Foods that are generally adulterated with metanil yellow are arhar dal, moong washed chana, ice candy, faluda etc.
Ill effects : Metanil yellow is highly carcinogenic in effect. Intake of this colour produces various abnormalities of bones, eyes, skin, lungs, ovaries, testicles, mental retardation, anaemia and accumulation of lead in the body and blood. Food colorings have also been linked to an increase in hyperactive behaviour