This information is courtesy of Healthy Child, Healthy World. I’d like to write more but wanted to get it posted before your children eat all of their Halloween candy!
When you bring home your candy stash tonight, be sure to find and toss these candies:
•Avoid dyes used in treats that play tricks on kids. The dyes Yellow #40, Red # 40, and Blue #2 have been linked to health risks.
“In fact, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has petitioned the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to ban these dyes altogether, calling these dyes the “secret shame” of the food industry. Dr. Jim Stevenson, a professor at the University of Southampton and the lead researcher of a British study on artificial food dyes, has concluded that these dyes may not only cause hyperactivity and attention disorders but may deleteriously affect children’s IQ levels as much as gasoline! To be cautious, take a look at the fine print on the candy wrappers. If items such as Yellow #40, Red # 40 or Blue #2 are listed, avoid giving them to children. You will be side-stepping potential danger associated with these artificial dyes.”
•Avoid candies that may be contaminated with melamine.
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to consume White Rabbit Creamy Candy or Koala’s March Crème filled Cookies because they may contain melamine. And, the Canadian government is warning the public not to consume Sherwood Brands Pirate’s Gold Milk Chocolate Coins, which may also have reached the U.S.”
The good news is that there are many candies and other treats that are naturally colored and flavored. Some are so attractive, it can be hard to tell them apart from the synthetic versions. The non-profit Feingold Association researches foods of all types and shows families how to find the food they want, but minus the fake dyes and artificial flavorings. See http://www.feingold.org.
Few people realize that many of these additives are made from petroleum; in fact, most of the dyes used in food in the US originate at petroleum refineries in China!