Take a walk through any typical American grocery store and you will see thousands of products packed
with synthetic food dyes.
In their publication, Food Dyes: A Rainbow of Risks, Dr. Sarah Kobylewski and Dr. Michael F. Jacobson of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), provide fascinating research on numerous problems associated with the consumption
of synthetic food dyes.
Warning labels
for synthetic food dyes are required in much of Europe, and concerns about the dyes have even caused some governments to ban their use (to see other food additives that have banned by other countries yet are still allowed for use in the US, click here).
After a week of talking quite a bit
about synthetic food dyes (namely, the FDA's decision not to require food dye warning labels, even though dyes exacerbate hyperactivity in some kids), I was happy to stumble on this story.
For instance, if the FDA considers these products safe, then why has the British government banned the use of
most synthetic food dyes?
Experts warn against the most common food additives such as artificial coloring, artificial sweeteners, and high fructose corn syrup, among others as the long - term use of these has not yet been confirmed to be safe.A 2012 study reports that
certain synthetic food dyes may increase the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children.
Every recipe in this cookbook is all - natural (no artificial sweeteners,
no synthetic food dyes, no artificial food flavorings, no hydrogenated oils and no preservatives whatsoever... and that's including the Red Velvet Cake, pg.
But there ARE studies that give cause for concern, suggesting that
synthetic food dyes may contribute to conditions like ADHD and even cancer.
Synthetic food colors have been suspected of triggering behavioral problems in children since the 1970s, when pediatric allergist Ben Feingold began treating allergies by putting children on elimination diets, free of
both synthetic food dyes and preservatives.
«The (
synthetic food dyes) used in the U.S. are absolutely safe,» said Joseph Borzelleca, a professor emeritus of pharmacology and toxicology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine.
Synthetic food dyes can negatively impact behavior and interfere with learning.
Researchers noted that the pigment, which was stable in a range of pH and temperature conditions, might satisfy public demand for safe, natural alternatives to
synthetic food dyes.