A dye found in dozens of food favourites has been found to trigger severe bowel diseases, scientists have warned.
Allura red, known as Red 40, is used in several snacks including popular sweets, fizzy drinks and crisps as well as baked goods and cake mix.
Researchers from the McMaster University in Ontario, Canada - published in the journal Nature Communications - found that th additive can hamper the gut's ability to absorb nutrients, water and electrolytes. This in turn increased the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. As part of the study, scientists gave mouse models of Allura Red colours in their meals for 12 weeks.
