Food Dyes - Are they Harmful?

 
 

What’s the deal with food dyes?

We grew up eating them, and we’re fine; why do people care so much about red-40 and yellow-6 these days? Let me tell you!

Food dyes are chemical substances that were developed to enhance the appearance of food by giving it artificial color. Do you know where artificial food colors come from? They used to come from coal tar back in 1856 and are now synthesized from petroleum… yum.

The Research

In 1978, a study was done that showed certain food dyes transformed normal cells into malignant cells. This means the cells began to acquire cancer properties after being injected with certain dyes. The scientists concluded that certain food dyes are in fact carcinogens. This was in 1978 guys!!!

A more recent study has also proven that food dyes cause cancer: “Three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) have been found to be contaminated with benzidine or other carcinogens.” The study I’m quoting from is linked below on PubMed and guess what? It was published in 2012. Yet it is still in our food. Typically, in food that’s marketed towards children.

Not only can they cause cancer, they can also cause hyperactivity in children and contribute to ADHD. They can also be a source of allergic reactions. The FDA met about artificial food colors in 2011 but chose to leave these toxic chemicals in our food, food targeted to OUR CHILDREN. They agreed that food dyes are a public health problem but chose not to pull them off the shelf. Did you know that the use of artificial food dyes has gone up nearly 500% in the last 50 years? Even with the government agencies aware of the data I’ve presented.

In other countries, many of these food dyes are not allowed in food. They use plant based colorings. I understand the appeal of pretty, vibrant food but at what cost?

Where Should We Look for Food Dyes?

Candy, cereal, soda, sauces, baked goods, ice cream, popsicles, condiments, chips, and even pickles! This is why it’s so important to check the ingredients in the food you buy, AND why it’s so important to look for organic options when buying something processed. Remember, organic cannot have artificial food colors!

Some people argue that they don’t cause cancer but those 2 studies alone are evidence enough for my family and I to avoid them. When we know better, we should do better! But it’s also hard to make the best choices for our family when inflation is rising so drastically. Remember, it’s important to do the best that you can. It’s okay to not be able to do it all!

 

Written by: Katherine Roberts, Herbalist, Robert’s Remedies

Total Family Wellness .