyperactivity or learning disabilities in children. But no scientific evidence has yet been found.
4. Adverse reaction - For example, some consumers had complained about adverse reactions to low calorie sweetener aspartame.

Food for Thoughts:

Think about the pros and cons of using food additives in food. Make a table and list them under the headings of Advantages and Disadvantages. Do you think that it is right to apply such substances to food? Justify your answer.