Red food coloring linked to cancer

Red food coloring has been targeted in the past for causing all sorts of problems, including allergic reactions and behavior problems in children. Now a certain kind of red food coloring -- often found in ground meat -- has been linked to cancer in animal testing. The coloring, called Red 2G (E 128), may alter genetic material in cells, according to the European Union. The European Food Safety Union did not call for a ban on the additive, but did retract the amount that was previously thought to be safe to consume for humans. Red 2G converts to a substance called aniline in the body, and the EFSU says there's no known safe amount for humans. Hopefully, further testing will clear up this issue for consumers...until then, take some time to learn what's in the food you're eating!