FDA phasing out 8 dyes: What are the side effects of red dye 40, yellow dye 5?
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a news conference on April 22 that 'Food dye is just a no-brainer. Nobody wants to eat petroleum. Everybody knows there's enough science out there that we know it's terrible for you. It causes health problems but also behavioural problems.'
Claims have been made that food dyes like Red Dye 40 and Yellow Dye 5 can cause serious side effects like cancer, allergies, and also hyperactivity in children.
Studies on food dyes, especially ones like Red Dye 40 (Allura Red), Yellow Dye 5 (Tartrazine), Blue Dye 1 (Brilliant Blue), and Blue Dye 2 (Indigo Carmine) suggest these potential side effects:
- Hyperactivity and Behavioural Problems - There's a link between Red 40 and Yellow 5 and increased hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and restlessness in children, especially those who are sensitive to the dyes.
- Potential Cancer Risks - Extensive studies on animals have linked Red 40 and other dyes like Red 3 to cancer or tumours.
- Allergic Reactions - Few individuals may experience allergic reactions to these dyes, including itching, hives, and even asthma.
- DNA Damage - Red 40 has been shown to cause DNA damage both in vitro and in vivo, potentially contributing to an increased risk of cancer.
The side effects may not be visible to a lot of people. Therefore, these points are to be considered if you're still choosing to consume food products with the aforementioned potentially harmful dyes:
- Individual Sensitivity - Not all children are affected in the same way as some may be more sensitive to the effects of these dyes than others.
- Multiple Dyes - Food often contains mixtures of different dyes, making it difficult to isolate the specific effects of individual dyes.
- Regulatory Issues - The FDA approves a lot of these dyes for use, but there are ongoing concerns about their safety and potential health effects.
- Alternatives - Natural food colouring is always available and can be used as a better alternative to synthetic dyes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
US: RFK Jr. risking 'nation's health' with misinformation
AP file photo Over 750 US Department of Health and Human Services staff on Wednesday called on Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to ensure health workers' safety. A signed open letter said health staff were being put at risk by misleading claims about vaccines and infectious diseases and came in the wake of this month's deadly shooting at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) buildings in Atlanta. What was said in the letter? The open letter said Kennedy "is complicit in dismantling America's public health infrastructure and endangering the nation's health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information," and implored the health chief to change his stance. "The deliberate destruction of trust in America's public health workforce puts lives at risk. We urge you to act in the best interest of the American people — your friends, your families, and yourselves," the letter said. Wednesday's letter was signed by former CDC leaders such as Anne Schuchat, a former principal deputy director, although many who signed did so anonymously for fear of retaliation. CDC gun attack 'not random' On August 8, a man fired nearly 200 rounds at six CDC buildings, killing a police officer in the process before taking his own life. Investigators said that notes found at the gunman's residence suggested discontent with the COVID-19 vaccine, blaming it for making him sick. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Passive Income Ideas Sitting at Home Mone Click Here Undo Those who signed the open letter said that the attack "was not random," and pointed to "growing mistrust in public institutions, driven by politicized rhetoric that has turned public health professionals from trusted experts into targets of villainization — and now, violence." Kennedy has been a long-time vaccine skeptic and notably removed all 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel last June. He announced earlier this month that research funding for mRNA vaccines would be slashed. Kennedy argued that the vaccines had failed to protect effectively against infections like COVID and flu.
India Today
18 hours ago
- India Today
Health workers accuse RFK Jr of fuelling threats against CDC staff
More than 750 current and former federal health employees on Wednesday accused Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr of contributing to harassment and violence directed at public health a letter addressed to Kennedy and Congress, the group cited several of his actions like removing experts from a CDC vaccine advisory committee, questioning the safety of the measles vaccine, and firing senior CDC staff as undermining trust in federal medical argued Kennedy's rhetoric played a role in the August 8 shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, where a man opened fire on four CDC buildings, killing a police officer. Authorities said the gunman blamed a COVID-19 vaccine for his depression and suicidal thoughts. In an interview following the incident, Kennedy refused to confirm the shooter's motive, stating that political violence was 'wrong.' Neither he nor former President Donald Trump has publicly addressed the motive, even as law enforcement confirmed the CDC was targeted over vaccine health workers urged Kennedy to 'cease and publicly disavow the ongoing dissemination of false and misleading claims about vaccines, infectious disease transmission, and America's public health institutions.'OFFICIALS DEMAND DISAVOWAL OF MISINFORMATION, LINK KENNEDY TO CDC ATTACKThe letter further accused Kennedy of being 'complicit in dismantling America's public health infrastructure and endangering the nation's health by repeatedly spreading inaccurate health information.'Signatories called on the Health and Human Services Department to reaffirm that the CDC's work is 'rooted in scientific, non-partisan evidence focused on improving the health of every American.' They also requested that HHS guarantee its employees can operate 'in an environment free from imminent threats of harm.'Additionally, the group urged Kennedy to act against online content that targets federal workers, including so-called 'DEI watchlists.' They have asked the health secretary to formally respond by September letter's release comes a day after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended COVID-19 vaccination for children aged six to 23 months— guidance that contradicts current federal policy under the Trump response to the AAP's recommendation, Kennedy criticised the organisation on social media, accusing it of failing to adequately disclose conflicts of interest.- EndsWith inputs from agencies
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Over 5,000 pounds of cheese recalled amid Listeria contamination concerns—here's what you should know
Federal inspectors have raised worries about contamination with a pathogen that might be dangerous, leading to a huge cheese recall . Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op is taking thousands of pounds of its best-selling items off the market in Ohio. People are being told to check their refrigerators right away. The FDA has announced a huge recall of more than 5,000 pounds of cheese made by Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op because testing showed that it could have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Ohio-based business is withdrawing its items off shop shelves on its own and telling customers to take safeguards right away, as per a report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo What cheese products are affected? The recall includes a number of popular types of cheese, such as pepper jack, cheddar, Monterey Jack, farmers, and horseradish-flavored cheeses. The business says that the bad items were created on June 16, June 24, and July 16, 2025, and that they were sent to shops in Ohio between July 14 and August 7. Live Events Customers should carefully verify the lot codes on their cheese. The recall includes the following products, as per a report: Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Pepper Jack Cheese is 100% grass-fed. It comes in 8 oz. containers, 5 lb. loaves, and 40 lb. loaves (Lot Code 251661). Copia Collective Pepper Jack Cheese (8 oz. containers, Lot Code 251661) is made from 100% grass-fed cows. Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Horseradish Cheese (8 oz. packets, Lot Code 2524061) Monterey Jack Cheese comes in 8 oz. and 5 lb. blocks with Lot Code 251672 and 40 lb. blocks with a date of 7-16-25B. Farmers Cheese: 8 oz. packages and 5 lb. blocks with Lot Code 251672 and 40 lb. blocks with dates coded as 7-16-25B ALSO READ : The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 7: Fans react to heartbreaking moments and dramatic confrontations What makes Listeria contamination so risky? Listeria is a kind of bacterium that may be found in food and is known to pose major health hazards, especially to people who are already weak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that over 1,600 individuals in the United States get sick from Listeria every year, and about 260 of those people die, as per a report. Adults who are healthy may just have flu-like symptoms, including fever, nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. But for pregnant women, babies, pensioners, and those with weak immune systems, infections might cause consequences that could kill them. It can also lead to miscarriage or stillbirth during pregnancy, as per a report. What should people do next? Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op has said that thus far, no illnesses have been related to the recall. But officials are telling consumers not to take any chances. If you bought the cheese that was recalled, you should throw it away right away or take it back to the store where you bought it for a full refund. ALSO REA D: Apple to debut new FineWoven with iPhone 17—can this version finally win fans? To minimize cross-contamination, the FDA also says that refrigerators, cutting boards, and utensils that may have come into contact with the cheese should be cleaned well. FAQs Has anyone gotten sick from the cheese that was recalled? No, thus far, there have been no illnesses associated with this recall. What should I do if I bought one of the items that was recalled? You should throw away the cheese or take it back for a full refund.
