The most popular summer drink these days might still be the Aperol Spritz, but recently there have been claims online suggesting that colourings contained in the aperitif are toxic and carcinogenic.
The good news is that wee checked out this claim and found that it is misleading. The concerns relate to Aperol, one of the brands of the Campari Group and an Italian liqueur used as an aperitif or a mixer in cocktails.
You make an Aperol Spritz by mixing it with Prosecco and mineral water, and these days, you can also find drinks similar to Aperol on offer at supermarkets under their own brands.
Aperol owes its striking orange-red colour to the two added artificial colourings E 110 (yellow-orange S) and E 124 (cochineal red A), which are based on petroleum.
These azo dyes are considered "very controversial," says Berlin's consumer advice centre. They can cause what are known as pseudo-allergic reactions such as reddening of the skin and asthma in people who are allergic to aspirin or are generally susceptible to allergies.
But do they also increase the risk of cancer? The small amounts used in food are considered harmless, say advisors who note that both colourings are approved food additives.
Additives are only authorized if certain criteria are met, including proof that the substance is harmless to peple's health, says Germany's national consumer protection and food safety office.
Limited quantities of colourings
Authorization often only applies to certain food categories and limited maximum quantities. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has set daily intake limits for E 110 and E 124.
For E 110, this maximum amount is four milligrams per kilogram of body weight, for E 124 it is 0.7 milligrams.
In spirits such as Aperol, both colourings may be used in a total concentration of up to 200 milligrams per litre.
That means anyone who weighs 70 kilograms can consume up to 490 ml of Aperol per day without exceeding the recommended limits, say consumer advisors. Their calculation is based on the colouring agent E 124 and the assumption that Aperol can contain up to 100 milligrams per litre.
That results in just under half a litre of Aperol corresponds to around eight glasses of our popular summer drink Aperol Spritz.
Studies have produced varying results as to whether and to what extent E 110 and E 124 have a carcinogenic effect.
Scientists have so far found that the risk of cancer in mice increased - albeit in high concentrations when administered for long periods.
Nevertheless, other countries are already taking a much more restrictive approach to E 124 and the US completely bans the use of the colouring agent in food.
When it comes to E 110, scientists in Germany have observed possible kidney tumours forming in animals, but qualify this by saying no such link has yet been proven for humans in studies.
Definitely carcinogenic: alcohol
However, there is another ingredient to consider in the assessment, namely alcohol, which is known to be carcinogenic.
Scientists long ago recognized that there is a direct link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk, notably oesophageal cancer and liver cancer, says the German Cancer Research Centre.
Some 4% of annual cancer cases globally can be directly attributed to alcohol - and then come other potential impacts on your health such as strokes, heart failure, alcohol dependency and mental disorders.
So in essence, yes Aperol Spritz will increase your risk of getting cancer, but little more than any other drink with this much alcohol in it.