Commonly used food dyes, such as Yellow 5, Red 40, and six others, are made from petroleum and pose a “rainbow of risks.” Those risks include hyperactivity in children, cancer (in animal studies), and allergic reactions. In 2008, because of the problem of hyperactivity, the Center for Science in the Public Interest petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban the use of these dyes (in fact Babyminding reported on this back in 2008!). The British government and European Union have taken actions that are virtually ending the use of dyes throughout Europe.
Food dyes also serve to deceive consumers: they are often used to simulate the presence of healthful, colorful fruits and vegetables. But considering the adverse impact of these chemicals on children, and considering how easily they can be replaced with safe, natural ingredients, it’s time to get rid of them altogether from the United States and Canada. The Center for Science in the Public Interest is trying to do just that…again! In their most recent petition to the FDA to ban these artificial food dyes, they cite their biggest concern as cancer, caused by these chemical-laden, artificial substances. Read more about their efforts on the CSPI website.
Food dyes represent only a part of a group of artificial substances that should all be banned from our food. All of these food additives should be on the list to ban including preservatives and any other artificial substance used to improve taste & appearance. Check out the infographic below regarding the potential harm these additives can cause to your health. It really makes you think twice before going through that drive thru or grabbing one of the many the processed food products that riddle the grocery store aisles today!
Via: Weight Loss
Love this post, Tela! Great info and incentive for limiting artificial foods!