“FDA examines links between food dyes and hyperactivity in children” The Associated Press.

Ok, so here we go again. Are food dyes safe or are they not? Well, the natural and alternative health advocates have long known that these artificial (synthetic) food additives have had a negative effect on human health.

The need to use unnatural substances to give the appearance of something natural is a strange concept indeed.

In the USA, there are seven artificial colorings that are permitted. They are:

FD&C Blue No. 1 – Brilliant Blue FCF, E133 (blue shade)

FD&C Blue No. 2 – Indigotine, E132 (indigo shade)

FD&C Green No. 3 – Fast Green FCF, E143 (turquoise shade)

FD&C Red No. 40 – Allura Red AC, E129 (red shade)**

FD&C Red No. 3 – Erythrosine, E127 (pink shade, commonly used in glacé cherries)

FD&C Yellow No. 5 – Tartrazine, E102 (yellow shade)**

FD&C Yellow No. 6 – Sunset Yellow FCF, E110 (orange shade)**

In recent years, others such as FD&C Red No. 2, FD&C Red No. 4, and FD&C Red No. 32‎ to name a few are banned for use due to ill effective on health.

Currently, although some links have been made to increased hyperactivity and food additives, the FDA continues to drag their feet by still maintaining their stance that the results of such findings are inconclusive.

The FDA is Confused!

The FDA is a bit confusing however. Not that long ago it released a statement stated that;

“FDA officials recommend stronger warnings for ADHD drugs”

Kate Gelperin, a drug-safety expert at the Food and Drug Administration, told members of the agency’s Pediatric Advisory Committee in a daylong meeting;

“We recommend that these issues be addressed”

She said regulators were struck by a surprising number of cases of;

“hallucinations, both visual and tactile, involving insects, snakes and worms”

characterizing the tales as;

“particularly traumatic and undesirable”



ADHD & Cancer Linked to Food Dyes in Europe

Interestingly, five of the allowed colors in the USA were linked to ADHD, Cancer and other health conditions in Europe. The link was made in a study done by Southampton University, which found these dyes to cause elementary school aged children to become distracted, failing computer attention tests.

In the USA, the five commonly used synthetic dyes are:

**Tartrazine (also known as E number E102, C.I. 19140, or FD&C Yellow 5).

This dye is commonly found in confectionery, cotton candy, soft drinks (Mountain Dew), energy drinks, instant puddings, flavored corn chips (Doritos, Nachos, etc), cereals (corn flakes, muesli, etc.), cake mixes, pastries, custard powder, yellow popcorn, soups (particularly instant or “cube” soups), sauces, some rices (like paella, risotto, etc.), powdered drink mixes, sports drinks, ice cream, ice pops, candy, Peeps marshmallow treats, chewing gum, marzipan, jam, jelly, gelatins, marmalade, mustard, horseradish, yogurt, noodles such as Kraft Dinner, pickles and other pickled products, certain brands of fruit squash, fruit cordial, potato chips, Biscuits, and many convenience foods together with glycerin, lemon and honey products.

Known health effects: causes hyperactivity, chromosomal damage, and has been linked to allergic reactions and migraine headaches.



*Sunset Yellow (also known as Orange Yellow S, FD&C Yellow 6 or C.I. 15985)

Sunset Yellow is often found in orange sodas, orange jelly, marzipan, Swiss rolls, apricot jam, citrus marmalade, lemon curd, sweets, hot chocolate mix and packet soups, trifle mix, breadcrumbs, snack chips, shelf fresh noodles, cheese sauce mixes as well as chocolates such as Cadbury Creme Egg.

Known health effects: causes hyperactivity, cancer and is linked to stomach upsets and swelling of the skin.



**Allura red (also known as Food Red 17, C.I. 16035, FD&C Red 40, E129)

Can be found in soft drinks, candy, children’s medications, cereal, beverages, snacks, gelatin desserts, baked goods, ice cream.

Known health effects: causes hyperactivity, cancer and may bring on allergic reactions.

**FD&C Blue No. 2 – Indigotine, E132 (indigo shade)

Can be found in soft drinks, bakery products, cereals, candy, drink powders, mint-flavored jelly, frozen desserts, pet foods, kidney tests and for testing milk.

Known health effects: causes hyperactivity, asthma, heart issues and may bring on allergic reactions.



**FD&C Blue No. 1 – Brilliant Blue FCF, E133 (blue shade)

Can be found in soft drinks, gelatin desserts, ice cream, drink powders, candy, bakery products, cereals, feta cheese, dairy products and pudding. Also used in toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants, cosmetics and pet foods.

Known health effects: causes low blood pressure, asthma, hives, and may bring on allergic reactions.

Caution: Do not consume if sensitive to aspirin.

In 2003 the FDA sent out a safety warning concerning the use of Blue no. 1 in a medical procedure:

“There were several reports of toxicity, including death, temporally associated with the use of FD & C Blue No. 1 (Blue 1) in enteral feeding solutions. The dye was used to help detection and/or monitoring of pulmonary aspiration in patients being fed by an enteral feeding tube. Reported episodes were manifested by blue discolouration of the skin, urine, faeces or serum and were associated with serious complications such as refractory hypotension, metabolic acidosis and death. Seriously ill patients, particularly those with a likely increase in gut permeability, may be at greater risk.”

Why do we Need Food Dyes Anyway?

And what exactly is the need of these food dyes in our food? Absolutely none other than to add a specific desirable color!!

So, with estimated users of ADHD drugs in the multi-millions in both children and adults, shouldn’t the question be…what is causing this behavior rather than simply administering dangerous drugs?

Isn’t it logical that an artificial substance such as food coloring along with preservatives, processing, and ridiculously high amounts of sugar (not to mention high corn fructose in practically every product sold) could possibly have a negative effect on our health?

Thank-goodness research is now linking what some of you have known all along.

That unprocessed natural and organic whole foods free of preservatives, additives and chemicals are the only foods we should be eating in order to be healthy and to live a long energetic life!

And no research is required…only common sense!

By Dr. Michelle Kmiec | OnlineHolisticHealth