Is it Time to Ban Controversial Food Dyes?

http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/3202 ^ | Wednesday, June 4th, 2008

[truthfinder9]

This was from a few months ago, there was a more recent article but I can't find it. It's funny, we now have 30 years of research supporting the artificial food dye-kid hyperactivity link, yet our FDA has done nothing. Once again, we have given all responsibility of something (our food) to politicians (FDA) who only have to pretend their doing something. Just as troubling is how secretive and unregulated the food ingredient and chemical businesses are. Here's out it works: They say its safe, and the politicians that they pay off agree. Note in the article below that American food companies are removing these chemicals from their foods in other countries, but not in the U.S. Why? Because they can get away with it here.

Yet another example of the government messing something up because we insist on not taking responsibility for ourselves.

*******************************************

Prominent United States advocacy group, The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), has asked the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban eight artificial food dyes, citing studies linking the food colorings to behavioral problems in children. The FDA has long maintained that research shows no solid link between food dyes and behavioral disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); however, CSPI experts believe newer studies prove otherwise. Artificial food dyes—which tend to be cheaper and look more vibrant than natural colorings—are primarily derived from petroleum and coal tars.

The CSPI, prompted by the success of an ongoing consumer uprising against artificial food dyes in the United Kingdom, hopes that by focusing on the issue, US producers will choose to drop the synthetic dyes. According to Kraft spokesman Michael Mitchell, “This is about listening to consumers.” And, in the UK, they are listening. Food giant Mars, Inc. removed artificial coloring from Starburst and Skittle candies sold in the UK and Kraft in the UK removed the dyes from its British Lunchables. The McDonald’s Corporation uses natural colorings for strawberry shakes and sundaes in the UK, but continues to use artificial dyes for these products in the US.

In the US, consumers do not appear concerned, whereas Kraft’s market research in the UK has shown a “much higher interest” in food dyes. In the US, consumers seemed to be more concerned over calorie, fat, and sodium content, so in the US, Kraft, Mars, and others continue to add artificial dyes to food products.

CSPI reports that the blue coloring in Aunt Jemima’s blueberry waffles does not come from blueberries, but is derived from artificial food dyes Red 40 and Blue 2. The CSPI has petitioned the FDA to ban the two most commonly used dyes—Red 40 and Yellow 5, as well as Blue 2 and five other synthetic dyes. Because these petitions can take years to decide, the CSPI asked the FDA to require warning labels be included on products made with artificial dyes in the interim.

And while the FDA claims it has reviewed this issue before and found no conclusive evidence to support such claims, the CSPI points to a newer study from Britain that found kids who drank artificially colored juice had increased hyperactivity over children who drank a placebo not containing artificial coloring. The CSPI cited a study funded by the British government and published in September in a UK medical journal. After a review of trials involving about 200 children, researchers at the UK’s Southampton University found that there was a statistically significant link between hyperactive behavior and the consumption of certain artificial colors, including Red 40 and Yellow 5. Britain is now phasing out these dyes and pediatricians recommend avoiding artificially colored junk food.

The UK’s Food Standards Agency recommended that by the end of 2009, food manufacturers should stop using several artificial colors and also called for the UK to lobby for a Europe-wide ban. A number of key supermarket chains in the UK have also pledged to cut back on selling food containing “nasties,” a common British term for artificial additives.

[Larry Lucido]

Geez, they want us to be green, and we can’t even use green dye?

[Cloverfarm]

Red dye #40 sends one of my kids over the moon. It’s like he drank a whole pot of coffee, himself. Just one kid, though. So ... we vote with our dollars and don’t buy stuff like that. We had to start reading labels a lot, though.

The choice is ours, to read labels and buy or not buy.

[cripplecreek]

Food dye does seem kind of pointless.

[autumnraine]

RED DYE DOES MAKE SOME KIDS HYPER. There are different kinds of allergies and my daughter can drink a red Hi-C and she is the real life version of Daffy Duck. I had a call from the daycare once who was complaining about how she couldn’t sit still or wouldn’t stop talking 90 miles a minute (and even laughingly asked if she slipped into the coffee) and they didn’t understand because she was normally a pretty good kid. I asked what she had for snack.... RED HI-C. I said READ HER CHART.

If I hadn’t seen it with my own two eyes (and obviously comfirmation from others who had no idea) I wouldn’t gave believed it. Food affects people differently.

[Pablo64]

I’ve always felt (don’t know that I could prove it) that it isn’t only the food dyes, but also the loads of preservatives. I am of the opinion that these things could be contributing to not just hyperactivity problems, but the dramatic rise in food allergies over the last few decades.

[facedown]

Prominent United States advocacy group, The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI),...

Lost all credibility right there.

[truthfinder9]

You’re right, preservatives aren’t good either. I have seen a trend of companies moving away from as many chemicals, but only barely.

See the book “The Hundred-Year Lie.” Sometimes the author takes the argument a little too far, but he traces the issue of chemicals in foods and the resulting problems all the way to the beginning.

[truthfinder9]

The credibility is in the 30 years of studies. Are people really so dumb that they think dyes dervied from motor oil are entirelys safe? What’s it going to take for people to realize the government could care less about them? 100 more bailouts of failing companies that deserve to fail?

[org.whodat]

I like the ideal of banning idiots, who will second the motion!!!

[Brilliant]

I’m not sure what the point is in dyeing food anyway. I suppose that a product that is dyed will sell better than a similar product that is not, but if neither brand can be dyed, then it’s a level playing field.

[org.whodat]

The choice is ours, to read labels and buy or not buy.

The way I feel about wal mart and it's Chinese foods import division, washed in the clean waters of the Yangtze River. LOL

[MaxMax]

When the Greens find out the Moon is made of cheese they’ll ban the night sky.

[cricket]

What about all the kids who are not 'hyper' and so have suffered 'not' from these additives. How did most of grow up? Perhaps, we should give up walking and get around in wheelchairs; because there are people who must use them. Give me a frickin break! This is just another translation of the 'egalitarian playing field'- a literal, collective flat-lining of life.

More important question is How do we STOP the food nazis and all the rest of the Leftists zealots, all of whom are embedded with a sick, sick, sick need to control others. . .

The truth just may be, that these people are far more dangerous to our health and well-being than ANYthing they might put under their microscopes. They have certainly damned America's economy; and the health and well-being of all so impacted; just for starters. Time for a study here of Liberals and Liberalism. If the truth of the findings were disclosed; then Liberals and their idiology would surely be banned.

[southernnorthcarolina]

Geez, they want us to be green, and we can’t even use green dye?

Well, there are ways around that. I was recently in Scotland, and purchased some lime-flavored hard candies, the packaging of which proclaimed them to be "all natural." They were distinctly green; I know from my extensive amateur bartending experience that lime juice is almost colorless. I checked the ingredients, and the candies (which were quite good, by the way) contained spinach powder.

So, "all natural," and yet somehow not quite right. I don't worry much about the chemicals in food dyes, but I do object to their deceptive use -- e.g., as ways to make unripe fruits and vegetables appear riper.

[southernnorthcarolina]

Coming soon to a supermarket near you:

Screaming Yellow Off-White Zonkers!

[FrogMom]

I’ve always felt (don’t know that I could prove it) that it isn’t only the food dyes, but also the loads of preservatives. I am of the opinion that these things could be contributing to not just hyperactivity problems, but the dramatic rise in food allergies over the last few decades.

Read Why Your Child is Hyperactive by Doctor Ben F. Feingold, a pediatric allergist. This book was copywrited in 1974!

When my son was having behavior problems in grade school, the doctor said, "Ritalin!". At the time, I didn't know better and allowed it, BUT... started researching. This was before the internet (late 70s, early 80s), so my research involved cards in a library (oy vey!).

I saw a reference to this guys work in some publication and tracked down his book which was not available at the library, so had to buy it.

Dr. Feingold used a "rolling diet" to determine which foods caused allergic reactions in his patients. He noticed, and had reports from parents, that in some cases, their behavior changed, sometimes drastically.

The "rolling diet" eliminates both ALL major allergens and many more that were "suspect" from the child's diet for about 3 weeks, then starts adding them back in, one by one. He provided guidelines for monitoring for any reaction in the child.

I did this with my son and found out that both FD&C Yellow #5 and carmel coloring caused a Jekyl/Hyde change in him. One of the things to watch in the under-test child was ears. His would go from normal color to bright red within 10 minutes of drinking a colored soda (Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, etc.) and go from a great kid to someone I wanted to put in a closet. Sprite - no reaction.

Dr. Feingold reports that many kids grow out of these allergies at puberty, something that the local ritalin-prescribing doctor had told me that "hyperactive" kids also do.

Hmmmmm.

So. Until my son left home, I used nothing with either of these colors in them. Do you know how HARD it is to get a breakfast cereal without FD&C Yellow #5??? Chex, shredded wheat, grapenuts, and of course, oatmeal and cream of wheat were our staples.

I allowed no "flavored" chips in the house (didn't allow most junk food, in fact). Cheese isn't naturally yellow, did you know that? What gives it it's nice color? FD&C Yellow #5. Any kind of canned/prepared gravy? The brown is probably carmel coloring. Many canned soups have one or the other.

The kids still talk about how mom made everything "from scratch" to this day. BUT, I was able to throw the ritalin away immediately.

As for the preservatives... that's a different rant.

[browardchad]

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is the undisputed leader among America’s “food police.” CSPI was founded in 1971 by current executive director Michael Jacobson, and two of his co-workers at Ralph Nader’s Center for the Study of Responsive Law. Since then, CSPI’s joyless eating club has issued hundreds of high-profile—and highly questionable—reports condemning soft drinks, fat substitutes, irradiated meat, biotech food crops, French fries, and just about anything that tastes good.

CSPI fancies itself a “watchdog” group but behaves more like an attack dog, savaging restaurants, disparaging adults’ food choices, and discouraging even moderate alcohol consumption. It famously dubbed fettuccine alfredo a “heart attack on a plate.” Its nutrition nags encourage the public to “just say no” to fried mozzarella as though it were an illegal drug.

(snip)

CSPI complains about so many foods and beverages that it’s hard to think of anything that has escaped their wrath. Even so, the group has a special animus towards a few common foods. CSPI co-founder Michael Jacobson considers caffeine such a blight on civilization that he complains about people socializing over coffee. Unsurprisingly, he suggests that Americans patronize a “carrot juice house” instead. CSPI’s in-house food policies are so strict that Jacobson once reportedly intended to get rid of the office coffee machine—until one-third of his 60 employees threatened to quit.

CSPI also has a bias against meat and dairy. Jacobson, himself a vegetarian, wrote in an issue of CSPI’s Nutrition Action Healthletter that proper nutrition “means eating a more plant-based diet … It means getting your fats from plants (vegetable oils and nuts) and fish, not animals (meats, milk cheese, and ice cream).” In keeping with his personal vegetarianism, Jacobson quietly sits on the advisory board of the “Great American Meatout,” an annual event operated by the animal rights zealots at the Farm Animal Reform Movement (FARM). Alcohol, even when consumed in moderation, is perhaps CSPI’s most hated product. The group’s Healthletter has asserted that “the last thing the world needs is more drinkers, even moderate ones.” CSPI wants hefty increases in beer taxes, increased restrictions on adult-beverage marketing, and even poster-sized warning labels placed in restaurants. George Hacker, who leads CSPI’s anti-alcohol effort, has accused winemakers of “hawking America’s costliest and most devastating drug.”

MORE...

[Pablo64]

I think my mom must have read some of that research as well. All the kids in our family had some sort of food allergies as children (which is weird, because we are all adopted and of no blood relation). We have outgrown almost all of them as adults. I still can not eat walnuts or pecans, and my brother has trouble with mustard, but both my brother and sister don't have any more problems with dairy products, but did when they were young.

My mom cooked mostly from scratch, and we didn't have a lot of "junk food" in the house. I've continued that to a great extent (mostly because I don't like the taste of prepared foods) and our kids have no known food allergies, and they are not hyperactive or anything like that. I also use real butter instead of that chemical goop known as margarine. I just don't go overboard on it. We are all healthy and the kids are not the least bit fat or pudgy like so many of their friends. We also avoid products with soy in them as much as possible (soy sauce excepted, but the fermentation process changes the chemical makeup of the soy) as I do not believe that it is the "wonder food" that everyone makes it out to be. There is too much evidence that some of the things in soy, like phyto-estogens, can cause problems, especially in male children. Don't need soy to survive, so I don't need it in my house.

It does take some extra work (prepared foods are convenient), but I love to cook (my wife doesn't cook - I do all the cooking) so I figure it's worth it in the end.

[Cloverfarm]

I’ll have to look at DS1’s ears sometime. We’re pretty good at spotting Red #40 but might have to widen our net to yellow dyes, too. Good heads up, there.

No matter what, we expect them to learn how to behave or face the wrath of Mom and Dad.

[Magic Fingers]

“Perhaps, we should give up walking and get around in wheelchairs; because there are people who must use them.”

I don’t understand the comparison. Dyes are harmful (to some) substances added for no reason other than marketing. Does anyone actually want them in their food?

[Blacksheep]

Don't forget the assault on bottled water and it has nothing in it....no chlorine, no radium, no dye, no sugar,
no biofilm, no transfats.

And these idiots want to take bottled water out of machines in schools and state offices and leave the pop!

Wait till the EPA declares water vapor a pollutant watch out tea drinkers.

[Blacksheep]

Food poisoning is not that bad let’s get rid of all the preservatives!!!!!!

[Gabz]

If anything needs to be banned, it is CSPI. It never ceases to amaze me how much stock so many place on the histrionics of Jacobsen and his hacks.

[bluegirl]

I think my son is allergic to one of the lesser used food dyes. He breaks out in an itchy rash all over, followed by stomach cramps and diarrhea. Common foods do not cause a reaction. But things with many colors, like Lucky Charms or colored easter egg candy do. I haven't bothered to figure out which coloring it is. We just don't buy multicolored food or candy.

[My hearts in London - Everett]

If you’ve been on threads like this before, you’ll remember that there are a small number of FReepers out there who like to mock those of us who are concerned about artificial colors/flavors, preservatives, pesticides, GMOs, irradiation, etc. I happen to believe the health in general of the population has suffered since these things were added to the food supply. There are other factors too, of course, I don’t deny that. I eat organic as much as possible. It’s not that much more expensive if you are diligent and tastes better, IMO. As to others who believe differently ~ to each his own.

[My hearts in London - Everett]

Gee, I don’t know how our ancestors survived eating the smoked meats and canned vegetables, etc before commercial preservatives were invented! Have you ever heard of salt and citric acid - natural preservatives? My organic foods don’t seem to spoil overnight or even after two weeks in the fridge or the cupboard!

[Magic Fingers]

“If you’ve been on threads like this before, you’ll remember that there are a small number of FReepers out there who like to mock those of us who are concerned about artificial colors/flavors, preservatives, pesticides, GMOs, irradiation, etc.”

Yes, when I saw there was a reply to my comment I fully expected it to be from one of those who think there is no possible harm in anything we dream up and throw down our throats. I imagine they’ll come, but it was nice that yours wasn’t one of them.

[sionnsar]

Same issue here. But this line was completely out of place:

Artificial food dyes—which tend to be cheaper and look more vibrant than natural colorings—are primarily derived from petroleum and coal tars.

So what?

[cricket]

There is a strong correalation beteen the 'visual appeal' of food and our enjoyment of it! This is not a 'new thing' but rather a food psychology that reaches back to ancient times. Do not want and 'choose not to eat' those products flavored with MSG and certain other additives.

But,no matter how scrupulous we may become with our food; there will always be those whose suffer with 'tolerance' issues; be they natural or synthetic. We don't stop the 'shell-fish' or nuts; or tomatoes. . .from being part of our 'food-line'. The coconut oil used for our popcorn in movie theaters; contrary to popular opinion; is far more healthier than anything used in theaters today. We are all a bit 'less healthy' for that change; but the desire to have a population conform to standards which in many cases are misguided and arbitrary; serves only those who are deigned to 'push the river' here. IMHO!

We do not ban 'dust' although I, like many. am quite allergic to this; along with a number of other things. . .Bottom line; allergies 'are' and 'will be'. . .think folks have to be aware; be careful and prudent; and find ways to deal with them. As often; it is the 'total diet' that can be the problem; moreso, than the 'enhancements'. A poor diet; lack of vitamins and proper enzymes may be the culprit. . .real nutritioinal deficiencies can make one vulnerable to 'things that go bump in our food'. . .and while I agree - NO MSG - this is labeled - and just do not think the answer is 'banning enhancemens' per a 'one-size-fits-all food MO and remedy.

As for hyper-actiity; ADD/ADHD; their are nutritional anti-dotes/adjuncts etc/et al. . .and despite stats; the majority of children are not negatively impacted here.

Meantime. . .and interesting history here:

link

[little jeremiah]

Thought this might interest you.

[little jeremiah]

It’s very easy, anyone can do it. Quit eating anything with artificial color, artificial flavor (which includes “natural flavors”; really just forms of MSG - excito-toxins) or preservativess and for good measure, corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. For at least one month, better yet, two.

Then try something with that stuff (I call them “non-food items”) in it. That test will convince anyone. Have to really be strict with avoidance or it won’t work.

[metmom]

Want to read something to curl your hair?

http://www.foodsafety.gov/~lrd/colorfac.html

Carmine is considered a *natural* food color so does not need to be listed except as such. It’s made from insect shells and has caused serious allergic reactions in some people (my daughter being one).

For others, there is also the kosher issue or the vegan issue. If people are interested in watching their diets for those reasons, they would do well to check the sources of additives like that.

[metmom]

I have a friend whose son is very sensitive to Red #40.

For him the effect is like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He turns into a nasty, sadistic kid. She can ALWAYS tell when he’s snuck some.

[Magic Fingers]

“We do not ban ‘dust’ although I, like many. am quite allergic to this; . . .and while I agree - NO MSG - this is labeled - and just do not think the answer is ‘banning enhancemens’ per a ‘one-size-fits-all food MO and remedy.”

1. We do not manufacture artificial “dust” and add it to our food or environment. The dyes in question are man made and unnecessary (unless one thinks we’re going to stop eating food because it won’t be “visually appealing” if dyes are removed).
2. I agree with “NO MSG”, but I fail to see the difference between it (an artificial flavor enhancer) and manufactured food dyes (artificial appearance enhancers). I don’t advocate “banning enhancements/one size fits all”, but each item can and should be evaluated on a cost/benefit basis. I find it hard to understand justification for their wholesale addition to our food - as pervasive as MSG is, dyes are more so. We have to go out of our way to make them and put them there (i.e., they’re not like “dust”). IMHO

[cricket]

A 'man-made' or engineered additive is not necessarily 'bad' anymore than a natural additive is by it's 'natural origin', necessarily good. I don't think 'non-nutritional foods' should be excommunicated anymore than 'caffeine, salt. . .pepper' should be rendered 'null and void' because they are used more often in non-nutritional foods or because they have little 'nutritional value' of and by themselves.

Reason should be brought to bear here; but that already seems an impossible task; given we know the 'food nazis' are already stirring their pots per their 'one soup fits all' recipe - the one they deem best for us to dine on.

We want and need our food to get to it's destination; and still be viable and not degraded; we want our food to yes, 'look good'. . .and taste good; and like it or not; there IS a correlation here. We do not want bugs embedded or just eating from the 'outside/in' on our vegetables as we carry them home. (There are no easy answers; albeit, some are better than others. Maybe/depends. . .)

Think awareness, judgment. . .moderation and a 'healthy balance' - and my choice far preferable than those determinations made by a 'food fascist'; on my behalf. (Remember the alar 'apple-fright'and Meryl Streep speaking on 'our behalf; among other orchestrated scares?)

That said the following link is interesting and helpful; although I suspect someone could argue/debate the determinations here; if they were so inclined; but a good 'thumbnail' nonetheless. *************************************************** (excerpt:). . .a simple general rule about additives is to avoid sodium nitrite, saccharin, caffeine, olestra, acesulfame K, and artificial coloring. Not only are they among the most questionable additives, but they are used primarily in foods of low nutritional value.

Also, don’t forget the two most familiar additives: sugar and salt. They may pose the greatest risk because we consume so much of them. Fortunately, most additives are safe and some even increase the nutritional value of the food.

Additives (Listed Alphabetically)

more here: link/ cspnetlink ***********************

[Magic Fingers]

“A ‘man-made’ or engineered additive is not necessarily ‘bad’ anymore than a natural additive is by it’s ‘natural origin’, necessarily good.”

I realize that much of the public isn’t aware of that, but I am (majors in chemistry/zoology, post-graduate genetics research, years of self-study of nutrition and metabolism). With regard to man-made food dyes specifically (NOT preservatives or flavorings, which have their own cost-benefit equations), I just don’t accept that whatever visual appeal they might add to food offsets any measurable harm they might have. That’s a solution in search of a problems...the one thing we’re not running short of is an inclination to eat, dyes or not. I’m not even remotely a food Nazi, but I don’t think that applying “reason” to the cost-benefit issue of artificial (or natural) food dyes is an impossible task. And I don’t think we should be so afraid of being called names that we don’t apply rational analysis to nutritional issues on a case by case basis.

[Ditter]

Yes food with MSG is labeled as such, but it goes by many other names as well. autolized wheat protein, hydrolyzed yeast protein and many many others. You are correct, the guys who (probably) manufacture this junk will be along shortly to defend it.

[Hoodlum91]

Yellow #5 used to make me absolutely bonkers.