Food Dye Colors to Watch Out For
Some of the most dangerous color additives currently in use are:
Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue) – found primarily in baked goods, beverages, and cereals. It caused kidney tumors in laboratory mice.
Blue #2 (Indigo Carmine) – colorant in candies, pet food, and other items. Shown to cause brain tumors in rats.
Green #3 (Fast Green) – found in many cosmetics, candy, and drugs. Increases tumors of the bladder and testes in male rats.
Red #3 (Erythrosine) – colors maraschino cherries, baked goods, and candy. Banned by the FDA for causing thyroid tumors when used in externally applied cosmetics and topical drugs.
Red #40 (Allura Red) – the most widely used dye found in cereals, desserts, drugs, and cosmetics. Accelerates immune system tumors in mice and triggers allergic reactions and hyperactivity in children.
Yellow #5 (Tartrazine) – found in any number of baked goods, cereal, gelatin products, and dessert powders. Causes severe hypersensitivity and triggers hyperactivity disorders and other behavioral issues in children.
Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow) – Used in beverages, desserts, gelatin, candy, and even sausage. Found to cause adrenal tumors and trigger severe hyperactivity in children.
Unfortunately, these food dyes are so commonly used, particularly in food aimed at children, that parents don’t even consider the dangers. Rainbow cereals, blue energy drinks, electric-orange cheese flavored snacks are commonplace on supermarket shelves and usually inexpensive as well.
Children are the Main Victims of Food Dye
There are no warnings in the U.S. (as there is in the European Union) that alert parents that the dyes contained in the foods have been shown to cause behavioral changes and attention issues in children. Without a warning, it’s assumed to be safe and continues to be manufactured and consumed with gusto.
Children see bright colors and demand that their wants be satisfied. Meanwhile, well-meaning parents wonder why their kids are bouncing off the walls and taking medicine for attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other behavioral problems that are becoming a pandemic all their own.
The problems aren’t in their brains… it’s in their food.
Behavior isn’t the only concern with food dyes. Laboratory studies continue to show that these dyes, used in almost every food processed in the U.S., have carcinogenic properties.
Every single year, manufacturers dump over 15 million pounds of food dye into our food supply. These food dyes are added simply to make food prettier and more attractive, despite it being known that these dyes cause cancer in both lab animals and humans. They have no nutritional qualities whatsoever, but continue to be used.
Food Dye Made From Petroleum
Petroleum-based food dyes are particularly dangerous. The dyes contain benzidine, proven to dramatically raise the risk of developing cancer. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that ingestion is typically under the “concern threshold.” Their routine tests are in question for not fully recognizing the true amount or levels that a body can store, thereby building up quantities in the system. Nor do they take into consideration the increasing exposure of children to these substances in other products besides their food.
With a policy of not commenting on topics under review, the FDA remains silent on this issue.
Safer Food Color Options Do Exist
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has accused the FDA of ignoring the evidence and failing to protect the public. With safer alternatives available, there is no reason to continue their use. Safe food dyes include those made from carrots, beets, berries, herbs, and spices such as saffron or paprika.
Orange soda in Britain is colored with pumpkin and carrot extracts, while in the U.S. it is made with Red40 and Yellow6. Cereal bars, thought by parents to be a healthier treat, use Red40, Yellow6, and Blue1 instead of beet, paprika, and annatto (made from seeds of the achiote tree).
Consumer groups are rallying against the FDA, charging them with the responsibility to protect consumers and fight manufacturers that argue against widespread changes.
Studies continue into the dangers of artificial food dyes and additives and the FDA is performing their own assessments as well. In the meantime, as consumers, there are alternatives available.
Where to Find Natural Food Dyes in the U.S.
Major health food chains like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have banned items containing artificial dyes and even have natural food colorings available for home baking. Organic foods, including kid favorites like cereals, snack bars, and macaroni and cheese are on supermarket shelves across the U.S.
Organic foods use natural dyes in their process as well as healthier ingredients overall. Homemade foods, rather than manufactured, are the very best alternative, but not always an option for busy families.
Parents should be aware of the dangers and make the best choices they can until the U.S. catches up with the European Union. Diligence and awareness is key to keeping kids safe and healthy.
Knowing the link between food dye and cancer and taking action to avoid them is another step in leading an anti-cancer lifestyle.
