Colourful or Harmful?

I read an article from Healthy Eats on 'Artificial Food Coloring: Good or Bad?'. Artificial food colorings can be found in bright candy and breakfast cereals. It can also be used in soda, beverages, gelatin desserts, pet food and meat products like hot dogs (Unbelievable!). Artificial colorings are names like "Yellow 5" and "Blue 1". Immediately, I take a look at the empty M&M's wrapper that I had earlier on. I spotted the artificial food colorings on the M&M's wrapper (Blue 1 Lake, Yellow 6, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 1, Blue 2 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 2).



What are the risks of taking in artificial food colorings? Research states that the Center of Science in Public Interest links food colorings to hyperactivity and behaviour problems in children. It sounds scary that most artificial food colorings are used in candies, the favourite food for children (also includes adults!). More 'highlights' on the risk of taking in artificial food colorings:

(Source fron Healthy Eats website)
Blue 2: linked to brain tumors
Green 3: linked to bladder cancer
Yellow 3: known to cause some mild allergic reactions - especially in people who are sensitive to aspirin
Yellow 6: associated with cancer of the adrenal glands and kidneys as well as possible allergic reactions
Red 3: possible link to thyroid tumors

Artificial colorings are found mostly in processed junk food, which contains high calories and low nutrients. I shall take note of artificial food colorings from now onwards when I shop at supermarkets. But I think a small consumption of artificial food colorings is fine, perhaps an excuse for a candy lover like me. I love M&Ms, so how?