Many food manufacturers have already voluntary removed artificial dyes from their products. Look for granola bars and crackers made with whole grains such as saltines or plain rice crackers that often don’t use artificial hues in their ingredients.
California lawmakers are considering legislation to ban six of the most common synthetic food dyes, following in the footsteps of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s landmark law that took effect last year and targeted food sold in schools. This new legislation may go further.
Why is it important?
Artificial food dyes are petroleum-derived chemicals used to add color to processed food products. Although many have undergone toxicological testing, some can pose risks to our health when consumed regularly – these chemicals have been linked with hyperactivity, ADD/ADHD in children as well as digestive issues for some people.
Though most CPG companies remain committed to natural colors, some major companies have made commitments. General Mills set an aggressive deadline of 2016 for itself: to remove artificial dyes from all its cereals (including Trix and Lucky Charms ) while Kellogg pledged to switch 90% of its breakfast foods and snacks over to natural ingredients by 2015.
However, these companies haven’t reached their goals just yet; two recognizable brands that are 100% free from artificial colors are Nature’s Way and Wholesome Select; however other products, including Mott’s fruit cups, low-fat yogurts, and chips still use artificial colorings. It is best to read labels and select products which are free from additives.
Children’s health
Many children’s foods contain artificial dyes for coloring – from Trix cereal’s rainbow of marshmallows to fruit-flavored yogurt and packaged chips in supermarkets – which may have long-term repercussions for their health. Studies suggest artificial colors could interfere with how kids’ brains work by increasing levels of hyperactivity and irritability in young people.
Responding to these concerns, many food companies have pledged to eliminate artificial dyes from their food products. While General Mills and Kellogg are close to meeting these targets, others have backed off and given themselves more time.
Eating without artificial colors is one way to limit exposure to harmful chemicals and improve their health, as well as an easy way to limit processed and packaged foods that you consume. Instead of snacking on something with artificial coloring like granola bars or cereal, choose healthier snacks like plain rice cakes, plain crackers (such as saltines), fresh fruits or raw vegetables for snacking instead.
Teenagers’ health
Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies have made promises to switch out artificial dyes for natural alternatives, but this commitment may not last. Many manufacturers have reversed course on these pledges by saying consumers don’t really desire products without vivid hues or they simply can’t afford reformulating products accordingly.
Studies have linked food dye consumption with numerous health problems, including ADHD and hyperactivity in children. Food dye consumption may worsen symptoms associated with ADHD and hyperactivity among these young patients, further exacerbating symptoms.
Blue 1 food dye has been linked with allergy-like hypersensitivity reactions and one animal study suggested a small cancer risk, making it one of the more controversial food dyes used in beverages, candy and baked goods. A lesser used food dye, Yellow 5, has also been associated with asthma attacks and may also be found in candy, cereal and fruit cocktail mixes; occasionally it’s also used in cosmetic products like lipstick and eyeliner.
Environmental impact
Food dyes made with petroleum-oil are a significant contributor of greenhouse gases. Their colorant residue can also pollute water bodies by restricting sunlight access for microalgae at the base of aquatic food chains – potentially leading to their toxicity as well as disrupting energy and nutrient flows up their food chains to larger aquatic organisms.
Synthetic food dyes are ubiquitously present in beverages, candy, gelatin desserts and pet food products. Red 40, the most frequently used food colorant, may trigger allergic-like reactions in certain people and is suspected as a potential carcinogen.
Though many consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies have pledged to eliminate artificial dyes from their products, most told Food Dive they still used artificial hues in some capacity. To minimize artificial dye consumption and remain healthy and well, opt for unprocessed, whole foods including fresh produce, whole grains and lean proteins while carefully reading ingredient labels to make sure you are only eating foods beneficial to your wellbeing and overall health.
