Which Food Colorings Are Dangerous?

How to find out which food colorings and additives are lurking in your foods and whether they're dangerous

On March 31st a special FDA Food Advisory Committee voted that there is "not enough evidence to conclude that artificial dyes used to color foods contribute to hyperactivity in children. That means juices, candies, cereals, yogurts, and hundreds of other everyday foods will maintain their brighter-than-bright hues."This is sad news for a country that is already enduring epic numbers of children being affected by ADD/ADHD and other health issues which are exacerbated by food preservatives.Many tudies show that "when children who are already hyperactive eat food that is artificially colored, they become even more hyper."As reported on CBS.com by Nancy Cordes, "an analysis of 21 of the most conclusive studies found compelling evidence that, indeed, artificial dyes could contribute to hyperactivity, restlessness, and attention problems in some children – particularly those with ADHD. What's more, the studies suggested that removing dyes from those children's diet was a quarter to half as effective in reducing those symptoms as giving the kids Ritalin or other stimulants. In other words, certain kids with ADHD might not need drugs if the artificial dyes were removed from their diets."In the European Union, the Food Standards Agency has called for a voluntary ban of sunset yellow (E110), quinoline yellow (E104), carmoisine (E122), allura red (E129), tartrazine (E122) and ponceau 4R (E124) after the board "decided precautionary action was needed. (Guardian.co.uk)"This use of the precautionary principle is too often lacking in this country. What's the precautionary principle you might ask? Well, it's a pretty good way to live life, as many parents will tell you. Here's the definition from The Precautionary Principle Project: "Precaution – the “precautionary principle” or “precautionary approach” – is a response to uncertainty, in the face of risks to health or the environment. In general, it involves acting to avoid serious or irreversible potential harm, despite lack of scientific certainty as to the likelihood, magnitude, or causation of that harm."To protect yourself and your family, take it upon yourself to use this easy resource from IATP and the Center for Science In The Public Interest, the group that asked the FDA to convene the special food coloring panel in March.Known as the Food & Food Coloring Database, this simple online chart allows you to search by a brand, food or additive so you can start to see which food colorings or preservatives are lurking in your snacks, meals and beverages.Parents and doctors have been using the Feingold diet, created by Dr. Benjamin Feingold, since the 1970's that promotes eliminating food additives such as dyes and preservatives as a way to treat hyperactive children.Luckily, you can find delicious, safe treats for you and your family at NaturalCandyStore.com. This great resource offers candy, food colorings, and baking decorations that are created with vegetable and natural dyes. Be sure to check out their awesome Easter offerings!