The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is calling on the federal government to ban food dyes in light of recent studies showing that coloring may trigger hyperactivity in kids suffering from attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If the government is unwilling to ban the dyes, CSPI is looking to have a warning added to products that contain artificial colors.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has long held that foods and beverages with the dyes are safe, the agency has agreed to review findings from recent studies that suggest a connection between consumption of food coloring and ADHD. The FDA has confirmed that studies show some kids with ADHD being negatively affected by consuming products with dyes. Up to five percent of American kids have ADHD.
"The evidence that these petrochemicals worsen some children's behavior is convincing, and I hope that the FDA's advisory committee will advise the agency to both require warning notices and encourage companies voluntarily to switch to safer natural colorings " said Michael Jacobson, executive director of CSPI, said in a statement.
"In Europe, a law requires most dyed foods (there are few) to bear a warning notice, which is a powerful incentive for food manufacturers not to use artificial dyes. Last I heard, Europe is surviving quite well. It is to the great shame of many U.S.-based food companies that they are marketing safer, naturally colored products in Europe but not in the United States," Mr. Jacobson added.
The Grocery Manufacturers Association released a statement: "All of the major safety bodies globally have reviewed the available science and have determined that there is no demonstrable link between artificial food colors and hyperactivity among children."
Separately but connected, Whole Foods saw an opportunity over the food dye dispute to remind consumers that it has not sold products containing artificial coloring since the 1980s.
"Our quality standards prohibit artificial colors because of our deep commitment to selling the highest quality natural and organic foods," Joe Dickson, global quality standards coordinator for Whole Foods Market, said in a statement. "Our shoppers rely on us to set high standards so they can shop with peace of mind, and artificial colors are not consistent with our vision for natural and organic food."
- Strong FDA Action on Food Dyes Urged - Center for Science in the Public Interest
- Grocery Manufacturers Association Comments on Safety of Artificial Colors - Grocery Manufacturers Association
- Consumer group urges ban or warning on food dyes - Reuters
- Whole Foods Market Doesn't Do Artificial Coloring - Whole Foods Market