The buzz over natural vs. synthetic food dyes has been getting
steadily louder over the last few years. The Center for Science in the
Public Interest is calling for a ban
on three specific food dyes: Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6, stating
that they pose a risk of behavioral disorder in children and cancer in almost any body. What is even more interesting is that artificial dyes seem to
be more prevalent currently in the United States:
So, what do companies use as natural food dyes? Lycopene, derived from tomatoes, provides red. Paprika, carrot oil and turmeric are also used as natural dyes. According to the Chigaco Tribune, a company may only label its products as having "natural dyes" if the dye comes from a native ingredient to the product. If a strawberry drink contains lycopene, the manufacturer can't claim it as a natural coloring on the food label. Why? Because tomatoes (the source of the coloring) is not a standard ingredient in the finished drink.
So, with all the hoopla about artificial dyes, why do Americans have so much of it in our food? There are two main reasons, according to Bob Boutin, a food and drug consultant. Synthetic dyes are much cheaper to use, and Americans are used to bright colored foods. In other words, us Americans are basing our judgment of quality with our eyes, not by the taste.
Still, with more attention being paid to the link between artificial dyes and hyperactivity in school kids, more American companies are at least looking into natural coloring for their food products.
That sounds like the promise of a possible brighter future--without the artificial coloring.
Please see our site for more information about how your food can help you stay safe, healthy and on the road towards fewer medical concerns.
For example, CSPI says McDonald's Strawberry Sundaes [in Britain] get their color from fresh strawberries. The group says in the United States the color comes from Red dye 40. CSPI says in the UK, Fanta orange soda coloring comes from pumpkins and carrot extract. Here in the USA, it says the color comes from a combination of Red 40 and Yellow 6 dye.Now you as the consumer must stop and realize, this is the same company, the same product on the shelves for resale but in two different parts of the world. Why do they need, or even want to have two different formulas for the same finished product?
So, what do companies use as natural food dyes? Lycopene, derived from tomatoes, provides red. Paprika, carrot oil and turmeric are also used as natural dyes. According to the Chigaco Tribune, a company may only label its products as having "natural dyes" if the dye comes from a native ingredient to the product. If a strawberry drink contains lycopene, the manufacturer can't claim it as a natural coloring on the food label. Why? Because tomatoes (the source of the coloring) is not a standard ingredient in the finished drink.
So, with all the hoopla about artificial dyes, why do Americans have so much of it in our food? There are two main reasons, according to Bob Boutin, a food and drug consultant. Synthetic dyes are much cheaper to use, and Americans are used to bright colored foods. In other words, us Americans are basing our judgment of quality with our eyes, not by the taste.
Still, with more attention being paid to the link between artificial dyes and hyperactivity in school kids, more American companies are at least looking into natural coloring for their food products.
That sounds like the promise of a possible brighter future--without the artificial coloring.
Please see our site for more information about how your food can help you stay safe, healthy and on the road towards fewer medical concerns.
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