Artificial colors are chemicals that are added to food, drinks or other products to give them a specific color. These colors do not occur naturally in the product and are used for cosmetic purposes such as making the product look more appealing or distinctive. Artificial colors can be made from various sources including coal tar, petroleum, or even natural materials that have been processed and purified. Some common artificial colors include FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), FD&C Red No. 40 (allura red) and FD&C Blue No. 1 (brilliant blue). While these chemicals are considered safe for consumption by regulatory agencies, there is still some debate about their long-term effects on human health.