Consumers should always be on alert about what they are consuming. Understanding the health risks of consuming food dyes will require you to check those labels closely. Knowledge of the effects will help reduce the risk of exposure, as there have been increasing concerns about their safety over the years. 

The most consumed food coloring is Red 40 and Yellow 5. Red 40 is derived from petroleum, and Yellow 5 is derived from coal tar. These dyes and others are added to candies, beverages, and desserts. The food industry uses them primarily for attraction as they have no flavor. They are used as a marketing tool to attract their youngest victims, our youth. The article "Artificial Food Dyes" states, "Between 1960 and 2015, use of artificial food dyes increased by 500%" (Alic 3). Additionally, the article states, "Artificial food dyes are used to improve the visual appeal of food, making it more appetizing” (Alic 3).

There are documented health claims of both behavioral and allergic reactions from these food dyes. Allergic reactions such as itching and hives have been explicitly reported from Yellow 5 consumption. The article "Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence" states, "Current evidence from studies in humans, largely from controlled exposure studies in children, supports a relationship between food dye exposure and adverse behavioral outcomes in children, both with and without pre-existing behavioral conditions” (Miller 3). There have been behavioral claims that these dyes cause hyperactivity and even aggression in young children.

I can relate to fellow consumers; reading the ingredient labels is overwhelming. They can be overbearing with tons of unfamiliar vocabulary to the general population. Not to mention the print, could it get any smaller? The variations in vocabulary from product to product can be so different, leading to more frustration and confusion. Products can list other variations of the name, such as Yellow 5, which can also be listed as Tartrazine, challenging consumers to be aware of the variation of complex names. 

Large companies have made great strides in addressing these concerns by finding natural ways to switch out these harmful food dyes. Companies like Nestle USA have removed food dyes on all their chocolate products and updated their labeling to educate consumers (Alic 3). In 2016, Kraft Foods changed its Original Kraft Macaroni & Cheese recipe to include annatto, paprika, and turmeric to replace the food dyes they once used (Alic 3). These two companies are setting the path for safer and healthier alternatives. It will take time and, unfortunately, at the expense of our youth. While the FDA claims the food dyes are safe. The FDA website states, "The totality of scientific evidence indicates that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives, but some evidence suggests that certain children may be sensitive to them." This should not be very encouraging to anyone who hopes our government will step in at some point.

Increasing awareness on this topic is vital in educating people about the dangers of synthetic food dyes. We must ask our local businesses to list food dyes on their menus. We need to bring awareness to our medical professionals so they can give better medical advice to parents instead of suggesting medications as the only solution. Bring dieticians into classrooms to educate students and staff members so they can be aware of its dangers and effects on students' education and overall health. The FDA website provides a great resource on what has been done in the past on the topic of synthetic petroleum food dyes and whether they are safe.

 

https://youtu.be/nQzOHAwCfXs?si=nK1cCtExJsSm2Vyj

Citations:

Alic, Margaret. “Artificial Food Dyes.” The Gale Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Food Labels, edited by Gale, 1st ed., Gale, 2017. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NjY0MTAw?aid=104444.

 

Miller, Mark D., et al. "Potential impacts of synthetic food dyes on activity and attention in children: a review of the human and animal evidence." Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source, vol. 21, no. 1, 29 Apr. 2022, p. NA. Gale In Context: Environmental Studies, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A701981088/GPS?u=lec_infores&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=7487c3f0. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024.

Color Additives Questions and Answers for Consumers | FDA

Color Additives History | FDA