FD&C Colors

I almost bought a package of spinach wraps today at the store. But I noticed tiny lettering on the front which said artificial colors and flavors. I had just been talking to the young ladies in my small group about FD&C colors and how bad they are. I turned it over and was appalled to see that the product contained several FD&C colors which I try to avoid. A “healthy” looking product – with potential carcinogens…hmmmm

So I came home and re-read the coloring agent chapter in my textbook, “Staying Healthy with Nutrition” by Elton Haas, MD.

Here’s a synopsis:
Artificial colors are synthesized from petroleum or coal-tar production. Colors derived from petroleum or coal-tar are labeled as “FD&C” colors. In the late 1930’s, various dyes were “certified” for use in foods. In 1950, FD&C Orange #1 and #2; and Red #32 were withdrawn from the market due to illnesses in children. In the 70’s, many more were removed from the market for reasons such as allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and carcinogenicity. These dyes were allowed in foods for 30 years before they were removed.
However, despite efforts to have them banned, questionable FD&C colors are still used by the food industry. Here are a few examples:
Red#3: This coal-tar derivative possibly causes gene mutations, cancers, and changes in brain chemistry.
Red #40: Took the place of banned Red #2 (which was removed after being shown to cause cancer). #40 seems to show some of the same cancer causing potential; but is still allowed.
Blue #1: A coal-tar derivative used most often in candy, ice cream, cereal and pudding. Shown to cause tumors in animals, and is a possible allergen in many people.
Blue#2: Same uses as Blue #1. World Health Organization lists it as “Questionable for use in food”. Our FDA allows it – and people think the FDA is “stricter” than other countries.
Green #3: Used in candy, frozen desserts and cereals. Same tumor causing data as Blue#1.
Yellow# 5: Causes an immediate, severe allergic reaction in people sensitive to it. Therefore, it is the only dye that has to be specifically listed as FD&C Yellow #5. Especially dangerous for sensitive asthmatics, yet is used in cereal, pasta, pudding, soft drinks, sherbet, ice cream, and candy.

Here is the truly scary part: The FDA does not require that the label be specific as to which dye is in the product. The term, “artificial color” is sufficient. So you don’t know if you are getting Red #3, or Blue #2. The only one that has to be specified is Yellow #5.

Numerous studies have shown a correlation between food coloring agents and hyperactivity, learning disabilities and attention deficiencies in children. Think about all the cereal, snacks and just regular food items these kids are eating - and their parents have no idea they could be causing their child’s problems at school. Sad! Artificial colors have been implemented in liver damage issues, and of course there is the concern of carcinogenicity.

We allow candy, and a few sodas here and there…so we aren’t completely dye free in our home..but I think I need to be even more diligent. I would never have thought those spinach wraps would have petroleum/coal/tar dye in them…but they do! [Sigh] so frustrating…wish the corporations would just do the right thing and take out the bad stuff that serves no nutritional purpose! Wish more people would stop buying items with these dangerous chemicals – then maybe we’d get more choices without these chemicals. It does work…the grass roots approach – we now see many more whole grain pastas, and labels that say , “NO MSG”, and NO HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP”. More on those toxins later :-)