The Food and Drug Administration is failing to protect children from the disturbing behavioral problems caused by artificial food dyes, even though evidence of those problems has continued to mount since 2011, when an FDA advisory panel last considered the issue. Commonly used food dyes, such as Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, and Red 40, pose risks including hyperactivity in children. Some also pose a risk of cancer (like Red 3) and allergic reactions. In 2008, because of the link with hyperactivity and related behavioral problems, the Center for Science in the Public Interest petitioned the FDA to ban the use of these dyes. The British government and the European Union have taken actions that are virtually ending the use of most food dyes throughout Europe.
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.
Kellogg's Nutri-Grain bars are made with natural colorings in Britain but contain food dyes in the United States.
Learn More Below:
Recent Victories
In January 2016, Mars agreed to remove all artifical colors from their candies.
CSPI Reports:
- Seeing Red: Time for Action on Food Dyes, January 2016
- Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks, June 2010
- Diet, ADHD & Behavior: A Quarter Center Review (updated 2009)
- Change.org Petition: Tell the FDA to Ban Harmful Synthetic Food Dyes
- Change.org Petition: M&M's Candies: Stop Using Artificial Dyes Linked To Hyperactivity»
- Change.org Petition: M&M's Candies: Stop Using Artificial Dyes Linked To Hyperactivity
- FDA Petition to require front of label disclosure of artificial colorings (Dec 2011)
- FDA petition to ban food dyes (June 2008)
- Change.org food dyes movement page
Petitions:
Press Releases and Resources
Click here to view.
From Parents
Click here to hear from parents about how food dyes affect their children.
How do food dyes affect real families? Click here to watch videos from moms of children who are adversely affected by artificial dyes in foods.
