Food Manufacturers Ban Food Dyes in Europe to Protect Kids, but Not in the U.S.

We place a lot of trust in food companies. When you think about it, most people don’t bother to ever read the ingredients in the food they purchase, let alone go look them up to see what exactly they’re putting into their own bodies – and those of their children. The bottom line is, food companies are concerned with profits – not safety. You may associate major brands with quality, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing everything they can to ensure that the best possible ingredients go into your food. And I’m not even talking about fresh, organic ingredients – I’m talking about stuff that won’t harm you.

Numerous studies since the 1970’s have shown that food dyes are linked to hyperactivity and other disorders in children. The FDA has disputed these claims for decades, stating that the dyes undergo safety testing, but the fact is that the FDA doesn’t test the dyes themselves – they leave it up to manufacturers to do animal testing to see if dyes cause harmful effects.

From The Lohasian:

Although the FDA reports that some individuals are sensitive to Yellow #5 and break out in hives, the agency does not agree with the conclusions about ADHD or asthma or for that matter hyperactivity (that has been asserted in dozens of studies over the years). Recently the issue resurfaced when a consumer advocacy group known as the Center for Science in the Public Interest called for the FDA to outright ban their use.

The organization went on to point out how the British government is finding success pressuring manufacturers to phase out use of such dyes. Late last year, Mars banished artificial colors from its well-known Starburst and Skittles candies sold in the UK. Northfield-based Kraft did the same in early 2007 with its British version of Lunchables.

“This is about listening to consumers,” said Kraft spokesman Michael Mitchell.

Thus far, U.S. consumers haven’t spoken up enough to cause big manufacturers to drop the dyes. Kraft’s decision for safer dyes was based on public demand.

So basically, what it comes down to is that American consumers aren’t demanding safe food products for their children, and that’s a shame. Companies like Kraft, Mars and others can get away with using artificial dyes here – which make foods look more ‘vibrant’ than natural colorings – because people don’t seem to have a problem with it. If the FDA isn’t going to protect your kids, and food companies aren’t either, it’s up to you, folks – demand that these companies change their ways for the sake of your children. As The Lohasian puts it,

…how is it that for thousands of years children managed to remain nourished and happy without blue cereal ? What is the battle here really all about other than protecting manufacturers and the chemical companies manufacturing the dyes. What benefit do our kids really get from purple drinks, other than creating a threshold of unhealthy perceptions on nutrition. Do dyes need to be linked to hyperactivity to be considered bad for our kids?

Get more info about food dyes from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Link [The Lohasian] + [CSPI]
Photo credit: Flickr user *Micky

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