Coal Tar: The Artificial Coloring Used in the Food Industry
In order to prevent the growth of bacteria, the food industry often eliminates natural colors from their products. Instead, they rely on artificial coloring to replicate the appearance of the original natural hues. Interestingly, this artificial coloring is derived from a rather unconventional source – coal tar. By carbonizing coal, manufacturers are able to produce the synthetic food coloring agents. Not only do these additives enhance the visual appeal of products with extended shelf lives, but coal tar also serves as a binding agent for graphite, which is commonly used to seal parking lots.
Artificial Food Coloring and the Use of Coal Tar
In the food industry, one method employed to prevent the growth of bacteria is the elimination of natural colors. Instead, artificial coloring is utilized to replicate the original hues. This involves the conversion of coal into carbon and subsequently extracting the fake food coloring from tar. The purpose of this practice is twofold – it enhances the appearance of food products with extended shelf lives and coal tar, being a binding agent, is also used to seal parking lots.