Asked by: Phil Rippon, Cardiff

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In the 1950s, raspberry-flavoured foods were coloured dark red using a dye called amaranth. This later turned out to be carcinogenic and was banned in the US. Food manufacturers started using the bright blue dye instead, partly because it helps to distinguish it from cherry or strawberry flavours, but also because children seem to like brightly coloured foods.

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luis villazon
Luis VillazonQ&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.

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