I remember in the ‘70s when some consumer advocate groups wanted Red Dye No. 2 used in hot dogs and other foods to be banned because many feared it caused cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) eventually banned it.
Now, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CPSI) is hoping the FDA will ban the Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 dyes because research has shown these contain carcinogens and contaminants that could cause cancer, allergic reactions, and hyperactivity in children.
CSPI Executive Director Michael Jacobson said, “These synthetic chemicals do absolutely nothing to improve the nutritional quality or safety of foods, but trigger behavior problems in children and, possibly, cancer in anybody.”
The report states that testing done on lab animals shows that there are actually nine dyes that raised health concerns: Blue 1 & 2, Citrus Red 2, Green 3, Orange B, Red 3 & 40, and Yellow 5 & 6. The CSPI drew these conclusions based on studies done by the FDA and others in the industry.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) sticks up for the dyes, with a spokesman saying, “The safety of both artificial and natural colors has been affirmed through extensive review by the main global food safety bodies, including the US Food & Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority.”
Yet, the independent British governmental agency Food Standards Agency provided research several years back that also said there may be a link between hyperactivity in children and some food dyes. The European Union will begin adding a warning to food that contains some of these dyes on July 20.
Should we really be concerned about this? Well, considering that about 15 million pounds of these dyes turn up in our food (think candy, cereals, and fruit drinks), maybe so.
What has been the FDA’s response? A spokesperson said, “We appreciate the report from CSPI and look forward to reviewing it. We take our commitment to protecting children seriously.”